What to Expect on Your First Visit

The American Association of Orthodontics suggests that a child see an orthodontist for the first time by age 7. Your first visit with our office is a “get to know you” visit. We will review health and dental history. We will confirm any allergies to medications and confirm if any medications are required prior to dental visits. We will review any pending treatment with the general dentist as this may dictate when our treatment can begin. Dr Serrano and Dr Kyger will evaluate each patient to determine need and timing for orthodontic treatment. At that time, the doctor will answer any questions or concerns the patient may have. We may order diagnostic records based on each patient’s needs. We strive to ensure all our patients feel welcomed the moment they walk through our doors.

Treatment Coordinator Corner

This month we want to emphasize the importance of wearing retainers after completion of your orthodontic treatment. We have had several patients recently express to us that we did not instill in them the importance of retainer wear after braces are removed.

How long do I have to wear retainers?

Wearing retainers as prescribed is the best way to keep your teeth from moving after your orthodontic treatment. There are many reasons teeth may move following orthodontic treatment. Teeth are not set in concrete, they are in bone. The bone around the teeth is continually changing (breaking down and rebuilding), your teeth may shift after your braces are removed. Wearing your retainers means your teeth are more likely to remain where the orthodontist has placed them.

Why do some teeth shift?

The small changes that occur after your braces are removed are due to “settling in” as you use your teeth for biting and chewing. The more serious and undesirable changes may be traced to genetics or later-than-normal growth, which is unpredictable. Movement is most common in lower front teeth. This is particularly true if the teeth were extremely crowded prior to treatment. Changes in tooth position are a lifelong and naturally occurring phenomenon. The best way to keep teeth from shifting is to wear your retainers as prescribed.

Treatment Coordinator Corner

If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child you may have some orthodontic questions. Our TC Corner is here to help you with answers to your most commonly asked questions. Each month we will feature new questions our patients and parents have asked.

What is the recommended age when my child should be seen by an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. The posterior occlusion is established when the first molars erupt.  At that time, one can evaluate the anterior-posterior and transverse relationships of the occlusion, as well as discover any functional shifts. For some, a timely screening will lead to significant treatment benefits; for most, the principal immediate benefit is a parent’s peace of mind.

What are the benefits to early treatment?

The benefits of early treatment:

• Influence jaw growth in a postive manner
• Harmonize width of the dental arches
• Improve eruption patterns
• Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Improve aesthetics and self-esteem
• Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
• Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
• Improve some speech problems
• Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth