Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats malpositioned teeth and misaligned jaws. 

If your child has alignment issues, they’re also more likely to experience serious oral health problems, including cavities and gum disease. Additionally, orthodontic issues can negatively affect your child’s confidence and self-esteem, causing them to feel self-conscious whenever they laugh, speak, or smile.

Orthodontics provides a safe and effective way to restore balance to your child’s smile. By participating in orthodontic treatment at a young age, your child can achieve optimum oral health for years to come.

What issues can orthodontics treat?

At Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry, the team uses orthodontics to treat a variety of common issues, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowding
• Crossbite
• Underbite
• Overbite
• Jaw misalignments
• Facial irregularities

Orthodontics can also close gaps or spaces between your child’s teeth.

Can my child benefit from orthodontics?

Only a qualified dentist, like those at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry, can determine if your child will benefit from orthodontics. Following a comprehensive oral exam, a review of your child’s oral health history, and a discussion of your child’s goals for treatment, their provider can make recommendations that align with their needs.

Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry doesn’t currently offer orthodontics treatment on-site, but they will provide this service in the near future. If your child qualifies and requires treatment before their service is operational the team refers you to their general dentistry practice nearby.

What are the types of orthodontic treatment?

At Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry the team will be offering several types of orthodontic treatment, including:

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces use brackets, wires, and rubber bands to gradually straighten your child’s teeth. Every few weeks, your child returns to Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry and their provider carefully adjusts them. It’s normal for your child to experience some minor discomfort after each braces appointment, but this should subside within a day or two.

Invisalign® aligners 

Invisalign aligners are custom-crafted trays made of thermoplastic. They fit snugly over your child’s teeth, placing slight pressure on them. Invisalign aligners are removable, so your child can still eat their favorite foods throughout treatment. However, to achieve the best possible results, your child must wear their aligners 20-22 hours each day.

How long does treatment with orthodontics take?

Orthodontic treatment times vary depending on your child’s unique needs. Most teenagers see a significant improvement in their smile within 12-18 months, but some cases take longer. 

Following braces or Invisalign treatment, your child transitions to a retainer. A retainer is a custom oral appliance that prevents their teeth from moving out of place.

To learn more about orthodontics, schedule an appointment for your child at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry. Book a consultation online, or call the office today.