What is the Best Age for My Child to See an Orthodontist?

Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days?

Why so young? 

Don’t they still have baby teeth? 

When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the best age for children to be seen by an orthodontist for the first time is 7. Why age 7?  Not every orthodontic problem can be treated at age 7, however, most problems can be identified by that age. 

Baby or "primary" teeth are usually lost in a fairly specific order. The 1st eight primary teeth are usually lost between the ages of 6 and 8.  These eight primary teeth are ideally replaced immediately by the permanent incisors.  The 1st four permanent molars emerge around the age of 6. If they come out in a different order there may be developmental issues that need to be addressed.

Around the age of 7 it is possible to determine if a child has excessive crowding or spacing problems.   Excessive spacing may mean that a baby tooth has been lost too early or a tooth never developed.  Excessive crowding means that there isn't enough room for all of the teeth and may require early intervention for the arches to be expanded.

At any age, teeth can be aligned.  However, crooked teeth are more prone to uneven wear or damage.  Also the gum tissues can be compromised.  Earlier intervention can prevent wear and gum issues and also a child's self esteem can  be positively impacted.

Prose Orthodontics recommends an exam at age 7 so these and other conditions can be identified and corrected as early as possible.  If treatment is not warranted at this age your child's growth and development will be monitored at 6 month intervals to determine to best time for orthodontic treatment. 

As always, our new patient exams are complimentary as well as the 6 month monitoring visits.  

No matter the age, you and your family will receive the highest quality care at 

Prose Orthodontics.

Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days? Why so young? Don’t they still have baby teeth? When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? - See more at: http://www.gregjorgensen.com/blog/2012/08/what-is-the-best-age-for-my-child-to-see-an-orthodontist/#sthash.J3Z78Dbr.dpuf

Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days? Why so young? Don’t they still have baby teeth? When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? - See more at: http://www.gregjorgensen.com/blog/2012/08/what-is-the-best-age-for-my-child-to-see-an-orthodontist/#sthash.J3Z78Dbr.dpuf

2016 Resolutions - Brace yourself!

2016 New Years Resolutions: Brace yourself!

It’s hard to believe that 2016 is here. The beginning of the year gives Dr. Prose and his team time to reflect over 2015 and look forward to what 2016 has to bring. We’ve had a fantastic year and have enjoyed seeing many new and familiar faces in our office.

Many of us kick off the New Year with resolutions to improve and enrich our lives. That’s why we’d like to offer a few possible dental-related New Years resolutions that those of you wearing braces might want to make.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Family Dentist

Just because you’re a patient at Prose Orthodontics doesn’t mean that you should neglect to see your family dentist. In fact, when you have braces on your teeth, it’s more important than ever to see your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings. This is because food debris and plaque can become trapped in and around wires and brackets can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and other problems.

Make a Commitment to Floss Daily

Many people fail to floss their teeth each day, including people wearing braces, because they feel it’s a hassle to floss or that it’s just not necessary.  Flossing your teeth is a very important thing you should do every day, especially if you’re wearing braces. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and in and around your appliances to help you avoid tooth decay. We recommend using a special floss threader that makes flossing your teeth easier.


Be Compliant with Your Elastics

The elastics that we have asked you to wear are used to help move your teeth into new positions. Poor compliance in wearing these elastics, like skipping days or not wearing them full-time as prescribed, may result in a longer treatment time and poorer than expected final results. Make a resolution to wear your elastics as directed so your treatment goes along as planned.

Cut Back on Sugar

Many studies have found that there is a direct link with how much sugar one eats and the amount of tooth decay he/she has. This is why it’s a good idea to make a New Years resolution to cut back on how much sugar you consume. For instance, if you drink sugary soda water, give it up for a healthier option like sugar-free bubbling water. And instead of reaching for candy when you have a sweet tooth, go for something healthier like yogurt or soft fruit.

These are just a few suggestions for New Years resolutions that patients wearing braces might wish to make. If you are thinking about seeing an orthodontist for a consultation,  Prose Orthodontics is ready to make your 2016 the year you take the big step! Our practice offers orthodontic care to patients of all ages using the most advanced orthodontic treatment options from metal braces for youngsters to Invisalign for teens and adults. Please contact us today to schedule your appointment!

2016 is almost here!

Need a New Year's Resolution?  

How about a healthier, more beautiful smile?

2016 is almost here, and it’s a great time of year to get started on achieving a straight, dazzling and confident smile that will last you a lifetime. At Prose Orthodontics, we are proud to offer some of today’s most innovative orthodontic technologies that can straighten your smile in less time than you ever imagined. Not only do today’s braces and other orthodontic treatments straighten your teeth quicker, they also offer greater comfort for you, and require fewer visits to our office.

Check out these testimonials... 
   

 

So if obtaining a healthy, beautiful smile is one of your New Year’s resolutions, we invite you to give us a call to schedule an initial orthodontic consultation. 

Happy holidays from all of us at Prose Orthodontics!

http://proseorthodontics.com/ 

 

History of Orthodontics

Can Prose Orthodontics add your smile to the timeline? 

National Orthodontic Health Month

 

Prose Orthodontics wants to remind our patients with braces to put some thought into the treats you will be eating this Halloween.  We want our patients with braces to enjoy the holiday and not feel that they are missing out.  They can choose among the many treats that are brace friendly, avoiding ones that are hard, sticky, gummy, or chewy.

Please remember that sweets can cause cavities, which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season.  Please take extra time to brush and floss after indulging in your sweet treats.

The beautiful smile that is in your future will be much sweeter than the momentary pleasure from candy that can damage your braces or teeth.

National Orthodontic Health Month is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone of the positive impact orthodontic care can have.  Regardless of your age, orthodontics can improve how you look and also have a positive impact on your health.

Prose Orthodontics has many treatment options available including metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen.  Your complimentary consultation will give you an opportunity to see our office, meet our team, and find out about your treatment options and our affordable treatment plans.

 

Amazing aging through orthodontics.

It's never too late for orthodontic treatment at 

Prose Orthodontics. 

 

Adult patients report significant improvements in their face structure after completing orthodontic treatment, along with the boost in confidence in their professional and personal lives that comes with a perfected and healthy smile. 

Orthodontists are documenting the progress of patients to show how the face can be altered through orthodontic treatment.  Watch the videos below to see the amazing images results!

 

Are you ready for Invisalign?

 

Give yourself the confidence of a great smile with Invisalign.

 

Invisalign treatment takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you.  These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you simply wear over your teeth.  Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr. Prose plans out for you.  

There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten.  You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every 2 weeks, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you've always wanted.  

Invisalign treatment won't interfere with your daily life and most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.

You've waited long enough.  It's your turn to smile!