Orthodontics FAQs
Early Treatment
As your premier choice for an orthodontist and children’s dentist in Newport Beach, one of the things that we at Hersch Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics place an emphasis on is patient education. We want all of our patients (and the parents of our patients) to be well-informed about orthodontics and the entire process so that they can make the best decisions regarding their (or their child’s!) orthodontic health. Because of that, we’d like to share with you some of the most frequently asked questions about orthodontics that we receive along with our answers to them.
When’s the Best Time for My Child to Visit the Orthodontist?
While orthodontic treatment can begin later, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit the orthodontist for an initial orthodontic evaluation at the age of seven. Orthodontic treatment may not be needed at this time, but an early examination is important for spotting orthodontic problems as early as possible.
Why Is Seven the Optimal Age for a Screening?
The age of seven is when the first adult molars erupt. This will establish the backbite. When the back bite is established, your Newport Beach orthodontist will be able to evaluate both the side-to-side and front-to-back relationships of the teeth. Orthodontic problems, such as overbites, open bites, and crowding, will be evident at this time.
What Are the Benefits of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
An early orthodontic evaluation can detect problems sooner and allow for a larger window of opportunity for effective treatment. Early intervention can guide growth and development of a child, which will prevent serious orthodontic problems later on in life. If early orthodontic intervention isn’t needed, your Newport Beach orthodontist can simply monitor the growth and development and begin treatment at the most opportune time.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
- Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Are you a candidate for braces?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping/fracture. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Overall, orthodontic treatment does more than create pretty smiles, it creates a healthier you.
Is it ok to eat with my orthodontic rubber bands in?
Yes, it is safe to eat with your rubber bands especially when eating small bites. You may need to or want to remove the rubber bands when eating large foods as they may snap. In most cases, you should be ok to eat with rubber bands on.
Am I Too Old for Braces?
No! As long as your gums and bone structure are healthy, orthodontic treatment can be performed no matter how old you are! In fact, a large percentage of our patients are adults. With modern orthodontic treatments and technologies, the process is simpler and more discreet than ever. We even offer our Newport Beach Invisalign treatment – an orthodontic option that allows for a nearly invisible treatment!
Adult Treatment
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore.
Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups including adults. A new smile can begin today.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.
Good News! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn at night to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.
During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs.
A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset, their smile.
Contact Your Newport Beach Children’s Dentist and Orthodontist!
If you have any further questions for us, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be glad to help. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with your providers of Newport Beach Invisalign and pediatric dentistry, feel free to give us a call at (949) 644-0611. We can’t wait to hear from you!