For All Ages

Orthodontics for Children

Chronological age is not a factor when deciding whether a patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment; there is no ideal age to begin treatment.  However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. 

By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct problems sooner.  This also helps to eliminate the need for surgery in the future.

Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:

  • Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
  • Monitor the width of the upper and lower arches
  • Create more space for crowded teeth
  • Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
  • Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems

For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment.

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • A hard time chewing or biting food
  • Mouth breathing
  • Finger or thumb sucking
  • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
  • Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
  • Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
  • Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face

Early treatment provides your child the opportunity to have the healthy, beautiful smile they want and deserve.

Please contact us to schedule your free orthodontic evaluation.

Orthodontics for Teens

Braces! Now what?

Not to worry, at Frazier Orthodontics we utilize the most advanced bracketing system available called Damon Smile. Our teenage patients appreciate the fact that they are far more comfortable and stylish than the braces available in the past. 

How long will I wear braces?

The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:

  • Early treatment — Early treatment allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment; in some cases it may be recommended that a patient wait to receive treatment.
  • What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently. While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another patient 36 months. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect and deserve.
  • YOU — You are an important part of the equation! Your committment and cooperation in following the doctors instructions helps keep your treatment on schedule. 

Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today's braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your orthodontic checkup.

 

Orthodontics for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens.

At Frazier Orthodontics, we are proud that a significant percentage of our patients are adults.  They appreciate our flexibility, customized treatment plans, and our relaxing, comfortable atmosphere for them and their families.

Give us the opportunity to shine for YOU!

Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment:

  • A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
  • Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
  • Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
  • Desire to improve their oral health
  • Preparing for crowns, bridges and/or implants 

Choices for adult treatment:

Frazier Orthodontics provides our adult patients with choices for their treatment.  Our braces are more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and are customized to meet your individual needs. For a more discrete look try our Damon Clear braces which are virtually invisible to most people.  

Types of braces include:​

  • Self-ligating clear braces
  • Self-ligating metal braces 

The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and teens:

The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens, is that in younger patients the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:

  • Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
  • Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontics. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
  • Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
  • Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and may help prevent other health problems.
  • Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues costing you more in the end.

At Frazier Orthodontics we are committed to delivering the finest in orthodontic care in an environment that is both enjoyable and comfortable for our patients and their families. We will exceed your expectations!

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics please contact us.