If you are wondering when the best time for you to see an orthodontist is, you are not alone! There are many reasons to schedule a visit with our team, and we always encourage new patients to join us. The experts at Alba Orthodontics are here to share signs you should seek treatment when you should come in for an appointment, and what treatment options we provide.
Signs You May Need Treatment
Bite Issues
Many patients experience bite issues at different times in their lives. This is when your top and bottom teeth do not close together properly, leading to wear and tear, jaw discomfort, and pain while chewing. Everyone experiences bite issues in some capacity; however, some require attention sooner than others. Common types include crossbite, overbite, underbite, and deep bite. You can rely on our team to diagnose them efficiently.
Jaw Issues
When your teeth are out of place, you may experience jaw issues, including pain or clicking noise when you open your mouth, difficulty chewing, and speech complications. Seeking orthodontic treatment can resolve related discomforts and improve your overall health. Jaw complications can worsen over time, so the sooner you can get them checked out, the more straightforward treatment can be.
Misaligned Teeth
Teeth that are out of place can affect the facial structure and diminish your confidence in your smile. Misaligned teeth can also complicate oral maintenance, as many hard-to-reach areas tend to develop. Seeing an orthodontist to realign them can help reduce common complications, such as tooth decay, bacteria, and excessive plaque buildup.
Early Tooth Loss
If your child begins losing their baby teeth earlier than expected, an orthodontist can ensure their adult teeth grow correctly. Taking the steps necessary to improve their teeth structure when they are young can save them from more complicated procedures as they grow older. Drs. Fred and Jeff Alba provide two-phase treatment for patients who are not quite ready for a full set of braces.
When Should You Come In?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to the orthodontist for an initial appointment as early as age seven. Not all children will require treatment at this age, but early intervention can make all the difference. The earlier necessary care is provided, the easier braces and other appliances will likely be as they grow up. Children’s jawbones and gums are malleable and respond more effectively to treatment.
Many teenagers come in for orthodontic treatment as their teeth become misaligned. Teeth shift each day, whether or not we notice it. If they didn’t need treatment as a child, braces are an excellent opportunity to bring their smile back into the perfect position and take the necessary steps to keep it in place into adulthood. Embracing orthodontic care during this time can enhance the aesthetics of your smile and provide long-term oral health that will last forever.
Some believe braces and orthodontic treatment are reserved for children and teens. Luckily, that is not true! Over a quarter of all orthodontic patients are adults working toward a brand-new smile. Adults can receive just as effective treatment. Whether you were not granted the opportunity for care as a child or simply didn’t need it at the time, you can rely on Alba Orthodontics to provide the care you need to be satisfied with your smile!
Our Treatment Options
Alba Orthodontics is proud to provide many options for our patients when choosing an appliance. Our team understands many factors are considered in finding the best appliance, including aesthetic needs, the most effective treatment, and accommodating your lifestyle.
Early Two-Phase Treatment
We provide two-phase treatment for children who still have baby teeth or have not quite grown all of their permanent teeth yet. During this time, we monitor your child’s teeth development and intervene when necessary.
Guiding their baby teeth in the proper position can ensure their permanent teeth have an easier time finding their perfect placement, making braces a more straightforward process later. Drs. Fred and Jeff Alba use appliances such as expanders, retainers, and partial braces.
Spark Clear Aligners
If you want to align your teeth under the radar, the Spark clear aligner system may be the perfect choice. It uses a series of custom plastic trays that are switched out every two weeks as your teeth shift into a new position. The system doesn’t have any food restrictions, as it is a removable appliance taken out during mealtime, so you can continue eating as usual.
InBrace Hidden Braces
Placed on the inner surface of your teeth, InBrace hidden braces are another great aesthetic choice to reach your smile goals. This appliance uses a personalized SmartWire, which applies a slight constant force on your teeth, putting your treatment on autopilot. Like clear aligners, you can continue to eat, brush, and floss as you did before starting treatment.
Damon Metal Braces
Damon metal braces are known for their reliability and state-of-the-art treatment. They continue to be a top choice among our patients, thanks to advancements making their appearance smaller and components more comfortable. They utilize a self-ligating system, meaning they can hold the archwire in place without ties, eliminating the need for monthly tightenings.
Damon Clear Braces
We also provide Damon clear braces. They use the same technology as their metal counterpart but are much less noticeable. Clear braces use ceramic tooth-colored brackets and other nearly invisible components that blend with your smile. This appliance can even reduce your treatment time. You also won’t need to worry about staining; they use technology that prevents discoloration!
Join Us For a Free Consultation!
All first-time patients are encouraged to schedule a free consultation with Drs. Fred and Jeff Alba. During this appointment, our team will take diagnostics to learn more about your oral health and any existing issues and share what we can do to help you achieve the perfect smile. We provide expert orthodontic services to Mechanicsburg and the surrounding communities. Take the first step toward treatment with Alba Orthodontics today!