The world of braces has changed dramatically over the years. The word braces used to evoke feelings of dread as people pictured bulky metal and headgear. Now, there are many more options making braces less uncomfortable and less obvious. The age that many people wear braces is also changing. While braces are typically seen on school-aged children, more and more adults are getting braces. If you missed the opportunity for braces as a child, or your teeth have shifted since then, there are several reasons you should consider braces as an adult. 

1.    Invisalign is an Option

Unlike when you were an adolescent, there are many more options to straighten your teeth. Clear aligners such as Invisalign will still give you the impact of traditional braces without the discomfort or visibility of metal (or colorful rubber bands). At Atkins & Anderson, DDS, we are thrilled to offer Invisalign to our patients. Schedule an appointment with us today to discover if Invisalign is right for you. 

2.    Improve Your Overall Oral Health

Braces do more than simply straighten your teeth. Braces reduce discomfort in your jaw and correct an overbite or underbite. Misalignment of your teeth can lead to more serious dental conditions causing persistent pain, sleep disruptions, and difficulty eating. Jaw-related issues such as TMJ, overcrowded teeth, or a history of grinding your teeth can be reduced with the help of braces. Sometimes the position of the teeth makes it difficult to brush or floss effectively which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Braces are a simple solution to a host of dental problems. 

3.    Smile with Confidence

Life is too short to be self-conscious. We want you to love your smile. Wearing braces for a short time is worth it if the result gives you more confidence. We want you to be successful in both your personal and professional life. Having a smile you’re proud of is a great step toward putting yourself out there and achieving your goals.

4.    It’s Worth the Investment

Braces often cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Check with your insurance company to see if you have orthodontics coverage. If braces are needed for reasons beyond cosmetics, dental insurance may help cover the costs. While braces are a financial investment, they can positively impact your life and protect your mouth from various dental issues. If you’re concerned about the cost of braces, talk to our front office about payment plans. Our team at Atkins & Anderson will show you the best options for braces that meet your oral needs as well as your budget. 

If you have questions about braces or want to see if Invisalign is right for you, schedule an appointment with us at Atkins & Anderson, DDS, today! 

Are you concerned that your child will have to experience the physical and emotional pain you went through when metal brackets overshadowed your winning smile? It doesn’t have to be painful for you or your children. At Anderson & Atkins DDS, we’ll help prepare you—and your kids—for braces.

Why Braces?

There are several different reasons your child may need braces. One scenario called malocclusion indicates differing jaw sizes. If the upper jaw is bigger than the lower, your child will have an overbite. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw is bigger than the upper. In the event of malocclusion, braces will correct and realign the jaw. A second scenario includes overcrowded or overlapping teeth. Sometimes the mouth is too small to support all of the adult teeth and a permanent tooth will need to be removed before your child can get braces. In this case, or in the case of crooked teeth, braces will align the teeth and ensure there is plenty of space for each tooth. Not only will this improve your child’s smile, but it will allow them to speak more clearly, chew more easily, and may eliminate the need for dental surgery later in life. At Anderson & Atkins DDS, we will closely monitor your child of any potential jaw and tooth problems before it becomes a major issue.

What to Expect

Your first orthodontist visit should be a free consultation when your child is around seven years old. This may seem young, however, orthodontists have discovered that the sooner a child receives braces, the easier and faster their treatment. By age seven, most children have lost all of their primary teeth and their adult teeth are beginning to come in. A child has softer bones than an adult which allow the jaw and teeth to shift more easily. Receiving braces at a younger age shaves as much as one year off of the amount of time braces must be worn.

When you meet with the orthodontist, he or she will check for an overbite or underbite and crowding or overlapping teeth. He or she may also take an x-ray, or create a mold, of your child’s mouth to determine the best kind of braces for your child. This will allow the orthodontist to see the position of the teeth and how much space is available for adult teeth.

Type of Braces

The typical kind of braces is the kind you most likely wore—the metal brackets and wire with colorful rubber bands. Every six to eight weeks, you’ll schedule an appointment to have the wire tightened (and the rubber bands changed). This puts pressure on the teeth that cause them to shift into proper alignment. The pressure often causes discomfort but will subside within a day or two. During this time, you can give your child OTC pain medication and encourage them to eat soft foods.

You may also have the opportunity to choose clear or white ceramic braces that have the concept as metal brackets but are much less noticeable. Or, your child may qualify for an aligner—a clear removable tray, shaped like your teeth. The type of braces is different for every child, as is the amount of time they must be worn. However, the average child wears braces for two years. During that time, your child will need to take good care of his or her teeth, brushing after every meal, flossing daily, and avoiding foods like popcorn, gum, and hard candies that can easily damage the braces. If your child wears an aligner, he must remove it before eating.

If you wore braces, chances are your child will need them too. Don’t hesitate to talk to us about your child’s need for braces. We’re here to evaluate potential tooth and jaw problems and can give you a referral for trusted orthodontists in Bryan-College Station, simply make an appointment at Anderson & Atkins DDS today.

 

Sources:  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html

https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/does-your-kid-really-need-braces/

From subtle changes to major oral surgery, modern cosmetic dentistry works to improve the appearance of your smile through one or more procedures. Most cosmetic dental procedures are non-essential, but they can have dramatic results on your overall appearance; even the smallest change can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to smile more. With modern advances in dentistry, cosmetic procedures can range from a basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry differs from general or restorative dentistry procedures in that they are elected as opposed to required. You may be asking, “Why would someone elect for dental work that isn’t necessarily going to improve their health?” The answer is quality of life. It is hard to understate the importance of a beautiful smile; according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of adults believe that a smile is an important social asset. If you weren’t blessed with naturally perfect teeth or gorgeous pearly whites, you’re not alone. Cosmetic Dentistry has the power to boost your appearance and overall self-confidence. An enhanced appearance often leads directly to improved self-confidence. A better smile can change the way people perceive you and behave around you. Simple activities like meeting new people, going on dates, and attending parties may become easier due to your improved self-confidence. A smile is so much more than a smile when it impacts a person’s confidence and perhaps even their sense of self-worth.

What Options Are Available?

Now that you know the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, you may be wondering about the various treatments available. Devices and procedures are available to improve the color, shape, size, and position of teeth.

• Teeth Whitening: This procedure brightens teeth that are discolored or stained, and can be done in a dentist’s office or at home dependent upon your dentist’s recommendations.
• Bonding: This is to repair small chips or cracks by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface.
• Veneers: These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth to disguise discoloration or imperfections.
• Tooth Reshaping: This procedure involves changing the teeth to improve their appearance by modifying or removing enamel.
• Braces and Clear Aligners: These move teeth into the right position.
• Crown lengthening: This minor surgery can fix lost tooth structure and/or missing teeth by removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s crown and give the appearance of longer teeth.

How Can We Help You?

The skill and experience of the dentist you select can impact the outcome of your cosmetic dentistry work. At Anderson and Atkins DDS, our trained dentists specialize in various forms of cosmetic dentistry and can help you explore the pros and cons of each procedure so that you can find a solution that helps you achieve your perfect smile. We offer custom at-home bleaching trays, bleaching strips, aesthetic composite bonding, veneers, and crowns, and are looking to expand into in-office bleaching by next Spring. Our dentists and office staff are happy to field any questions regarding aesthetics and what the best treatment plan will be for you as each patient’s needs are different. It’s important to understand that what works for one patient may not be right for you. For example, if a patient has fillings in their front teeth and decides to bleach, the fillings won’t bleach (only the teeth); in these cases, we must consider alternative whitening methods. On the other hand, “Bonding” is a hot word for patients when it comes to aesthetics, but it is simply filling material we put on the outside of their teeth to help with aesthetics. This can be a good, more affordable, option for a lot of people, but bonding can discolor over time whereas veneers, although more expensive, can last longer.

The Bottom Line

With today’s emphasis on youth and appearance, cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular than ever. While not many people have naturally perfect teeth, almost anyone can attain a dazzling smile with the help of a dentist. For more information about how Anderson & Atkins, DDS can help you obtain the smile of your dreams, or if you have any questions about our practice, please feel free to contact our office at (979) 846-1813 or email us at info@craigandersondds.com.

 

Sources: https://www.123dentist.com/everything-want-know-cosmetic-dentistry/
http://www.drcurtiskaiser.com/treatment/cosmetic-dentistry
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=300&aid=1196