Here at Henneberry Orthodontics, we believe that quality orthodontic care resulting in a beautifully aligned smile should be available to patients of all ages. We’re proud to offer a full range of orthodontics for children, teens, and adults at our Stillwater Oklahoma office.
While there’s no minimum age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child receive their first orthodontic evaluation by around the age of seven. By this time, most children will have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, making it easier for orthodontists like Dr. Henneberry to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems before they have the chance to become more severe.
Early, or interceptive, treatment with Henneberry Orthodontics will allow us to:
- correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw
- regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- create more space for crowded teeth
- help avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- correct bad habits like thumb sucking
- help improve minor speech problems
Outward appearances can be deceptive! As a parent, it’s not always easy to determine if your child may need orthodontic treatment just by observing them. Some things to look out for that may indicate your child needs to see an orthodontist are:
- baby teeth that are lost too early or later than expected
- difficulty 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 don’t come together at all
- jaws and teeth that aren’t proportionate to the rest of the face
crowded front teeth from about the of age seven or eight
Henneberry Orthodontics offers free initial consultations, so get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now means a healthy, beautiful smile for the future!
The best braces for you
Henneberry Orthodontics offers a variety of orthodontic appliances to choose from, both fixed and removable. These options include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Damon braces
- Ceramic braces
- Invisalign
- Invisalign Teen
Orthodontics for teens
If you have a teen who recently learned braces can improve their smile, you’re likely to have lots of questions, and you may be feeling nervous or worried when you think about beginning the process. But there’s no need to fret! Bulky, uncomfortable metal braces are a thing of the past, with today’s braces smaller, sleeker, and far more comfortable than ever before. They also come in a variety of styles, materials, and even colors.
One of the biggest questions on your teen’s mind before having braces put on is often “how long will I have to wear these?” Although there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that, we can estimate the amount of time it will take to treat their smile with braces based on a few key factors.
Early treatment — Since early treatment allows us to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if necessary, we’re often able to catch problems in the beginning stages. This can cut down on the total time needed in braces considerably.
What areas need correction — The amount of treatment that’s needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process itself takes. It’s important to remember that different patients react to treatment in different ways. What takes one patient only 12 months may take another patient 24 or 36 months. Treatment times will also vary depending on how quickly your teen’s body responds, and how much actual work is needed to give them their very best smile
Your teen — Your teen’s willingness to “play by the rules” plays a major role in the length of time it will take to complete their treatment. By sticking to Dr. Henneberry’s recommendations, taking care of their braces, and maintaining a healthy dental hygiene routine, they can keep their treatment time to a minimum.
Orthodontics for adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens! As a matter of fact, one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment later in life because they understand the importance of maintaining their oral health, they want to feel better about their overall appearance, or both. If you’ve experienced any of the following issues, orthodontic treatment may be for you:
- a bad bite (malocclusion) causing your teeth to fit together incorrectly
- the teeth are too crowded or spaced too far apart
- any abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- or simply a desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile!
Although the thought of wearing braces as an adult can be intimidating, there are several options that are discreet but effective. At Henneberry Orthodontics, we offer ceramic braces, which blend in closely with your own smile, and Invisalign, a clear aligner system that is nearly invisible.
Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?
Straight teeth are healthy teeth — When your teeth are properly aligned it’s easier to keep them clean with flossing and brushing, which in turn helps to prevent other oral issues, including some that can affect your overall health.
A healthy, straight smile builds confidence and self-esteem — Successfully completed orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, give you a better quality of life, and allow you to smile freely for maybe the first time ever!
Untreated oral issues will get worse — Delaying or refusing orthodontic treatment when it’s needed can create long-term health issues that will wind up costing you more in the end.
Henneberry Orthodontics recognizes that children, teens, and adults will all have different dental needs, requiring a different level of attention and care. We work diligently with each patient to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for you in the most inviting environment.
