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Consequences of Leaving Orthodontic Problems Untreated

Everyone knows that a good smile has many cosmetic and health benefits, but it is important to be aware of the significance of early dental treatment for your child. Early-phase orthodontics focuses on preventing or mitigating jaw/skeletal structural issues in children before their permanent teeth erupt. While most orthodontic problems may be corrected later in life, be aware of some of the potential repercussions of delaying treatment:

 

Later Treatment Could Require Surgery

Early orthodontic treatment occurs when a child has a mixture of permanent and baby teeth—usually around the age of 7. As a body matures and permanent teeth develop, the bone structure of the face and jaw become less malleable. If the erupting permanent teeth require more room inside of the jaw, then surgery or tooth removal is often necessary to accommodate, whereas the growth of a child’s jaw(s) may be directed through the use of a variety of dental appliances.

 

More Severe Problems May Develop

One of the primary purposes of early orthodontics is ensuring that there is enough space for permanent teeth to develop properly. While braces may still be required to correct minor malocclusions during teenage years, early treatment can prevent excessive overcrowding or other, more severe complications later on. Straighter teeth are also easier to clean, which makes them less susceptible to decay and gum disease.

 

Provide your child with the options of early orthodontic treatment in the Ashburn and Leesburg areas. With a highly experienced staff and a variety of orthodontic services, Lansdowne Orthodontics has both the expertise and the resources needed to diagnose and treat all of your orthodontic problems. Call 703-858-3600 to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our services. Contact Us!

 

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical or dental advice. You should contact your dentist to obtain advice with respect to any particular dental issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an orthodontist-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the dental office or any individual orthodontist or medical professional.

A Basic Guide to Orthodontic Appliances

If you’re a Leesburg resident who’s been on the lookout for a great orthodontist, then it’s important that you understand the different orthodontic treatment options available. To help you understand a little bit more about braces and orthodontic appliances in general, we’ve put together a helpful guide that outlines some of the basics:

 

  • Traditional braces are made up of brackets that are cemented to the teeth and connected by durable wires, which are typically tightened or replaced every visit. Before you get your braces, and sometimes even while wearing them, you may be required to wear spacers, which are small rubber bands used to create a gap of space around a tooth.
  • “Invisible braces” have been an increasingly common option over the past few years, though many orthodontists believe the traditional methods to be much more effective and efficient. “Invisible” braces may include braces attached on the lingual (tongue) side of the teeth, or may be clear aligner trays. If you are seriously committed to having invisible braces, speak to your orthodontist about your options.
  • Headgear and neck gear are also commonly used orthodontic appliances. Both devices have a strap that is worn around the head or neck which is attached to the wires and brackets of the braces. These appliances are often used to correct major overbites or underbites. Headgear and neck gear is removable and you will often only have to wear them at night.
  • There are appliances that may be used to move the jaws towards each other. Rubber bands or springs can be used to connect the lower and upper portions of the jaw to attain proper alignment. Expanders are a type of appliance that can be placed on the roof of the mouth to widen the palate to accommodate larger permanent teeth.
  • After braces, retainers are often recommended to ensure that the teeth do not shift. Some retainers are removable, making it necessary to remember to wear them regularly and others are bonded to the teeth.

 

If you are looking for an orthodontist in Leesburg, then look no further than Lansdowne Orthodontics, offering the best in braces for the Ashburn area. Visit our website to learn more about our practice.

 

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical or dental advice. You should contact your dentist to obtain advice with respect to any particular dental issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a dentist-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the dental office or any individual dentist or medical professional.

Solutions for Common Braces Problems

The most common problems you may experience with braces are soreness, poking wires, sore teeth, and broken brackets. These are not true orthodontic emergencies, but they are something your orthodontist can fix. To learn more about these common problems, watch this video.

 

These problems may be a little annoying, but the results are well worth it! Getting braces will give you a straight, beautiful smile that can last you a lifetime.

 

If you’re interested in getting braces or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, then call Lansdowne Orthodontics at 703-858-3600 today.

Different Types of Braces for Teeth

Due to advancements in dental technology, you now have several options for straightening your teeth. Take a look at this video to learn about two types of braces that orthodontists commonly use today.

 

One of the most effective methods for straightening anyone’s smile is metal-bracket braces. Despite their efficiency, the conspicuous appearance of metal brackets can be a source of anxiety for some patients. Invisible braces, commonly known as Invisalign, are a popular alternative to conventional brackets. Invisalign provides a series of clear aligner trays that are worn successively to reposition teeth. Though they are less noticeable, their effectiveness is limited as not all orthodontic problems can be corrected with Invisalign. For those patients who are good candidates for Invisalign, these clear aligners may be the way to straight teeth and a beautiful smile.

 

If you are interested in learning more about your options for braces, then schedule a consultation here at Lansdowne Orthodontics. We are committed to providing exceptional orthodontic treatment in the Leesburg and Ashburn areas. Call 703-858-3600 or contact us online today.

What Is a Palate Expander?

A variety of orthodontic appliances can be used to perfect your smile. One commonly used appliance is the palate expander, a device that is cemented to the upper teeth and rests against the roof of your mouth. An expander is principally used for children who have a narrow upper arch to allow more room for emerging permanent teeth.

 

By adjusting the device as instructed, you will slowly expand your palate to widen the arch of your mouth and create more room. You can see a palate expander in action and learn more about how it works in this video.

 

Are you looking for an orthodontist near Leesburg, Virginia? Come visit us at Lansdowne Orthodontics to get the best orthodontic care. Visit our website for more information.

 

Lansdowne Orthodontics | 19415 Deerfield Avenue, Suite 306, Leesburg, VA 20176 | (o) 703.858.3600 | (f) 703.858.3697