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What is an orthodontist?

All orthodontists are dentists. They are specialists who diagnose and offer treatments for individuals who have irregularities with their teeth, jaw, and face. This includes an incorrect position or misalignment of the teeth. They may offer their patients treatments like braces in order to correct the irregularity.

Do you need an orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatments offer multiple benefits. They help your teeth to function properly. If you have teeth that are crowded or misaligned, an orthodontic treatment may be right for you.

Orthodontic treatments will also enhance your smile. If you feel self-conscious because of crooked teeth, an orthodontic treatment may help. Also, when your teeth are straight, they are easier to clean. This means that you can improve your overall health by improving your dental health.

When is the best time to start orthodontic treatments?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children who are as young as seven years old should receive an orthodontic evaluation if it seems like they may need an orthodontic treatment. It is never too late to get braces or use other orthodontic treatments. The sooner you start, the better.

How do you know if you have a problem with your bite?

Obvious signs that you have a bite problem include crowded teeth, protruding teeth, or teeth that are not in the right position. Less obvious signs would be breathing with your mouth open, regularly biting your cheeks, teeth that don’t come together correctly when you close your mouth, or difficulty talking. Also, if you sucked your thumb past the age of about four, you may have a bite problem.

Does it hurt to wear braces?

When you visit the orthodontists to have the braces put on, the process is usually pain-free. However, it is common for patients to have some mild pain or an aching feeling during the first few days after the braces are adjusted. It is generally accepted that over-the-counter pain medication can be used effectively.

How long will you have to wear braces?

The time when you actually wear the braces will vary. It can take some people just six months to have irregularities corrected. Others may need up to 30 months. After active treatment, you will need to wear a retainer.

How often will your braces be adjusted?

Most patients need to visit an orthodontist every four to 10 weeks during active treatment. The number of times that you visit will depend on the treatment you use and recommendations given by your orthodontist as your treatment progresses.

Will you have to adjust your diet?

Yes. You will need to avoid things like ice cubes, caramel, raw vegetables, and hard candy. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid. The basic idea is to stay away from anything that could get trapped in your braces or damage them.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in finding out if braces are right for you, contact us at South Meadows Dental and Orthodontics. Dr. Brian Struby, Dr. Jamie Smith, and Dr. Meagan Struby are happy to help Reno, Nevada, residents improve their smiles.

When is the right age to get dental braces for my child? This is a question that has left many at a crossroads, wondering which way to go. Dental health is crucial in our lives as the teeth are involved in essential functions of the body. As such, taking good care of them is ideal and makes life easier. Here, we answer what age is right to get dental braces for your kids and include other practices involved in the process.

What is the Best Age?

Since all children are different, they all develop uniquely, thus making it hard to come up with a specific age when dental braces should be used. However, it is generally recommended between the ages of 9 and 14, since this is when children develop permanent teeth. Usually, you can easily tell if your child is heading for braces as early as seven years. In this case, it is wise to visit a dentist who will be an excellent resource when your child needs to visit an orthodontist.

Factors to Consider

Some of the factors that may require you to visit a dentist include irregular loss of teeth, overcrowding, mouth breathing, challenges in biting and chewing, disorganized teeth, and jaws that are not proportional. In addition, it is essential to note that most of these problems may be inherited. However, some children develop teeth problems when they suck their fingers and have poor dental hygiene.

If you notice some of these problems in your child, it is time to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Due to your child’s age, some orthodontists such as Dr. Meagan Struby may not recommend immediate treatment, but the visit may help prevent further problems in the future. In the first visit, the orthodontist will be able to identify some health concerns and develop a treatment plan. To some extent, an orthodontist may speed up the process of treatment. As such, once you talk to them, you do not have to worry about the age your child should get braces, as they will keep you updated.

Whether you have a preference for the braces that you would want to be fitted, an orthodontist will give you clear guidance. He or she will help you choose the right treatment for your child and the optimal time to get started with treatment. It is important to note that some children begin orthodontic treatment at the age of 6. Therefore, it is vital to address any concerns with an orthodontist before things become complicated.

Schedule a Consultation

Although some children can have their braces fitted at the age of 6, most people agree that ages 9-14 are the best for orthodontic treatment. This is the range of age recommended for teeth straightening and other dental attention. If you have any concerns about overcrowding, overbite, underbite, protruding, or crooked teeth in your child, it’s time you visit an orthodontist. South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics is a good option for you as you will get the utmost attention in addressing dental concerns.

To schedule a consultation at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, call (775) 852-8181 or fill out our contact form.

Having regular dental check-ups is a significant part of overall health. Going to the dentist can feel stressful, however. We want everyone to know that your dental health is important. We can help you gain the good health that you deserve. Here are some tips that you can do every day at home. These build confidence, and that lowers anxiety. We want everyone to feel empowered to take care of themselves so that they can enjoy great health.

Do These

Brush regularly. The most important time for this is after the evening meal or before bedtime. This removes sugars and other food that can cause plaque to build up. Plaque leads to cavities. Brushing after each meal of the day provides even better protection.

Floss regularly. Practice will improve your flossing. This reduces particles that get caught between teeth. Toothbrushes can’t reach these areas.

Rinse with mouthwash. Make this a daily practice. Find a brand you like. Using mouthwash is not as necessary as brushing and flossing. Many people find it helpful.

Use fluoride. Fluoride isn’t just for children. It protects adult teeth, too.

Drink water instead of acidic or sugary drinks. This reduces chemicals that eat away at teeth. Water also rinses the mouth and reduces germs.

Eat crunchy natural foods like fruits and vegetables. These foods scrub teeth clean. They don’t stick to teeth the way gummy foods do, so they cause fewer issues.

Schedule dental check-ups twice a year. This helps nervous patients get used to the standard dental procedures. They also receive support and learn about good dental health. Regular check-ups prevent many problems. They can catch others while they are small.

Brush properly. Many people brush too hard. They may miss areas of their mouth. We’d be happy to teach you proper brushing techniques.

Avoid These

Avoid sticky and sugary foods. They cause plaque buildup that causes cavities. Brush thoroughly after eating them.

Don’t go to bed without brushing and flossing your teeth. This removes food particles and helps teeth stay clean.

Don’t give up on flossing. Flossing doesn’t have to be perfect to protect teeth.

Don’t brush too hard or use stiff brushes. Soft brushes can clean the teeth without irritating gums or enamel.

Give up smoking. It affects teeth, gums, and tongue.

Don’t give children juice or soda every day. Offer water, instead. Use a stuffed animal or music instead of a sippy cup or bottle to soothe children at night.

South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics

Here at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we provide dental services for the entire family. This includes general care and cleaning. We also offer orthodontics and cosmetic services when those needs come up. Ask us what you can do to have greater control over your dental health. Schedule an appointment today so that you can have the peace of mind that good health brings.

Thank you to our friends at St. Albert The Great for having Dr. Meagan Struby and her sidekick, the Tooth Fairy, at school today. Such a pleasure helping our little buddies learn good habits to care for their precious smiles.