“Dr. Bodak, I have never liked my crooked teeth.”

Braces (Orthodontics) for Children, Teens and Adults

Patient 1: Misaligned Teeth

Misaligned teeth can certainly affect the smile and self-confidence of children, teens and adults.  Children who dislike their smile may feel ill at ease in social situations or at school.   Many adults with crooked teeth have been unhappy with their smile since their own teen years. Now they see their children facing the same issues.  But misaligned teeth can cause more than a self-conscious smile.

Crooked teeth may be associated with jaw and gum problems, difficulty chewing, and facial imbalance.  Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that uses devices such as braces to correct these problems.  If you have crowded misaligned teeth, your teeth can be gradually repositioned to enhance your smile, improve the function and health of your gums, teeth and jaw, and achieve a more pleasing balance of facial proportion.

Patient 2: Crowded Teeth

I encourage everyone to brush their teeth after every meal. Regular brushing removes biofilm (plaque), the sticky layer of bacteria on the teeth that leads to tooth decay, tartar buildup and gum disease. With misaligned teeth, regular oral hygiene home care is less efficient in removing biofilm, so it is easier for periodontitis (gum disease) to develop.  Periodontitis ranges from gingivitis (bleeding gums after brushing) to severe periodontal bone and tooth loss.  Did you know that 80% of U.S. adults have gum disease (periodontal disease) and that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults?  Periodontal treatment can be helped by orthodontic treatment and orthodontic treatment requires treatment of periodontal disease.

Patient 1: After Braces

I have years of orthodontic experience. My extensive expertise includes traditional braces for teens as well as clear, nearly invisible, braces for adults. My younger patients continue in my practice long after their braces have been removed.  My adult patients ranging in age from their 20’s to their 70’s are often surprised to hear that they, too, are candidates for braces.  After learning of the benefits of clear braces, which are removed for meals and brushing of teeth, more adults are choosing this option.

Patient 2: After Braces

Orthodontic treatment not only enhances your appearance, it also improves periodontal health and functional efficiency of the dentition.  It is never too late to correct your crowded or misaligned teeth.  I would be happy to discuss your dental goals and treatment options. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn how affordable your orthdontic treatment can be.

Devon, Age 16 and Jaron age 12 show off their smiles!

Affordable straight teeth, a more pleasing smile and good oral hygiene…it’s something to smile about!