Is All Orthodontic Treatment The Same? 1

Is All Orthodontic Treatment The Same?

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orthodontist

Is All Orthodontic Treatment The Same?

Recently, you may have visited an orthodontist for the first time whether the consultation was about your kids or you. Also, it’s possible that you have an appointment slated for the near future. As a result, you may wonder what you should expect. In fact, you may want to know if all orthodontic treatment is the same.

The Short Response

The shortest response to your inquiry is no. All orthodontic treatment is not the same. Even if you have two children who are in need of braces, they may very well have different treatment programs. An appointment with the orthodontist is the only way to know for sure what your treatment plan will be and how it can vary. However, you can start to examine some of the factors that go into the option that the orthodontist will render the best one for you.

Issues with the Teeth

Braces are used to correct an assortment of issues with the teeth. For example, you might have crowding in your mouth, or your kids might have an under-bite. The exact methods used will vary depending upon what the issues are. When people think of braces, they may envision a one-size-fits-all solution, but this thought isn’t the truth. The fact that the braces and the program have to be crafted to your specific needs is proof as to why you must work with an orthodontist for this particular treatment plan.

Location of Braces

You might scoff at the idea that the location of braces could change from one person to the next. After all, you know that they belong on the teeth. However, one of your kids might need braces on the bottom teeth only; another may need braces on the top teeth only. Your third child may require braces on both the top and bottom teeth. The location of the braces depends upon what condition the patient has and what issues need to be corrected.

Type of Braces

If you’re thinking back to when you were a kid, you might picture metal brackets and wires as the only option. In the past, the options for braces were not as wide as they are today. Now, you could have those traditional models, but brackets that go on the back of the teeth are also available. In fact, orthodontists can offer braces that are invisible called Invisalign. Do keep in mind that not everyone is a candidate for all types of braces. Orthodontists must take into account the individual condition to determine if any one individual is a candidate for a certain type of braces.

Duration of Treatment

Some people may need to wear braces for several years, and others may have their issues corrected in a number of months. The exact amount of time the process takes depends upon what the issues are with the teeth in the first place. Orthodontists must determine a program of treatment based upon the individual patient. In other words, you might want to know how long you’ll need to go to the orthodontist for while you’re scheduling the first appointment, but that information isn’t available yet.

Number of Visits

It is not as though you get the braces put on and then don’t return to the orthodontist until it’s time to have them removed. Regular visits are generally a part of an orthodontic plan. However, the frequency of the appointments can vary based upon the type of braces that are worn and the condition. For example, brackets are often changed on a regular basis, and your kids can pick out new colors for their braces. Other methods may require fewer appointments.

Restrictions

If you had braces as a child, you might remember that you weren’t allowed to eat certain foods. For example, you may have had to surrender gum. The dietary restrictions depend upon the type of braces that your kids or you have. Certain foods can interfere with the braces, or these culinary items can get stuck in the braces. Therefore, what can and cannot be consumed depends upon the types of braces used.

Cost

When you’re researching prices for braces and seeing some hefty sums attached to the estimates, you can build confidence in knowing that prices can vary greatly for braces. For example, the amount of time for which the braces are worn and the type of braces that are worn play significant roles in the overall cost. Also, different practices may offer discounts or payment plans, and you can also look into your insurance to see what percentage of the treatment is covered. You may discover that your insurance will pay for the entire program.

Aftercare

Once the braces are removed, the process is not necessarily over. Patients may need to wear a retainer for a certain portion of the day or have other dental processes done so that their newly straightened teeth do not return to a crooked state. While you may have some time to go until you get to the aftercare stage of braces, you could always ask so that you and your family know what to expect next.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200,

Larkspur, California 94939

415-459-8006

 

Can Lasers Make Your Orthodontic Treatment Faster? 2

Can Lasers Make Your Orthodontic Treatment Faster?

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orthodontistCan Lasers Make Your Orthodontic Treatment Faster?

Whether you had braces of your own when you were young or this experience is all new to you with your kids, you likely have an array of questions when it comes to the experience. Even after going to the orthodontist for the first time and presenting your initial inquiries, you may still feel as though you have a buffet of questions, especially when it comes to lasers and orthodontic treatment.

Why haven’t I heard of lasers for orthodontic treatment before?

If you had braces when you were a child or teenager, lasers were likely not in existence yet for orthodontic treatment. This method of treatment is fairly new on the scene in the world of braces and orthodontics.

Is enough information known about lasers?

Since this type of treatment is newer than many others, you may wonder about the long-term implications and the safety of it. What constitutes enough information is likely going to vary from person to person. Consider speaking to your orthodontist to ask specific questions but also to find out where you can discover research on the procedure. Reading some scholarly articles on the subject matter can help you to determine if this option is the right one for you.

How do the lasers work?

The lasers can help to fix the dental problems that you’re children are experiencing. Instead of having the old-fashioned wire-and-brackets model that you likely recall, lasers can be used to correct the problems and to give them the smiles that they crave.

Are my children candidates for laser treatment?

The answer to this question is one that only your orthodontist can answer. Many different treatment options exist when children are in need of braces. Generally, the right choice depends upon the specific condition that they are experiencing and the state of their teeth. In the event that your children are not candidates for laser treatment, your orthodontist will provide other options that work.

How old do my kids have to be?

While age can play some role in determining what type of orthodontic treatment kids need, the maturity of their teeth is usually a larger deciding factor. For example, if your children still have their baby teeth, they are probably then not yet ready for any type of orthodontic treatment because it is unknown how their adult teeth will grow in. Your dentist may recommend that you begin discussing plans with an orthodontist now, but you may need to wait awhile for a final determination.

Will lasers shorten the treatment time?

Using lasers to correct issues with teeth can shorten the amount of time that it takes to reach the final goal. Still, though, every person has a different situation when it comes to dental care. If you are looking into laser treatment instead of other methods of orthodontics, you should speak with the orthodontist about how long the process will take to correct your children’s teeth.

Will we get a definite timeline?

In many cases, orthodontists can provide you with a strong prediction of how long it will take to correct your children’s teeth. However, you must keep in mind that issues can arise. While it might not take several years if your orthodontist originally predicts a few months, the process could end up taking more time if unexpected issues arise. Also, aftercare is an important part of the process, and if your children do not follow the instructions, they may have to wait longer for their perfectly straight teeth.

How much does the procedure cost?

Getting a laser treatment can vary in terms of cost. As with virtually all orthodontic procedures, the treatment must be fashioned in accordance with the needs of the patient. Your kids may need a different treatment from their friends, which could very well change the price. When you’re concerned about the budget, asking questions early and checking in with your insurance provider are crucial steps.

Will insurance cover the treatment?

You are likely hoping that your dental insurance will cover the cost of treatment if you choose a laser plan. Before you even schedule an appointment, you should make sure that the practice takes your dental insurance. You may want to call the insurance provider too. While you will likely need to wait for a diagnosis and treatment to find out exactly what is covered, you can get a sense of where the expenses may fall.

Can I suggest laser treatment?

If your kids are candidates for this type of orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will likely suggest it. However, it cannot hurt to ask. By doing so, you will at least know that you have done all that you could in procuring the best possible treatment for your children.

Do all practices offer laser treatment?

While not all orthodontic practices offer this type of treatment, some do. Therefore, if you think you might even be just slightly interested in exploring this option, it is best to select a practice that does offer it. Failure to do so now could mean that you just have to start all over again later on.

 

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200,

Larkspur, California 94939

415-459-8006

wow smile patient paulina

At What Age Do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?

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baby teethAt What Age Do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?

There is excitement all around when a child loses their first baby tooth. The appearance of the first permanent tooth represents the next stage of a child’s life. But losing that first tooth is worrisome if it occurs too early or not soon enough. You might have concerns about when your child’s baby teeth should fall out. If so, here’s some info you can use.

Losing Baby Teeth

Children rarely do anything right on schedule. You can add losing baby teeth to that list. Most children typically lose their first tooth by the time they’re 6 or 7 years old. The baby teeth then continue to fall out following the order in which they grew. However, tooth loss can occur sooner or later than expected.

It’s not unheard of for a child to lose their first tooth before their fifth birthday. That first tooth might even stick around until the child is 8 years old. This isn’t how it typically occurs, but there’s usually no cause for alarm. In most cases, when a child loses the first tooth depends on when it grew.

The first tooth usually appears by the time a baby is 6 months old. But that cute little center tooth might show up at 3 months. It’s even possible the first tooth won’t appear until after you’ve celebrated baby’s first year. Keep track of when your child grows new baby teeth. This can give you an idea of when the child is likely to start losing teeth. The sooner the first tooth appears, the sooner it will fall out.

Possible Cause for Concern

As a general rule, tooth loss shouldn’t occur before the child’s fourth birthday. Losing a tooth that soon could indicate a problem. Losing the first tooth after the seventh birthday could also mean there’s a problem. In either case, you might want to consult an orthodontist for an examination and X-rays. There’s probably nothing wrong, but it doesn’t hurt to check.

A baby tooth should remain in place until a permanent tooth is ready to appear. The permanent tooth grows below the baby tooth. Eventually, the new tooth pushes the baby tooth out into the cold. It’s also possible that your child will experience premature tooth loss. This means a baby tooth has fallen out before the growth of a permanent tooth. Perhaps the child took a hard fall or got hit with a toy.

In addition to premature loss, delayed loss can indicate a problem as well. There is a rare occurrence in which a child develops a mesiodens. That’s a fancy way of saying the child has developed one or more extra teeth. The extra teeth can block permanent teeth, and prevent them from growing normally. This abnormality occurs in about 1% of the population, and it’s a main cause of delayed loss of baby teeth.


A child can also develop two rows of teeth. Some people refer to this as shark teeth, but that’s not very nice. The child isn’t turning into a shark. It just means the baby tooth didn’t fall out when the permanent tooth grew. The result is an extra set of teeth. If the baby tooth is loose, then your child can wiggle it out with their tongue. But if the extra tooth isn’t loose, then an extraction is possibly needed.

Other problems that can affect a child’s teeth include:

  • Cavities
  • Tooth Decay
  • Gum Disease
  • Thumb Sucking

The Tooth is Loose

What happens when a child is annoyed or curious about a loose tooth? More than likely, the child will shove their fingers into their mouth to yank at the tooth. They will continue to do this no matter how many times you tell them to stop. A wobbly tooth is annoying, but germ infested little hands should stay away. And yanking on a loose tooth can make the root prone to infection.

Reassure your child that the tooth will drop out when it’s ready. It will likely happen while the child is eating or sleeping. The child can also gently wiggle the tooth using their tongue.

Note that a loose tooth isn’t always an indicator of an incoming new tooth. It’s common for a tooth to get knocked loose during playtime or during a fall. Get the child’s tooth examined to make sure the permanent tooth isn’t damaged.

Visiting an Orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that a child see an orthodontist by the child’s seventh birthday. Contact Marin Ortho today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth, crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointment by calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

Will having [teeth removed] ruin my face? 3

Will having [teeth removed] ruin my face?

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Will having [teeth removed] ruin my face? 4

Will having teeth removed ruin my face?

Orthodontic treatment sometimes involves multiple strategies that all work together to help improve your smile. While you might have gone to your first visit hoping to hear that you would just need braces, you might have received a surprise when the orthodontist suggested that you have one or more teeth removed. Naturally, the news that you need to have teeth removed may leave you worried about your appearance. After all, you want to have straighter teeth so that you feel better about your smile. As you explore your options, keep in mind that orthodontists only recommend this treatment if it has benefits for improving your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile. You can also find many of the answers to your questions here so that you can make the right decisions regarding your orthodontic care.

When Is Extraction Required?

In most instances, an orthodontist’s goal is to do everything they can to save a tooth. However, there are times when this may not be possible. For example, teeth are often removed due to decay or a fracture that comprises the structural integrity. In orthodontics, teeth are sometimes removed because of problems with overcrowding. This often occurs when you have teeth along the sides that are pushing the front teeth forward so that they protrude. Removing one or more of the side teeth will sometimes allow the orthodontic appliances to be more effective at moving the protruding teeth away from the front of your mouth.

There are also times when baby teeth hang in far longer than they should. For the majority of people, all of the permanent adult teeth should have grown in by the late teens. However, you could have a primary tooth that never fell out, and it is now blocking one of your adult teeth. When this happens, removing the tooth is just doing what should have happened naturally. While this will change your appearance temporarily, your adult tooth can be moved in to take the baby tooth’s place.

Is a Tooth Removal Uncomfortable?

Any discomfort that you feel from a tooth extraction depends upon several factors such as the reason for the removal along with the location. Your personal pain sensitivity will also play a role in how you feel during and after the extraction. Let your orthodontist know if you are concerned about any pain from the tooth extraction. This way, they can use techniques such as topical numbing gels and local anesthetics to ease your pain. With any tooth extraction, you will also be given some instructions to follow to care for the site as it heals. Usually, this simply involves being careful what you eat and drink during the first few days. If a baby tooth is removed, you may not even notice any discomfort at all.

What Are the Benefits to Tooth Extraction?

When it comes to orthodontic care, it is important to weigh the benefits against the negative side effects of removing a tooth. For instance, removing a back molar will often have less of an impact upon your appearance compared to removing one in the front. Yet, the removal of any tooth causes significant changes to the jawbone as well as how the other teeth fit in the mouth. Aesthetic concerns, such as having a gap, are easily addressed by orthodontic treatment, and making sure that another tooth moves into the correct place can help preserve the jawbone.

Does This Change My Profile?

You can expect the removal of a tooth to have some minor effects on your profile. For some people, this is a positive thing since it could help improve how the profile appears if the tooth extraction helps give space for the front teeth to settle further back into the proper alignment. You should be aware that this procedure could also cause changes as you or your child grows. This is because your nose continues to grow throughout your life, and the teeth moving back may look different as you mature. This is why your orthodontist will talk to you about the potential long-term effects of removing a tooth.

You may also find that removing a tooth does not impact your appearance at all. For instance, removing a wisdom tooth is a common procedure that may be done to ensure that your new, straighter smile lasts as long as possible.

Are There Alternatives to an Extraction?

The field of orthodontics provides multiple solutions for correcting similar problems, which is always good news when you are pondering a difficult decision. Make sure that you understand all of your options to find the one that works best for you. For instance, palatial expanders can be used to create more space for your teeth by widening your smile rather than making it smaller. This is often the method of choice for those who are concerned about their appearance since it can also make your profile more aesthetically pleasing.

You can also choose to begin your orthodontic treatment without removing healthy teeth. Often, braces can be used to create more space in your mouth, and this option buys you more time to think about what you prefer. While you may still need to have a tooth removed later, seeing the reason why could give you more confidence.

At Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to love how you look. Always reach out to us with your questions so that we can help you understand the long-term impact of all of your options for treatment.

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

Dr. Jasmine Gorton, Dr. Bill Schmohl and Dr. Sona Bekmezian are the team behind the “WOW Smile” that Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics has become known for. As a Top 1% Provider (Aligntech) and #1 Marin Country Orthodontic practice, Drs. Gorton, Schmohl and Bekmezian focus on so much more than just your appearance goals. They bring to bear the very latest in cutting-edge orthodontic treatment in identifying how to deliver optimal oral health and a white, straight smile with the least treatment time and cost.

All three orthodontists are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. As a team, they are each and all together innovators who are active on the front lines of research, as well as teaching and mentoring the next generation of orthodontic practitioners and giving back to the community.

In Marin County, Calif., you can visit Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to have an examination and treatment from these professionals:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini

An orthodontist will discuss orthodontic options with you to repair problems such as crowded teeth, crossbites or overbites. Depending on your malocclusions, you can wear one of these devices:

• Retainers
• Invisalign
• WildSmiles
• Braces with colors
• Traditional or Damon Clear

We also offer WowSmiles and Acceledent options to our orthodontic patients. Schedule an appointmentby calling 415-459-8006 today.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle,Suite 200 Larkspur CA 94939 Tel: (415)-459-8006

At What Age Do [Baby Teeth] Normally Fall Out? 5

At What Age Do [Baby Teeth] Normally Fall Out?

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baby teethAt what Age do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?

Also known as deciduous or primary teeth, these are the first set of teeth in the human development and that of other diphyodont mammals. In most cases, they develop in the embryonic stage but become visible during infancy. Each baby tooth normally appears at a specific time. For example, the first upper central incisor erupts between 8 and 12 months while the lower first molar erupts when an infant is between 14 and 18 months.

Baby teeth are functional for years, and a child can be able to chew just about anything. They, however, start to fall out when the permanent teeth are ready to sprout. Just like each baby tooth appears at its own time, the falling out is also systematic and gradual. The last one usually falls out when a child is between ten and twelve years. The timeline for sprouting and shedding can, however, be different for some kids.

When do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

The average age when a baby tooth starts becoming loose is five or six years. Some children begin shedding theirs as early as four years while others start late at seven years. It is quite normal, so no parent should be alarmed. If you need further affirmation of this, you can visit the nearest orthodontist. They can clarify the matter and make you feel at ease with your child’s teeth shedding situation. You can tell your child’s tooth is loose when you notice them touching it quite a lot. A kid is more likely to tell their parent as soon as they realize they have a wiggly tooth.

The first tooth to fall out, which is normally the first one to also appear, is the lower central incisor. This happens when a child is around six or seven years. It is closely followed by the upper central incisor. These two incisors can start getting loose at the same time. Your child will be tempted to touch them all the time, so it is essential to encourage them to wash their hands before doing so. Touching teeth with dirty hands can promote the spread of bacteria in the mouth and even cause infections.

The lateral incisors; both upper and lower, are usually the next teeth to fall out. These too can loosen at the same time, or one will do so slightly earlier than the other one. It usually happens between seven and eight yrs. Observe your child and know the right time to take them to a specialist like an orthodontist for removal.

The next fall out are the first molars. These might make it hard for your child to eat, so put them on foods that are easy to chew. Also, discourage them from trying to yank them out themselves as a broken tooth might result in more problems. If it, however, happens, make sure you take them to a specialist.

Second molars are usually the last ones to fall out just like they are the last ones to erupt. They too can make it painful for your child to eat, so make sure whatever they consume is soft enough. Observe the degree of looseness and when you are sure they are ready to be pulled out, take them to an orthodontist. If you do not know when the right time is, you can still take them to the specialist as soon as they become wiggly to get an estimated time of when the orthodontist can remove them.

Preparation for Baby Teeth Falling Out

  • Avoid giving your child drinks that are too cold or too hot. Their loose teeth are sensitive at this particular point, so drinks that are at extreme temperatures may cause irritation or pain.
  • Remind your child not to yank out any loose teeth. Explain to them that doing so will result in the broken root being more vulnerable to infection, thus causing pain. Once they understand, they will be more careful when touching the wiggly tooth.
  • Start giving your child soft foods as soon as you realize they have a wobbly tooth. They may find it hard to chew hard food, and if they try too hard, the wiggly tooth may be yanked out.
  • If your child gets to about eight years without any teeth falling out, take them to an orthodontist just to ensure all is well. X-rays will be used to assess such as situation.
  • If a loose tooth fails to come out, take your child to a specialist who will pull it out using specific tools.

How to Pull Out a Tooth

If you are going to pull out your kid’s baby tooth without the help of a specialist, follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands with soap and rinse them well
  • Wiggle the loose tooth back and forth to make sure it is ready to come out
  • If it is ready, twist it slightly, and it will come out
  • Examine the gums to ensure no tooth remains are stuck in the area
  • If you notice any redness the following day or your child complains of pain, book an appointment with your orthodontist immediately

Conclusion

Do not ignore a loose tooth and also encourage your child to always speak up whenever they realize one is wobbly. If you notice your kid is scared about their teeth being pulled out, you will have to regularly check them until all of them are pulled out at the right time. Failure to remove wiggly baby teeth will result in the permanent teeth being crooked, a problem that your child may have to deal with even when they are adults.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006