Dr. Debasish Mridha is an author who wants to know if you have made someone smile today. If you don’t like to smile because your teeth are misaligned, then it is time to visit an orthodontist for a consultation. You might have only a small malocclusion of one tooth that is easy to fix with Invisalign aligners that are worn for one year or less. Alternatively, you may have major orthodontic problems, including crowding or an overbite. When you have serious malocclusions, you will need to wear braces for two to four years to shift your teeth into the correct positions.
You Can Smile While Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment
When you wear aligners, no one will notice the devices while you smile at them. Aligners are made of clear plastic so that other people can see your natural teeth. You are required to wear aligners for the majority of the day and night, but you can remove the devices to brush your teeth. However, if you are wearing metal brackets and wires, then other individuals can see the items easily. To prevent others from seeing your wires and brackets, you can choose lingual devices or ceramic color-matching brackets.
Call Our Orthodontic Facility Today
At Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics in Larkspur, Calif., you can request an appointment with an orthodontist. We have three experts working in our orthodontic facility, including:
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jeff Nichelini
We offer an assortment of orthodontic treatment options for children, teenagers or adults, including:
• Invisalign aligners – clear plastic devices that you can remove from your mouth
• Braces – colorful, ceramic or clear brackets and wires
• WildSmiles brackets – brackets in unique shapes such as stars and hearts
• Retainers – provided after your brackets and wires are removed
To schedule your first orthodontic appointment, contact us today at 415-459-8006.
An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in re-aligning teeth, such as moving crowded teeth apart or moving teeth that have a gap between them closer together. Moving, or straightening, teeth is accomplished with braces or Invisalign. If you need the services of a good orthodontist, there are several factors to look at. Consider the following:
Proper Training
The difference between an orthodontist and a regular dental professional is that the orthodontist has spent an additional two to three years honing his or her craft. Many have also gone to extra workshops to learn techniques like Invisalign or information about new orthodontic procedures and technology.
Consultation
Many orthodontists offer a free consultation which consists of an examination and a conversation between you and the orthodontist. The orthodontist discusses the work that needs to be done as well as the cost of the care. The orthodontist should allow time to answer questions and provide explanations about why the recommended treatment is necessary.
Good References
A good orthodontist will be able to put you in touch with other clients so you can talk to them about his or her services. Another way to get good references is to talk to family members or friends who have used an orthodontist. Ask him about his or her strong and weak areas. Ask them if they would use the services of that practice again.
Manner
Many people are nervous about dental procedures. Furthermore, your relationship with your orthodontist will last several months if not years. You want to find a professional who treats you with kindness and respect and who puts you at ease. One characteristic you may want to look for is empathy, or the ability to understand how others are feeling. Compassion is also a useful quality. During your consultation, pay attention to how you feel about the orthodontist. Are you comfortable talking to him or her? Does he or she put you at ease? If not, you may want to work with someone else.
Efficiency
Occasionally, your orthodontist will run late due to an emergency or meet the needs of another patient. On the whole, though, your orthodontist should keep to his or her schedule and see you at the appointed time. This is a matter of convenience as well of respect. If your orthodontist is habitually late, you may want to find another professional. Another option is to ask for an appointment early in the day before the orthodontist has time to fall behind.
Open About Finances
Your orthodontist should give you an estimate of cost during your initial consultation. He or she should also keep you up to date if anything changes during treatment. Most dental insurances do not cover orthodontic services, but it’s worth asking your orthodontist if he or she accepts any type of insurance. If you can’t afford all of your care at once, the orthodontist may be able to arrange for you to spread out your treatments and pay a little at a time.
Uses the Latest Technology
Orthodontics is an ever evolving field. For instance, do you remember the “train tracks” braces of the 1980s? Today, braces can be designed to match the color of your enamel so that they are practically invisible. A good orthodontist never stops learning. Not only does he or she go through an intense residency, he or she also attends continuing education classes. This ensures that you receive the most up-to-date options and treatment. It is also a positive if the office uses up to date electronics such as paperless billing.
Good Communicator
Each profession has its own lingo. Your orthodontist should be able to communicate in a language that is clear and that makes sense to you. If you don’t understand what your orthodontist says, ask him or her to explain further. Keep asking until you are sure you understand. Again, communication skills are something you can assess during the initial consultation.
Works Well with Children
Adults aren’t the only people who seek help from orthodontists. Children, too, sometimes need their teeth straightened. If you are looking for an orthodontist for your son or daughter, have your child sit with you during at least part of the consultation. Afterward, ask him or her about his or her opinion of the orthodontist. It may be a good idea to sit in on the first treatment or two to observe how the orthodontist interacts with your child.
Schedule a Consultation With an Orthodontist
In Larkspur, Calif., you can learn more about orthodontic treatments that will help you find your smile. Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics has a team of orthodontists who include:
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl
At our orthodontic facility, we provide treatments to children, teenagers, and adults with these devices:
• Braces – WildSmiles, traditional or ceramic
• Aligners – made by Invisalign
• Retainers – to keep your teeth in place
• Damon Clear – self-ligating devices
Our patients are treated using the Wow Smiles system that creates a unique smile for your face. Call us today at 415-459-8006 to schedule your first appointment.
What Makes a Good Orthodontist
Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200 Larkspur, California 94939
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pexels-photo-305568-1.jpeg426640Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2017-05-09 10:00:002019-09-24 10:06:34What Makes a Good Orthodontist
Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” – Yoko Ono
A gorgeous smile is an important asset that puts others at ease and lets them know that you care. Unfortunately, for people with misaligned teeth, that smile can be a tremendous source of embarrassment. Fortunately, an orthodontist can help.
Why You Should Straighten Your Teeth
Having straight teeth dramatically improves your appearance. Most people visit an orthodontist because they want to achieve an attractive and healthy-looking smile.
However, achieving straight teeth isn’t just about aesthetics. If teeth are misaligned, it’s more difficult to maintain good oral health. When teeth are crooked or crowded, they become harder to clean. Therefore, by getting your teeth straightened, you can protect the health of your teeth by preventing cavities, gum disease, and other common oral problems.
Straightening Methods
Over the last couple of decades, the world of orthodontic technology has advanced enormously. Today, there is a variety of straightening options available.
Invisalign
One of the most popular straightening methods is Invisalign thanks to its invisible nature. Because Invisalign uses clear plastic trays instead of metal devices, patients can straighten their teeth in a virtually invisible way.
Plus, Invisalign treatment is extremely convenient. Patients can easily take their Invisalign trays out in order to drink, eat, floss and brush their teeth. Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. Every two weeks, you’ll switch out your pair of trays for the next pair in the series until you have finally achieved straight teeth.
Damon Braces
Also known as self-litigating braces, this method straightens teeth quickly and effectively. These braces are made up of brackets and wires that are attached to the teeth with a bonding material. Unlike traditional braces, they require no elastics. Damon braces are also less noticeable than traditional braces thanks to the smaller brackets and thinner wires.
About Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
Here at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics, we are dedicating to earning our patients’ respect and trust – and keeping it! Founding partners Dr. Jasmine Gorton and Dr. Bill Schmohl are each board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary certification just 35 percent of orthodontists nationwide currently hold.
We proudly offer the latest technological advances in orthodontic care, including the Damon Clear Braces system, Invisalign and Braces with Colors for kids and teens. Our practice philosophy focuses on maintaining the health of permanent teeth from a very early age, minimizing the need for extractions and invasive surgery later in life.
To make an appointment, please contact us at 415-459-8006 or complete our online contact form.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Marin2-April2017-1.jpg600800Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2017-04-20 10:00:002019-09-24 10:05:49Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” – Yoko Ono
Can you still get braces if you have fillings? When you visit an orthodontist, this professional is concerned with straightening your teeth. They don’t perform standard dental procedures so your first visit to an orthodontic office could be when you’re an adult. If you’re concerned about your dental work interfering with the braces, learn a little bit more about the oral cavity. In short, it’s possible to straighten your teeth with fillings already in your mouth.
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/5-heather.jpg300450Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2019-09-05 10:00:002019-09-05 15:17:08I Have Fillings (Can I Still Get Braces?)
Will having teeth removed ruin my face? Nobody wants to have to undergo a tooth extraction. But in some cases, an injury, structural issue, or recurring infection may make taking out a tooth necessary. However, if you or your child is facing down the possibility of a tooth extraction, you may be concerned about long-term damage. After all, many people have heard that having one or more teeth extracted can cause changes in your facial bone structure. And while this is a distinct possibility, the issue is a bit more complex than that.
Wearing Braces and Pregnancy: Can I Wear Braces If I’m Pregnant? – Age does not matter; an image is everything, or so goes a cliché. It can never be too late to have a perfect smile or to go for improved dental health. However, many women of child-bearing age often wonder whether it is ok for them to wear braces while they are pregnant.
Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?
If you’re about to birth a new baby in a couple of months, then you shouldn’t ignore the condition of your teeth and gums as you’re carrying your child. When you’re pregnant, your hormone levels will change drastically, which could lead to bad breath, excess saliva, and loosened teeth. But what many women don’t know is that you can continue or start orthodontic treatment while you are with child. Some soon-to-be mothers might worry about medical images being taken of their face and mouth while they’re pregnant. But orthodontic practices have protective shields that can get placed over a pregnant woman’s stomach so that she and her baby don’t get exposed to radiation.
FAQ
Should You Always Let Your Orthodontist Know That You’re Pregnant?
Before your orthodontist can plan your treatment, they will need to know if you are pregnant or are planning to be shortly. For example, when a pregnant woman gains a lot of weight, the size of her face and mouth will change. When this shift occurs, an orthodontic dental hygienist can make a brand new mold of your mouth and teeth. If you’re pregnant and wearing braces, you might have to visit your orthodontist more often to get the wires on your braces adjusted. This task will need to happen because your body weight will fluctuate during this time.
Should You Talk To Your Obstetrician About Your Orthodontic Treatment?
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, discuss this plan with your obstetrician first. Even if you didn’t have any problem with your teeth or gums before your pregnancy, some soon-to-be mothers have issues with inflammation in their mouth. This inflammation can cause gingivitis or your teeth to change positions rapidly. If you wore braces or aligners before you were pregnant, you wouldn’t need to get them removed in the event of pregnancy. If you started to wear orthodontic devices, you should continue to do so throughout your pregnancy. Then you can stop your teeth from returning to the incorrect position in your mouth.
How Can You Decrease Your Time In Orthodontic Treatment?
If you’re concerned about the time that it will take to visit your orthodontist, there are a couple of things you can do to make things easier on you and your family. Every day, new orthodontic devices come on the market that reduces overall treatment time. Many orthodontic centers also use software to make orthodontia. This type of technology helps you get straight teeth faster. Your orthodontic office’s staff can work with you so that you get seen at the same time as your children. You can also plan your visits to your obstetrician and orthodontist on the same day.
How Can Orthodontic Treatment Improve Your Dental Health?
Wearing braces can not only improve the health of your smile. Did you know that it can also make it easier for you to eat healthily? For example, if you have always had issues with chewing, orthodontic treatment can make it a lot easier for you to consume food with a lot of nutrients. If you want to breastfeed your baby, wearing braces during your pregnancy can cause you to develop better eating habits. When you eat foods high in protein, as well as fruits and vegetables, you can make more breast milk for your infant.
What About Medications and Orthodontic Treatment?
If you’re worried about taking medications as you’re undergoing orthodontic treatments, know that you’ll never have to undergo any surgery or anesthesia to get braces. However, you could experience some discomfort in your gums from the wires. Your orthodontist can recommend some soothing gels that won’t cause any danger to you or the baby. The majority of pregnant women will need to use Invisalign aligners as they only have minor dental issues. These aligners won’t cause you any pain, and you can quickly take care of them.
Should You Start Orthodontic Treatment Before The Baby Is Born?
Before you think you’re too busy to visit the orthodontist now, imagine how busy you’ll be when you’re taking care of a toddler. If you start your orthodontic treatment while you’re pregnant, your orthodontist can probably remove your braces before your child becomes a toddler. If you want to put several pregnancies close together, don’t hesitate to get orthodontic treatment as your malocclusions could get worse over time.
How Do Your Handle Orthodontic Treatment and Emergencies While Pregnant?
If you have gum disease which is causing your teeth to loosen, visit your orthodontist right away. Your orthodontist can stabilize the affected teeth. Your orthodontist can work with a periodontist (a dentist who works exclusively with gums) to remove any infections that can cause you to lose teeth from gingivitis.
If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment for you or your children, or just want to see what our talented staff can do for your smile, call, visit, or email our office. A member of our staff can discuss our services and how they can positively affect your smile and dental health.
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.
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.
Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?
Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200,
Larkspur, California 94939
415-459-8006
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1.jpeg426640Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2018-06-28 10:00:002019-07-14 17:47:07Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?
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.
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
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/pexels-photo-305564-1.jpeg12531880Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2018-06-14 10:00:002019-07-14 17:45:49Is All Orthodontic Treatment The Same?
Can 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.
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
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/pexels-photo-305565.jpeg347640Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2018-06-07 10:00:002019-07-14 17:44:44Can Lasers Make Your Orthodontic Treatment Faster?
Three Reasons Your Orthodontic Braces Are Still On
One of the worst parts about having braces is not the pain necessarily as much as it is the time. After your kids receive their braces, the next question they will most likely ask is, “When do I get these off?” Unfortunately, they usually don’t like the answer.
One way to help stave off the potential disappointment you may see in their faces is to explain to them the benefits of having braces in the first place. Telling them that their smile will become clearer and their teeth healthier should make them feel better.
In addition, try to remind them of why they have braces in the first place. Particularly if they have to have them on for an extended amount of time, they may be confused as to why. If that arises, here are a few reasons you can tell them.
1. Your Treatment Plan Doesn’t Align With What’s Happening In Your Mouth
Generally speaking, orthodontist visits are around once a month – possibly more, if the orthodontist feels they’re necessary. Between visits, however, things can happen inside your mouth that prolong the amount of time the braces will have to stay on, such as wisdom teeth coming in or a cavity inside one of the teeth. In some cases, a tooth that needed to be extracted and wasn’t will push into the braces and cause them to fall out of alignment. This can delay the process considerably as the doctor will then need to take care of the issue and reset the braces.
Make sure you tell your orthodontist whenever you notice something out of place. Next to your child, you’re the one who sees their mouth more than anyone else, so ask questions and remind them to tell you if they feel something strange. The second they communicate something remotely noteworthy – even if you think it’s nothing – call your orthodontist to communicate what happened.
Here are a few other things you can do to help ensure your child’s schedule stays on track:
Never skip appointments. If you have to skip, for whatever reason, call as soon as you know and try to get another appointment as close to the original as you can.
Schedule your appointments somewhat close together. Any more than a month or two between appointments is too long for your orthodontist to stay on top of your progress unless they specifically say otherwise.
Follow the instructions that the orthodontist gives you in the take-home packet. Make sure you’re wearing your rubber bands, avoiding difficult candy, or anything else they’ve advised.
Be on time for all appointments. If you’re late, the doctor may have to push you back a little bit to make time for other appointments, or even reschedule if it gets too bad
Do all work on time. If your orthodontist says something needs to be removed or fixed, get it done as quickly as possible.
2. How Well Your Child’s Mouth Takes to the Braces
Not everyone reacts to braces the same way. Some people’s teeth move freely, shortening the amount of time the braces will have to stay on, while others’ are more stubborn, prolonging the treatment indefinitely. When an orthodontist tells you that it will take a certain amount of time, they are making the best approximation of that timeline based on what they see in your child’s mouth and their experience dealing with other patients.
Still, problems can crop up during the treatment that also lengthens the amount of time braces could stay on. Ankylosis, for example, is a condition that keeps your teeth from moving as much, which normally would be a good thing except it combats the very thing that braces are trying to accomplish. TMJ problems can be caused by arthritis and can also inhibit progress.
Ultimately, it boils down to how well your child’s body responds to the treatment, which can change wildly from person to person. Although your orthodontist may suggest a timetable of six to twelve months, if they expect at the outset that it will take longer, be prepared to wait at least that amount.
3. The Original Plan May Be For Longer Than Normal
What looks abnormal to you and your child may just be the plan all along according to your orthodontist. During the initial evaluation, your orthodontist will examine the jaw structure, teeth strength, and other factors to determine how long the braces should stay on. They will need to gather as much data as possible to make an approximation, but it could be longer depending on what they see.
Keep in mind too that when your orthodontist is making their evaluation about your child’s braces, they are not only trying to correct smiles and straighten teeth, they’re also looking to offset long-term health issues that they see may be a problem down the road. For that reason, the timetable can fluctuate, but as long as you’re doing what you’re supposed to in regards to your children’s teeth, your orthodontist will keep up their end of the bargain as well and help create a beautiful smile.
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.
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
https://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kyle-loftus-590869-unsplash-1.jpg14602190Dr Gortonhttps://marinortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-bird-on-side-300x78.pngDr Gorton2018-05-24 10:00:002019-07-14 17:42:30Three Reasons Your Orthodontic Braces Are Still On
Have you made someone smile today? - Debasish Mridha
