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A common statement I hear in my office is that "our dentist told us to wait until all the baby teeth fall out before getting braces." Another is "I didn't want to bring my child in for an appointment yet because I know they still have baby teeth". I have blogged before about phase 1 orthodontics and my, along with the American Association of Orthodontists recommendation that all children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Sometimes there are problems that can only be corrected at an early age, or that if left unaddressed early, would make treatment later on much more difficult, lengthy or leave a child with a psychosocial concern with their teeth through the adolescent and teenage years. What about when teens still have baby teeth? Here, I will answer some common questions about teens and baby teeth.

When performing an orthodontic exam, one of the first things I do is count the teeth. Are all of the teeth that should be present actually there and are there any teeth that should not be present that are present. Typically the baby teeth are all gone by age 12. If a patient is past the age of 12 and still have baby teeth, this is a signal that either something is wrong or there is a delay in tooth development. As their name suggests, the 12 year molars should be in by age 12. Additionally, if there is a baby tooth on one side but all of the other three baby teeth are gone, this is a signal that something may be wrong and further evaluation needed. These things are all a part of my diagnosis. I have seen countless patients the age of 13-18 and even older with baby teeth present that the dentist never told them should not be there or that they were "waiting for the last baby tooth out to do Invisalign" only to find out that they have several impacted teeth and their orthodontic issues are more involved than they had thought.

While for phase 2, or single phase treatment I typically like to begin when all of the baby teeth are gone, there are some times that may indicate beginning early. A main indication for this is if there is a tooth that is stuck, or impacted. In these cases sometimes I prefer to begin create space for a tooth that is crowded out in hopes of avoiding the need for a future surgery to bring this tooth in. Another reason is that sometimes, patients are congenitally missing(born without) certain adult teeth and the orthodontic plan is to keep the baby teeth as long as possible. In these situations, we will start treatment with baby teeth still present.

Sometimes, when a patient comes to my office, there are baby teeth still present that should have come out already. In these situation, sometimes the baby teeth need to be removed. This depends on the patients age, the position of the baby teeth and their replacements as well as the mobility of the baby teeth. If a tooth that should have fallen out at age 11 is still present at age 15 and is not loose, I will often advise removing the baby tooth before beginning treatment.

In summary, when to begin treatment depends on several factors determined by a specialist in orthodontics. While a dentist can be great at cleaning the teeth and filling cavities, they lack the background training and knowledge in tooth eruption, growth and development, and orthodontics to make orthodontic advisement, let alone treatment. While I typically like to begin comprehensive treatment when all of the baby teeth have been lost, there are several situations in which it may be best to start treatment earlier. The best way to find out what is best for your and your family is to contact your orthodontist for a complimentary consultation.

A common question I receive from patients, especially those who are active in sports, is whether they can continue playing while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces or Clear Aligners. It's a valid concern, as both braces and Clear represent significant investments in time and money, and nobody wants their active lifestyle to be hindered by their orthodontic appliances. In this blog post, we'll explore the compatibility of braces and Invisalign with various sports and offer tips for maintaining both your smile and your game.

Braces and Sports:
Let's start with traditional braces. Many patients worry that the brackets and wires will interfere with their ability to play sports comfortably or safely. While there may be an adjustment period as you get used to your braces, most sports can still be played with proper precautions.

Contact sports like football, basketball, and soccer pose a higher risk of injury, so it's essential to wear a mouthguard that will fit over your braces.

For non-contact sports like running, swimming, or cycling, braces typically don't pose as much of a concern. However, it's still crucial to be mindful of any discomfort or irritation caused by the braces, especially during vigorous physical activity.

Clear Aligners and Sports:
Clear aligners offer a more flexible option for athletes, as the aligners can be removed during sports activities. This means you can continue to play without worrying about the brackets and wires of traditional braces and offer a much more comfortable and convienient option for aligning the teeth and bite. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, always remember to wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day, even on game days. Consistency is key to achieving the desired results within the estimated treatment time.

Secondly, be sure to store your aligners safely during sports activities. Invest in a sturdy case to protect them from damage or loss while you're on the field or court.

Lastly, maintain good oral hygiene practices, especially after removing your aligners. Brushing and flossing after meals or snacks before reinserting your aligners will help prevent cavities and keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.

General Tips for Athletes with Braces or Clear Aligners:
Regardless of whether you have braces or clear aligners, there are some universal tips to help you stay on top of your game while maintaining your orthodontic treatment:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you're wearing braces, as it can help alleviate any discomfort caused by the appliances.
Choose braces-friendly foods: Patients with braces should avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage your braces or get stuck in your aligners.
Keep up with your appointments: Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are essential for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Communicate with your orthodontist: If you have any concerns or experience any issues related to your treatment and sports activities, don't hesitate to reach out to your orthodontic team for guidance and support.

Having braces or clear aligners doesn't mean you have to sit on the sidelines when it comes to sports. With proper precautions and a proactive approach to your orthodontic treatment, you can continue to pursue your athletic passions while achieving the smile of your dreams. Remember to prioritize both your oral health and your athletic performance, and don't hesitate to consult with your orthodontist if you have any questions or concerns along the way.

In the pursuit of a straighter, more confident smile, individuals today are presented with many different treatment options. From traditional metal braces to innovative aligner treatments, the landscape of orthodontic care has evolved significantly. Among these choices, two prominent paths emerge: seeking treatment from an orthodontic specialist, seeking treatment from a general dentist performing orthodontic specialty work, or opting for direct-to-consumer aligner products when patients are. While both avenues promise results, the distinction between them is substantial and warrants careful consideration. In this blog post I will go into some of the critical differences between these two approaches.

or the purposes of this blog, a Direct-to Consumer aligner company is one where you taking impressions of your own teeth and send it in to get aligners for your teeth without the intervention of a dental professional or you visit a "Scan Shop" where a representative will take some type of model of your teeth and you will be sent aligners to straighten your teeth.

At Strouse Orthodontics, I design every aligner treatment plan that we provide our patients. First comes a complete diagnosis of your face, your jaws, and your teeth, the presentation of treatment options, and a final custom treatment plan to address your specific situation.

Aligner design requires an understanding of 1) the patient’s final goals, 2) the sequence and speed of tooth movements, 3) the biomechanics(how the teeth move) that must be built in the prescription to achieve the desired results, and 4) the additional features that are required for difficult tooth movements. Most direct-to-consumer aligners as designed by computer algorithms and then approved by “dental professionals.” Although there may be a dentist’s name on the aligner packaging, he or she had nothing to do with designing your aligners. General dentists(non orthodontic specialists) often do the same, doing little to no analysis or modifications to a patients treatment plan. There are several issues that can occur with a Direct-to Consumer Orthodontic plan.

No Visits

A huge selling point for DTC aligners is that no orthodontic visits are necessary. However, this is also the biggest red flag. You won’t see a orthodontist or even a dental professional at any point in the process. It may not seem like it, but moving your teeth into more optimal positions will impact your entire mouth. Even in simple cases, straightening the teeth will affect the health of your teeth as well as the gums, bones and roots. An orthodontist is trained to ensure all of these are healthy before and during the treatment process to produce safe movement of the teeth.

No Attachments

With Direct To Consumer "Orthodontics" no attachments are placed on the teeth. This is because there is no involvement of a dental professional. Due to the shapes of teeth, as well as the tooth movement being completed, there may be a need for tooth-colored attachments made of dental composite be attached to your teeth. Patients are not able to bond attachments to their own teeth. While there are some tooth movements can be occur without them, there are many tooth movements that may not be able to be predictably achieved without attachments.

Your Teeth Might Not Move the Way They Should
It is important that the teeth move the way the the orthodontist is intending over the course of treatment. If there are problems with how the teeth are movement for any reason(lack of attachments, wrong staging of tooth movements, wrong speed of tooth movement, poor compliance with aligner wear), with a Direct To Consumer Company, there is no way to have your progress evaluated. With an orthodontic specialist, you will be able to have your progress evaluated and be given instructions for how to handle a problem that arises during treatment.

No Rubber Bands

Both braces and aligners can both be straighten the top and bottom teeth individually. When modifications with the bite are needed in the bite however, orthodontists typically prescribe rubber bands connected between the top and bottom teeth to make these changes. Direct-to-consumer companies do not utilize rubber bands with their treatment. Furthermore, they typically have consumers sign a waiver that they understand that the aligners from their company will not improve their bite. This is similar with orthodontic treatment with a general dentist. While they are able to prescribe rubber band wear, they often lack the orthodontic knowledge to correct more advanced malocclusions, sometimes without informing the patient there are any bite issues present at all.

By seeing a specialist in orthodontics for orthodontic care(braces, Invisalign), you can feel confident that an expert is prescribing, planning and monitoring your care. An orthodontist will be able to monitor your teeth, discuss treatment goals, review various options for treatment and be able to provide the necessary in office adjustments that are not possible with a Direct-to-Consumer aligner company. You only get one set of teeth. Trust your smile to an orthodontic specialist.

As you delve into the world of orthodontic treatment, understanding the financial aspects is just as crucial as understanding the clinical ones. While the cost of treatment can vary significantly based on the complexity of your case and other factors, it’s essential to consider additional factors that may affect your out-of-pocket expenses.

Insurance Coverage and Financing: Navigating Your Benefits and Making Treatment Affordable

For many patients, insurance coverage and financing options play a significant role in making orthodontic treatment more accessible.

Insurance Coverage: Some dental insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage, which can help offset a portion of the expenses. However, it’s important to note that coverage levels and limitations vary widely among insurance providers and individual plans.

Before beginning treatment, it’s advisable to review your insurance policy to understand the extent of your orthodontic coverage. Your orthodontist’s office can also assist you in navigating your benefits and determining how they apply to your treatment plan. While insurance coverage can help reduce costs, it’s essential to be aware of any deductibles, copayments, or exclusions that may apply.

Financing Options: For patients concerned about the financial aspect of orthodontic treatment, many orthodontic practices offer flexible financing options to make treatment more accessible. Interest-free financing plans allow you to spread the cost of treatment over manageable monthly payments, making it easier to fit orthodontic care into your budget.

Orthodontic financing plans typically offer competitive terms and can be customized to suit your individual needs. By taking advantage of these financing options, you can focus on achieving your dream smile without worrying about the upfront financial burden.

Consultation: Your First Step

Before diving into the specifics of cost, the first step in your orthodontic journey is a consultation with a qualified orthodontist. During this initial appointment, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and overall oral health to assess your individual needs.

The consultation allows the orthodontist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your specific concerns. It also provides an opportunity to discuss your treatment goals, ask any questions you may have, and address any financial considerations.

Understanding Phase One Orthodontics

Phase one orthodontics, also known as early or interceptive orthodontic treatment, is aimed at addressing orthodontic issues in children at a younger age, typically between the ages of 7 and 10. This early intervention helps guide the growth and development of the jaws, creating a more favorable environment for the eruption of permanent teeth and correcting certain bite problems.

The cost of phase one orthodontics can vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and the specific needs of the child. While it typically ranges between $2000 and $4500, it’s essential to consult with your orthodontist to get an accurate estimate based on your child’s individual case.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment, often referred to as full treatment, is typically initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, usually around the ages of 11 to 13. This phase of treatment focuses on achieving optimal alignment of the teeth and bite, resulting in a straighter, healthier smile.

The cost of comprehensive orthodontic treatment also varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the type of braces or aligners used, and the duration of treatment. On average, comprehensive treatment ranges between $5000 and $7000. However, it’s important to remember that this is just a general estimate, and the actual cost may differ based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment is a valuable investment in your oral health and overall well-being. While cost is undoubtedly a consideration, it’s essential to prioritize quality care and the expertise of a qualified orthodontist. Your orthodontist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your budget, ensuring you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the financial aspects of treatment. With the right guidance and support, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted while staying within your budget. Remember, the first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss your options and get started on your journey to a confident, beautiful smile.