Moms these days have many hats to wear: cook, chauffeur, tutor, personal assistant, maid, party planner, secretary, coach…this list goes on and on! Here at Bennett Orthodontics, we know how much is involved in keeping up with your family’s weekly schedule, and we salute your skill in keeping everything running smoothly most of the time. When it comes to caring for your child’s smile, though, we encourage you to take a well-deserved break and sit this one out!
You may be able to balance work, school, and extracurriculars like a total pro, but your child’s oral health requires the professional guidance of an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Todd Bennett. Not everyone is aware of all the extra education and training an orthodontist must complete after dental school. As a highly-trained specialist in tooth movement, facial growth, and dental development, Dr. Bennett has years of experience building beautiful smiles for patients of all ages.
You may not be an expert in orthodontics, but with a skilled professional like Dr. Bennett on your side, you don’t have to be! Orthodontic treatment is a big investment in your child’s oral health, and we value the trust you and your family have placed in us. We always want you to feel fully confident in your child’s orthodontic journey, so keep reading below for more information on what you should before embarking on this adventure together!
Children should receive an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7
Although orthodontics tends to be associated with teens in braces, treatment can actually benefit patients of all ages, including children. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child has their first orthodontic exam by about the age of 7.
Some parents are confused by this recommendation since children that young still have developing mouths and lots of baby teeth left. But that’s actually the point—when we’re able to observe a child’s mouth at this age, it gives us the chance to catch potential problems before they have the chance to become more serious. This can reduce or even eliminate a negative impact on your child’s permanent teeth and bite as they grow.
We treat many young patients here at Bennett Orthodontics, and that has allowed us to see up close and personal the positive difference preventive care can make. By starting treatment at the right time for a patient, we can give them a great head start on oral health and a lasting smile! Even though most younger kids won’t require any active treatment at first, an early exam gives us an idea of whether it will likely later on, and if so, when it would be most beneficial to begin.
Pick an orthodontic practice you both enjoy
Regular check-ups are a vital part of any orthodontic process. Depending on the type of appliance they have and their specific treatment plan, you can expect to be seen in our Mobile office every 4-8 weeks or so. Since your family will be spending quite a bit of time here, it’s important to us that you feel welcomed! We’ve worked hard to make our waiting and treatment areas clean, comfortable, and relaxing. We’re also passionate about keeping our office up to date on the latest technology and treatments available. This allows us to offer our patients the very best in high-quality customized care.
Multiple treatment options are available
Here at Bennett Orthodontics, we combine cutting-edge techniques, state-of-the-art equipment, and personalized treatment plans for exceptional results. We offer the following treatment options in our offices.
Traditional metal braces
These are the braces most people are familiar with. They’re generally made of high-grade stainless steel, and straighten the teeth using a system of brackets, wires, and bands. Recent improvements in orthodontic technology mean that today’s braces are more comfortable and customizable than ever before!
Clear braces
Ceramic braces, sometimes referred to as clear braces, function in the same way metal braces do. However, they are composed of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they are less visible than traditional braces, they’re popular with older teens and adult patients who are image-conscious. They do tend to be larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
Invisalign is a removable orthodontic appliance that uses a series of invisible aligners to straighten the teeth. Because the aligners are clear and can be removed, patients can eat and drink as they normally would, plus brushing and flossing effectively is easier to achieve. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly but comfortably over the patient’s own teeth.
Orthodontic treatment goes beyond a straight smile
Sure, your child will get a straighter smile out of their orthodontic treatment. But that’s not all orthodontics is about! Issues like crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, and overbites go beyond simple cosmetic concerns, and can affect a patient’s overall oral health as well. An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Bennett is able to address and correct a wide range of issues, leaving your child with a straighter smile and a mouth that is fully functional.
Straight teeth aren’t the only indicator of a healthy smile, so orthodontists must learn how to diagnose, prevent, and correct teeth and jaws that are malpositioned. Dr. Bennett can catch any impacted, missing, or crowded teeth that may otherwise go unnoticed by examining a patient’s mouth along with the movement of their jaw and the development of their teeth. This lets us correct problems before they have the chance to become more complicated.
Treatment times vary from patient to patient
Because every smile is unique, there’s no “one size fits all” answer to how long a patient will need to be in braces or aligners. Every patient responds to treatment in their own way, and the length of time that your child will need depends on several factors, including their specific case, the severity of the problem, their oral health, and how compliant they are. In general, however, braces tend to be worn for about 12-24 months on average, while Invisalign treatment usually lasts about 12-18 months.
Give your child the gift of a smile from Bennett Orthodontics
We know that moms want nothing but the best for their kids, including a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles! If you have a young child ready for their first evaluation, we’d love to meet you both and take a look at how their mouth is developing. Take the first step towards finding your child’s best smile by contacting us today for a FREE consultation!
