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What Age is Best for Braces?

March 25, 2022

When most people think of the right age for braces, they assume that the teenage years are the right age. While you may see more teens or pre-teens with braces, they can also be used to treat dental issues in younger children and adults.

Even though adolescence can be the ideal time for braces, orthodontic care is a flexible and versatile treatment that can correct misalignments, fix spacing issues, and create a confident smile at any age.+

What is the Recommended Age for Braces?

The best age for braces is often considered to be early adolescence. This is between the ages of 10 and 14. This is typically the ideal age for braces because, at this point, pre-teens and teenagers have nearly all of their adult teeth in place. Additionally, their jawbone is softer and will be very responsive to the repositioning set forth by the braces.

The best age for braces will vary between children and depends on two factors:

Scope of their treatment
Whether or not most/all of their adult teeth have erupted.

Most commonly, braces have the best effect if applied after your child has lost all of their primary teeth but not prior to when their second molars come in. This occurs around the ages of 11 and 13.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment is any care applied to your child’s teeth before their adult teeth erupt. Early intervention, between the ages of 7-10 years old, is used to resolve easily fixed alignment and spacing issues. This treatment helps to make wearing full braces more effective and efficient.

With early orthodontic treatment, your child may wear a retainer, a growth modifying appliance, a palatal expander, or partial braces.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should be seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7, long before they are old enough for braces.

Having your child examined at an earlier age means Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics can identify any jaw problems or bite misalignments early on. This will allow us to address these issues with early intervention orthodontic treatment. Early orthodontic treatment helps set your child up for faster and more efficient orthodontic treatment later.

Early orthodontic treatment will help save you money and shorten your child’s required treatment time overall by correcting underlying structural issues, allowing braces to straighten teeth and fix alignment more efficiently.

Braces for Adults

According to the AAO, adults account for 20% of orthodontic patients. While getting braces tends to be an easier and faster experience for adolescents, there are many benefits for adults who receive orthodontic treatment.

Many adults get braces to gain a straighter, more confident smile, but there are various other benefits to having your teeth straightened and your jaw properly aligned. Benefits include:

Healthier Teeth

Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to keep clean, but you can improve spacing and straighten your teeth with braces. This will make it easier to clean them and remove plaque, protecting you against gum disease, tooth loss, and tooth decay.

More Confident Smile

With straighter teeth, you will regain confidence in your smile. Braces will help create a beautiful, healthy smile you will want to share with the world!

Improved Functionality

If you suffer from bite alignment issues, braces can correct these problems resulting in healthier, more functional teeth and gums. Braces can also help make eating and speaking easier by properly aligning your teeth.

It is essential to remember that adults have harder jawbone tissues, making orthodontic treatment more involved. At Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics, we will work with you to create an orthodontic treatment plan that will improve your bite alignment, straighten your teeth, and make it easier to care for your teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment in McMurray

At Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options for patients of all ages. From braces to Invisalign, we have the treatment you need to create a beautiful smile! Contact us today to learn more!

The post What Age is Best for Braces? appeared first on Severns Dentistry and Orthodontics.

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Author: Natalie Severns, DMD

Upon graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Severns specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She then did an externship in London, England, at the prestigious Guy’s Hospital. At this hospital, she learned top therapies in Dentofacial Orthopedics to provide her patients with the best possible facial esthetics.

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What Causes Teeth Sensitivity and How to Manage It?

December 23, 2024

Tooth sensitivity can be a frustrating and painful experience, often triggered by everyday activities like eating, drinking, or even brushing. For many, the sharp, temporary discomfort can feel like a mystery, leaving them unsure of how to find relief. Understanding the causes and treatment options for tooth sensitivity is the first step toward a pain-free smile. At Severns Dentistry, we provide comprehensive care to address dental concerns, including tooth sensitivity, and our team is here to help you manage this common condition. If you’re seeking expert dental care or need an orthodontist in McMurray, we’re here to ensure your oral health remains a top priority. Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity , occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth (dentin) becomes exposed. This can happen for several reasons: 1. Enamel Erosion The enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth. When it wears down due to aggressive brushing, acidic foods, or teeth grinding, the dentin underneath becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity. 2. Receding Gums Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, which lack protective enamel, making them more vulnerable to sensitivity. 3. Tooth Decay and Cavities Damaged or decayed areas of your teeth can create pathways to the nerve endings in the dentin, resulting in sensitivity. 4. Cracked or Chipped Teeth Cracks or chips in a tooth can expose the dentin or even the inner pulp, causing sensitivity and sometimes severe pain. 5. Post-Orthodontic Treatment Sensitivity After orthodontic adjustments or treatments, some patients experience temporary sensitivity as their teeth and jaw adapt to new alignments. 6. Acidic Foods and Beverages Frequent consumption of citrus fruits, soda, and other acidic items can erode enamel and increase sensitivity. 7. Teeth Whitening Products Some over-the-counter whitening treatments can temporarily irritate the teeth, especially if the enamel is already compromised. How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity Managing tooth sensitivity often begins with identifying and addressing the root cause. Here are some tips and treatment options to help alleviate discomfort: 1. Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste Toothpastes specifically formulated for sensitive teeth can block the pathways that lead to nerves, reducing sensitivity over time. Brands like Sensodyne are popular for this purpose. 2. Practice Gentle Brushing Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions when brushing. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can wear down enamel and irritate gums. 3. Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks Reducing your intake of acidic items can help prevent further enamel erosion. Drinking through a straw can minimize contact with your teeth, and rinsing with water afterward can neutralize acids. 4. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other issues that contribute to sensitivity. 5. Dental Sealants or Bonding For exposed dentin or worn enamel, your dentist may recommend sealants or bonding materials to protect sensitive areas. 6. Fluoride Treatments Professional fluoride applications can strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity. 7. Address Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) If grinding your teeth at night is causing sensitivity, your dentist may recommend a custom mouthguard to protect your enamel. 8. Orthodontic Care For those dealing with misalignment or jaw issues contributing to sensitivity, consulting an orthodontist in McMurray can provide long-term relief and improve overall dental health. When to See a Dentist If your tooth sensitivity persists or worsens despite at-home care, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dental professional. Severe or ongoing sensitivity can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as: Advanced gum disease Deep decay or infection Significant enamel loss At Severns Dentistry, we offer personalized treatment plans to address sensitivity and improve your oral health. From preventive care to advanced solutions like sealants and orthodontic treatments, our team is equipped to help. How Orthodontics Can Help with Sensitivity Misaligned teeth or bite issues can contribute to uneven wear on enamel, gum recession, and increased sensitivity. Working with an orthodontist in McMurray can correct these issues, reducing sensitivity and preventing further damage. Treatments like braces or aligners can also improve overall oral health by making teeth easier to clean and less prone to decay or gum problems. Preventing Tooth Sensitivity While tooth sensitivity can often be managed, prevention is always the best approach. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth healthy and sensitivity-free: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. Visit your dentist or orthodontist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Trust Severns Dentistry for Your Dental Needs If you’re struggling with tooth sensitivity or need orthodontic care, the team at Severns Dentistry is here to help. We offer comprehensive dental services, including expert care from an orthodontist in McMurray, to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong. Schedule an appointment with Severns Dentistry to learn more about managing tooth sensitivity and improving your oral health. Let us help you smile with confidence!