 |
benefits of orthodontics
Every day Dr. Lynskey is asked "who and when can someone
benefit from orthodontics?" The following links can provide you
with an idea if orthodontic therapy is right for you or your
child.
The Personal Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Straight Teeth and Jaws = Confidence and Self-Esteem
Although there are many compelling reasons for considering
orthodontic treatment, how you feel about how your teeth look is
one of the greatest incentives. When you feel unattractive because
of crooked teeth or jaws, you may become self-conscious;
preoccupied by your appearance. You may cover your mouth when
talking or smiling, or hide your face by bowing your head and not
maintaining eye contact.
Orthodontic treatment can improve both your dental health and
facial appearance, boosting your self-esteem , and quality of
life. And often, patients feel more confident well before
treatment is complete!
With an attractive smile, you can face your career and personal
relationships with confidence!
Orthodontics…It's not just for teenagers anymore!
Now, more than ever, orthodontic treatment can benefit people
of all ages. More and more adults are choosing orthodontics to
correct their smiles and improve their confidence. And adults can
benefit from modern advances in orthodontic technology - less
visible braces, removable "aligners" to straighten
teeth, and space-age wires requiring less frequent patient visits.
At the same time, young children can benefit from early
detection of potential bite problems. Early (interceptive, Phase
I) orthodontic treatment can help guide teeth and jaw development
during the growing years. In addition to preventing serious
problems from developing, interceptive treatment can reduce the
risk of future permanent tooth removal, resulting in treatment at
a later stage (Phase 2) shorter and/or less complicated. It is for
these reasons that the American Association of Orthodontists
recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no
later than age 7.
Back to top
Your Child's First Orthodontic Check-up/ Age 7
- A Year To Remember
Most parents can agree that seeing a great big smile on their
child's face is priceless. But making that smile bright and healthy
requires hard work. Early childhood is the best time to lay the
foundation for a lifetime of good dental habits. The American
Dental Association recommends that all children visit their family
dentist or pediatric dentist by his or her 1st birthday. At this
time, baby (primary) teeth are growing into the mouth, requiring
cleansing and evaluation. Your family, or pediatric, dentist can
watch how the teeth and jaws are developing, and can alert you to
any changes that may occur during your child's growth. But good
dental health means more than the health of the individual teeth
and gums. Your child also needs teeth and jaws that are properly
aligned.
Why Age 7?
When most people think of orthodontics, they think of
teenagers. However, by age 7, most children have a good mix of
baby and adult teeth. Orthodontists can detect subtle problems
with jaw growth and developing adult teeth while baby teeth are
still present. Some orthodontic problems are easier and less
complicated to correct when they are found earlier rather than
later.
It is for these reasons that the American Association of
Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic
check-up no later than age 7. While your child's teeth may appear
to be straight, there could be problems that only an orthodontist
can detect. Of course this orthodontic screening may reveal a
healthy bite which is always good news and offers parents peace of
mind.
So if a problem is detected does this automatically mean your
child requires treatment immediately? Not necessarily. Chances are
we will take a "wait and see" approach, evaluating your
child periodically as his or her teeth, jaws, and face continue to
grow. For every patient that needs orthodontics, there is an ideal
time for treatment to begin in order to achieve the best results.
Dr. Lynskey is the specialist who has the knowledge to determine
when the time is right to start.
Phase Therapy and Early Orthodontic Treatment:
Some children may have problems that can benefit from early
treatment. Early treatment (often referred to as interceptive or Phase 1) treatment can prevent
more serious problems from developing, making future orthodontic
therapy faster and less complicated. Early treatment can involve
removable orthodontic retainers, or appliances, that can guide the
growth of the jaws. These appliances create a better and more
harmonious environment for adult teeth as they emerge. In some
cases, early treatment can achieve results that wouldn't be
possible once the growth of the face and jaws are complete. Early
treatment also allows the orthodontist to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Guide permanent teeth into better positions
Clues that the Bite's not Right
It's not always easy for you to detect if you child has an
orthodontic problem. Some clues Dr. Lynskey will be able to detect
are:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb- or finger-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws too far forward or back
- Biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Unbalanced facial appearance
- Missing permanent teeth
Back to top
Adult Orthodontics
Straight Teeth at any Age
When most people think of orthodontics, they generally think of
children and teenagers. However, orthodontic treatment is about
positive changes regardless of your age. Of course most adults
seek orthodontic therapy to give them the confidence and pride
that come from straight teeth and a beautiful smile. But
orthodontic treatment also improves the health of your teeth and
gums. Crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, contributing
to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. An improper bite
can result in poor function and abnormal wear of the surfaces of
your teeth. Damage to the underlying bone and gum tissue, and pain
in your jaw joints can also occur.
Lifestyle Changes
The most common concern of any adult patient is how braces will
affect them on a daily basis. Modern orthodontic technology and
procedures make straightening adult teeth easier than ever. The
most esthetic option is Invisalign. The Invisalign system of tooth
straightening consists of a series of custom-fit aligners that
sequentially move teeth according to Dr. Lynskey's instructions.
The aligners are nearly invisible, but more importantly, they are
removable. That's right!! "Braces-Free" tooth
straightening that really works!
However, not every adult is a candidate for Invisalign, and for
those patients we have braces made of ceramic (or even gold if you
choose). Our metal braces are smaller now than ever. No matter
what type of braces you choose to wear, you'll be pleasantly
surprised to learn that they will fit into your current lifestyle.
You still be able to sing, play musical instruments, dine out, and
even kiss.
Getting Started
A consultation is the best way to determine if you are a
candidate for braces, and/or Invisalign. Initially, Dr. Lynskey
will want to evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums, and
supporting bone. Adult patients with a past history of gum
problems may be required to undergo further evaluation by a
periodontist, or gum specialist. More frequent cleaning
appointments with your family dentist may also be suggested during
your orthodontic treatment to ensure the health of your gums and
supporting bone.
After your initial examination, Dr. Lynskey will be able to
tell you what your treatment will involve, and its approximate
cause and cost. Diagnostic records of your mouth, including
x-rays, photographs, and molds of your teeth will be made once you
have decided to proceed with treatment. During orthodontic
treatment patients avoid foods that can damage the orthodontic.
The Cost of Treatment
Since every person's bite is different, the cost will depend on
many factors including the severity of the problem, it's
complexity, and length of treatment. All treatment costs will be
discussed before treatment begins.
We have a variety of convenient payment plans, including plans
available to patients with more than one family member undergoing
treatment at the same time at Dr. Lynskey's office. We also offer
low, and sometimes no, down payment and low monthly payment plans.
Also many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits.
Dollar for dollar, the benefits of orthodontic treatment are a
great value and can last a lifetime.
Back to top
It Takes A Village
The team approach to excellent dental health
Creating healthy, beautiful smiles requires teamwork! You, your family, your dentist, and, if needed,
other dental specialists make up your winning team. Dr. Lynskey
will provide the expertise, the treatment plan and the techniques
to straighten the teeth and align the jaws. The family dentist
helps to make sure that the teeth and gums stay clean and healthy.
Because dental hygiene is so important, regular visits to your
dentist should continue every 4-6 months during orthodontic
treatment. It is essential that during orthodontics patients
avoid foods that can damage the orthodontic appliances. A healthy
diet provides essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing
change during treatment. Cooperating by following the
recommendations of Dr. Lynskey and your family dentist will help
the teeth and jaws move predictably and on the prescribed
schedule.
Clean Teeth
Although you have frequent visits to your orthodontist during
treatment, it is still important to have regular oral hygiene
visits with your family or pediatric dentist. On a daily basis,
maintaining healthy teeth and gums are your responsibility.
Cleaning your teeth with braces will take a little extra time and
effort, but in the long run, that time spent will be well
worthwhile.
Brush at least 4 times a day, after every meal and before
bedtime. If you are unable to brush immediately after a meal, at
least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This will remove any
large food particles from your teeth until you can brush later. In
your "oral hygiene kit" you will find a travel
toothbrush to make brushing on-the-go more convenient.
Clean Gums
Flossing is essential to maintain the health of the gums and
underlying supporting bone. This process removes plaque from in
between your teeth and just under the gums. Flossing with braces
can take some time to master, but like anything else, practice
makes perfect. It is a good idea to floss at night so that you
have the time to do it right. This way you will not feel so
rushed, and you can take your time.
Oral Hygiene Kit
Once you have had your braces placed, you will receive an oral
hygiene kit. This kit should contain those items necessary to
maintain healthy teeth and gums. Some of the following items are
included:
- Toothbrush and travel toothbrush
- Floss and floss threaders (or "Superfloss")
- Fluoride rinse, gel or paste
- Toothpaste
- Interproximal brush ("christmas tree brush")
- Wax
- Pocket mirror
In addition, you may want to purchase an electric toothbrush or
water irrigator. New products and techniques are constantly being
developed to improve your oral hygiene. Ask Dr. Lynskey if you
have any questions about your dental hygiene, or a new product
that may be beneficial to yourself or your family member.
Results of Poor Dental Hygiene
Without good dental hygiene food can become trapped in and
around your braces resulting in plaque accumulation. Plaque is a
sticky, white film that is composed of bacteria, food and saliva.
The bacteria in plaque reacts with the sugars and starches in food
to form an acid that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.
This damage to the enamel is called decalcification, and these
marks or lines are permanent. If plaque remains on the teeth for
an extended period of time, the acid produced can eat through the
enamel surfaces, causing a cavity or hole on the tooth surface.
Not only can these cavities become painful and trap food, they
require a visit to your dentist to have these holes filled. This
is not just an inconvenience to you (or your parents), but these
fillings can be expensive.
Gum disease caused by the build-up of plaque along the gumline
occurs in two major stages. The first stage, gingivitis, occurs
when the plaque accumulation irritates the gums around your
teeth. It is characterized by swollen, red and bleeding gums.
Over time, plaque hardens to form calculus, or tartar. When
calculus accumulates , periodontitis develops causing bone loss
and receding gums. Eventually, if significant bone is lost, the
teeth will become loose and fall out.
As horrible as these conditions are, the worst thought is that
all of these conditions are preventable. Thorough brushing and
flossing, along with regular check-ups with your family dentist,
will maintain the health of you gums.
Taking good care of your teeth, gums and braces will ensure
that orthodontic treatment occurs as planned and remains on
schedule. And once your braces are removed, you will see that your
extra efforts have been rewarded with a beautiful, healthy smile.
Back to top
Checklist for A Stunning Smile
- Have your child evaluated by your family or pediatric
dentist by their first birthday
- Continue regular check-ups with your family dentist every
4-6 months
- Have your child seen by an orthodontist no later that age 7.
Dr. Lynskey will detect any developing orthodontic problems
and suggest the best time to start treatment.
- Adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment to
straighten teeth, align jaws, and improve confidence. Smaller,
less visible braces, and Invisalign, make adult treatment more
appealing and easier than ever.
- Successful orthodontic treatment is the result of teamwork -
Dr. Lynskey; the family, or pediatric dentist; the patient and
his or her family all work together to achieve a healthy
smile.
Back to top |
|
“Besides
Dr. Lynskey being the friendliest
and most professional orthodontist
there’s Mackenzie who greets
you by name as soon as you walk
in the door. Dr. Lynskey’s
office makes you feel like you’re
going to visit friends rather
than going for a Dr. appt. I highly
recommend Dr. Lynskey to anyone
needing orthodontics.”
“You
guys are wonderful — I love you
guys!”
“Dr.
Lynskey and team have a very
positive attitude!”
|
