header
Orthodontics

http://stunningsmile.com/images/spacer.gif
orthodonticsbenefits 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.

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:

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:

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 more 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.

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:

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.

Checklist for A Stunning Smile