Early Treatment
If your child requires early orthodontic treatment, Bedont Orthodontics will help with each step necessary for your child’s pediatric treatment. Pediatric treatment is exclusive to children and is usually best done after your child’s first molars have erupted, typically around age 7.
The first appointment determines if early treatment is needed, and if so, when to start, based on a thorough examination. Records will be taken at the exam including a 3-D scan of your child’s teeth, photos, and x-rays. These records will help Dr. Bedont determine if treatment is recommended. If early treatment is needed, Dr. Bedont will develop an individualized treatment plan for your child.
During the time of your appointment, our staff will review your insurance benefits and let you know how much the orthodontic treatment will cost.
Treatment for Teens
Orthodontic treatment during the teenage years is ideal because we can utilize growth to help correct the bite. This can often be accomplished during middle school, but occasionally teens have orthodontic treatment during high school based on their growth and development.
Your child’s initial complimentary appointment will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This allows you to become educated as to your child’s orthodontic needs and feel comfortable with your decision for care.
Adult Treatment
You are never too old to receive orthodontic treatment! At Bedont Orthodontics we have treated adults into their late 80s! Whether you are in your 20s and have some minor relapse from not wearing your retainers following orthodontic treatment, or you have always wanted to have a great smile, we can help you!
If needed, Dr. Bedont can collaborate with your general dentist and help move your teeth in preparation for your dentist to provide dental treatment or replacement of teeth.
Your initial complimentary appointment will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This allows you to become educated as to your orthodontic situation and feel comfortable with your decision for care.
Types of braces
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, clear, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective to correct unwanted gaps between teeth, an over bite, under bite, cross bite, or overcrowding.
Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal or wires usually means you spend less time visiting Dr. Bedont to get adjustments.
Invisalign is now a great option for all ages! At Bedont Orthodontics we use Invisalign for adults, teens, and now for early treatment as well. Kids are often the most compliant at wearing aligners. As a parent you know the responsibility level of your child and you are the best to determine if Invisalign would be a good fit for them.
Surgical Orthodontics
At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?
It’s said during childhood is the optimal time. That being said, adults can still enroll in orthodontic treatment. There’s no wrong time to improve and fix your teeth.
Can orthodontic treatment damage my teeth?
The possibility exists, if you lack care for your teeth during treatment. Orthodontic appliances (braces, retainers, etc) do not damage your teeth, but inconsistent/inefficient hygiene and too much sugar results in permanent damage.The wires and brackets of your braces can trap food in-between them and cause substantial plaque build-up to occur. Due to this, efficiently and consistently caring for your teeth and appliance is essential.
It's important to remember that even after the retention period, it’s common for minor changes in your mouth throughout life to occur. While no permanent guarantee can be given, it’s quite uncommon for teeth to alter to the point of requiring further treatment.
How is the treatment carried out?
There are a variety of appliances that may be used in your orthodontic treatment, that most refer to as ‘braces’. The duration of your treatment is dependent on each individual case. Treatment could take anywhere between a few months to a few years, depending on the severity of your treatment. Treatment often tends to last between 1-2 years.
After your treatment has finished and your teeth have been properly positioned, the next step is the retention period. Your teeth need to retain their position beyond the removal of appliances, so you will be given appliances that hold your teeth in place throughout the next step, called ‘retainers’.
Retainers allow the gum and bone surrounding your teeth to finish settling, while keeping your properly aligned and straightened teeth held in position. Retainers are removable and can be fixed.
