For All Ages

Orthodontics for Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.

By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for Dr Dempsey to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

Early treatment allows Dr Dempsey to:

• Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
• Create more space for crowded teeth
• Potentially avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
• Plan for replacement of missing teeth

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• A hard time chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
• Teeth that come together abnormally or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth 

Please contact our office to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.

Orthodontics for Teens

You've just heard the words: “You need orthodontic treatment.”

Don't worry! Braces aren't nearly as scary as you may think, and Invisalign has become more of a common type of treatment modality for teens. In fact, Invisalign is many times more efficient and more predictable, results in fewer emergencies and less regular appointment visits, and hygiene is typically much better with clear aligners than with braces.

How long will orthodontic treatment last?

The amount of time it takes to treat your smile depends on three key factors:

• Early treatment — Early treatment allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment; in some cases it may be recommended that a patient wait to receive treatment.
• What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.
• YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances Dr Dempsey prescribes for you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. 

Orthodontics for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for children and teens. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too!

The main difference to remember between adult treatment and orthodontics for children and teens is that the jawbones are still growing and developing in younger patients. For adults, the jaw bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:

• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.

• Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.

Our office also recognizes that adults and children have different needs and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?

• Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and this may help prevent other health problems.

• A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!

• Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues costing you more in the end.

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.