With so many options available for Miami Orthodontists, it can be difficult to decide who is best suited for your family. From traditional braces to Invisalign, our team at Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry will help you find the right solution that fits both your budget and lifestyle. We'll discuss types of braces, what happens during an appointment with a pediatric orthodontist, how they work on little teeth, and more.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mal-positioned teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment works to improve your smile by correcting irregularities in your bite, as well as making it easier to chew and speak. Orthodontic treatments range from traditional braces to Invisalign clear aligners, both of which are offered at Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in South Miami.
The benefits of straight teeth go beyond appearance. For example, straight teeth can make it easier to chew, reducing strain on the jaw. A properly aligned bite makes it easier for you to chew food more efficiently and reduces strain on the jaw joints. Straightening crooked or crowded teeth also helps reduce plaque buildup since there’s less space between them for bacteria to accumulate.
What Types of Orthodontic Treatments are Available?
The two most common orthodontic treatments are metal braces and clear aligners. Traditional metal braces use brackets attached directly onto each tooth with an archwire connecting them all together. Traditional metal braces remain one of the most popular orthodontic treatments due to their cost-effectiveness and long-term efficacy. For those who prefer something more discreet, Invisalign clear aligners offer a virtually invisible solution that uses custom-made trays made specifically for each patient’s unique mouth shape—allowing you to straighten your teeth in a much less obvious way.
Generally speaking, most people will need anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for orthodontic treatment depending on the severity of their misalignment and the type of treatment plan they choose (Traditional Braces vs Invisalign). However, this timeline may be shorter or longer depending upon how dedicated patients to wearing their aligners/braces.
Finding an Orthodontist in Miami
Finding the right orthodontist for you and your child can be challenging. It's important to make sure your orthodontist is highly qualified, experienced and has a good standing in the profession. The American Association of Orthodontists advises patients to ask questions regarding credentials, background, costs and procedures when selecting an orthodontist. When choosing an orthodontist in South Miami, inquire about qualifications, experience, fees and office policies to ensure the office is a good fit for you.
You should also ask about fees upfront before making any decisions on treatment plans. Be sure to inquire about payment options too - some offices offer flexible financing plans which could make treatment more affordable over time. Also ask what type of insurance coverage they accept so you know how much will be covered by your plan prior to beginning treatment.
Above all else, choosing a provider is about comfort. Visit the office before committing if possible so you can get a sense of their professionalism and expertise firsthand. Make sure there is ample parking nearby as well as convenient appointment times that fit into your schedule easily. It is also wise to check online reviews from past patients who have already been through this process successfully.
Searching for an accomplished orthodontist in Miami can be difficult, but with diligent inquiry and the proper queries, you can uncover a top-notch practitioner to give your family outstanding service. Moving on from there, let's explore the types of braces available for both kids and adults.
Types of Braces for Kids and Adults
Braces are a widely used orthodontic treatment option for both youngsters and grown-ups. There are several types of braces available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces used today, but ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners offer more discreet options.
Traditional Metal Braces:
Traditional metal braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth with a thin wire running through them. The wire is tightened periodically in order to move the teeth into their desired positions over time. Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable at first, but they’re generally very effective in straightening teeth and correcting misalignment issues. Cost-wise, these braces are typically a more economical choice compared to other orthodontic treatments.
Ceramic Braces:
Ceramic brackets look similar to traditional metal ones, but they’re made from a translucent material that blends in better with your natural tooth color so they’re less noticeable when you smile or talk. Like traditional metal braces, ceramic ones use wires and elastic bands to move your teeth into place over time; however, because these brackets aren’t as strong as their metal counterparts, it may take longer for them to achieve the desired results—but this isn't always true. Additionally, ceramic brackets tend to cost more than traditional metal ones due to the higher quality materials used during production.
Invisalign Clear Aligners:
Clear Aligners use custom-made trays made from clear plastic to fit snugly around your teeth like a glove would fit on your hand, making them virtually invisible when worn. Unlike traditional or ceramic braces which use wires and elastic bands that need periodic tightening by an orthodontist, Invisalign aligners simply need replacing every two weeks until you reach your desired outcome. Although Invisalign tends to be more expensive than other types of orthodontic treatments, many patients find it well worth it given the convenience and discretion.
What Happens at a Pediatric Orthodontic Appointment?
At a pediatric orthodontic appointment, the initial exam and diagnosis process is key. At our office, Dr. Melanie will perform an oral examination of your child’s teeth, jawbone structure, and facial symmetry. This includes checking for signs of misalignment or crowding that may need to be addressed with braces or other treatment options. X-rays are also taken during this visit in order to get a better view of the inside of your child’s mouth and discover any potential issues with their bite alignment.
X-rays and imaging tests taken during this appointment can provide valuable information about the condition of your child's teeth and jaws. These images help the Dr. Melanie determine if there are any underlying problems that require attention before beginning treatment such as overcrowding, crookedness, gaps between teeth and so forth. Additionally, these tests can detect conditions like impacted wisdom teeth, which might not be visible on a physical exam alone.
Treatment options discussed during an appointment vary depending on what type of issue needs to be corrected in order for optimal dental health results to occur long term. For children ages 6-12 years old, traditional metal braces (for those who don't mind showing off their smile), ceramic braces (which blend in with natural tooth color), and Invisalign clear aligners (which allow for a more discreet look) are all available options. For adults over 18 years old needing corrective procedures, the same options apply. Dr. Melanie can provide you with information on all the possible choices, so that you can determine which is most suitable for your or your child's specific needs.
Caring for Teeth with Braces or Invisalign
Daily Oral Hygiene Habits with Braces or Invisalign
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene when wearing braces or Invisalign. To ensure optimal oral health, it is important to brush twice a day and floss daily. To prevent cavities and other dental issues, it is essential to rinse your mouth after consuming sugary snacks or beverages. To ensure that food particles don't accumulate, it's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and thoroughly clean around the brackets when brushing with braces.
Foods to Avoid with Braces or Invisalign
When wearing braces or Invisalign, there are certain foods that should be avoided such as sticky candy, hard pretzels, popcorn kernels, gumballs, and hard nuts. Additionally, avoid any type of chewy food like beef jerky, which could cause wires in your braces to come loose. If you do eat these types of foods it's best not to bite directly down on them but rather cut them into smaller pieces before consuming so less stress is placed on the brackets of your braces or aligners.
Conclusion
Choosing the right orthodontist in Miami is essential for a successful outcome. Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers comprehensive and compassionate orthodontic services to fit your needs, whether you're an adult or child. Our team of experts will collaborate with you to guarantee the best achievable outcome for your smile.
All these factors taken together should give you peace of mind knowing that Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics located in South Miami provides top quality care for both children and adults alike.
Come to Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry for the best orthodontic services in Miami. Our team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing quality care and results that exceed expectations. Contact us today to get started.