After your first examination, we will be happy to discuss all of your options. We are proud to offer several different treatment options for straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. We understand the importance of showing you all of our options and discussing them thoroughly with you. We want you to find the best treatment option for you, no matter what you choose.
We are proud to offer the following services to achieve the smile of your dreams:
Braces for Children
Here at Thayer Orthodontics, we are proud to offer braces for kids. Though adults also wear braces, braces are more common in children and young adults.
It is really important to treat any problems with alignment, overcrowding, and other orthodontic problems early. If left untreated, your child or young adult may have more problems down the line. They will be more likely to have tooth decay and gum disease. They may also suffer damage to the jaw joints.
The most common reason that children and young adults need braces is to fix a malocclusion or bad bite. This is commonly seen with babies who suck their thumbs or pacifiers. If they continue to suck for long periods of time, their teeth can actually get pushed out into a different position, which really affects their bites.
Young children often have to worry about having too many teeth coming in at once. Sometimes they have double teeth, which really causes them to have bad bites.
Normal jaws meet at the same point, allowing you to open and close your jaw evenly. A correct bite allows you to eat and speak normally. If your teeth or jaws do not have an even bite, you will have trouble with eating, speaking, and much more.
Ideally, orthodontists recommend starting treatment early rather than later. It is recommended that children visit the orthodontist for the first time at age seven. At that time, we can monitor their mouths and growth, starting treatment at the opportune time. To get the best results, the ideal age to wear braces is usually between seven and fourteen years old.
If you have any questions about braces for children, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (651) 488-5622.
Early Treatment
The earlier we catch problems with your child’s bite, the simpler they are to fix. The results are often better than if we wait and will require significantly less work. We may not need to keep braces on your child for as long when they are younger, which means less expense for you.
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist as soon as their dentist notices that there might be a problem, or before they are seven years old. We may not have to do anything at this age, other than monitor the child’s mouth. However, if we continue to watch your child, we can start treatment right away if something arises.
Early intervention can be beneficial. We will watch how your child’s mouth and teeth grow and develop, so if we see something that needs to be done, we can do it as soon as possible. We will also know exactly when to start treatment, if needed.
request an appointment
Braces For Teens
Braces are not as scary as most teens think. Technology has advanced a lot in recent years, providing us with newer styles of braces. The result is a faster, more comfortable, and more effective treatment. Braces come in different colors, styles, and materials, so your teen can customize their look and express their personality.
The first thing most patients wonder when they have to get braces is how long will they have to wear them. There is no easy answer to this question because it depends on several factors. For example, it depends on how early we catch the problem, what needs to be fixed, how your teeth respond to treatment, and how willing you are to follow directions.
It is typically recommended that children begin seeing an orthodontist at the age of seven. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier the problem can be to treat. There are also times when we find a problem, but may have put off treatment until they are older.
request an appointment
Traditional Braces
Even though there are many types of braces, traditional braces are still the most popular option. Great strides in technology have been made since they were first used, so they are becoming more comfortable and effective.
Traditional braces use stainless steel brackets and archwires to move your teeth into their proper position. Many teenagers like to decorate their braces with different colored rubber bands to give them a colorful and unique smile. You can choose a new color (or colors) during every adjustment!
request an appointment
Adult Treatment
No matter your age, you deserve a smile that gives you confidence. Braces are not just for children anymore. With the latest advancements in technologies, we can get you the smile you deserve! Here at Thayer Orthodontics, we work hard to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer several different treatments that can be effective no matter how old you are. More and more orthodontic treatments are becoming available to give adults the smile that they want.
Orthodontic treatments are not just for your smile. Fixing your teeth can also dramatically change your oral health. When you have crooked teeth or a malocclusion (uneven bite), you may be prone to oral health problems such as gum disease and tartar buildup.
request an appointment
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are the newest and increasingly popular choice for aligning teeth. The aligners are invisible and removable, making them a treatment option for teenagers and adults. The system uses clear, acrylic trays that straighten teeth just like braces and are much more comfortable.
Clear aligners are nice because you can remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth as normal. Clear aligners need to be worn as much as possible and need to be cleaned and adjusted regularly for optimal results.
request an appointment
Clear Braces
Most adults are reluctant to get the orthodontic care they need due to the appearance of orthodontic appliances. That’s why we offer clear braces, which are much less noticeable than metal braces, but still give patients a smile they deserve.
Clear aligners are not the same as clear braces. Clear aligners are plastic trays that you wear over your teeth, like a shell. Clear braces are just like metal braces, but they are almost invisible. Clear braces have many advantages. They are almost invisible, giving patients who do not want the look of traditional braces another alternative.
Despite all of the advantages, there are some disadvantages to consider, too. They are typically more costly than traditional metal braces, though we offer payment plans for all patients. They can also become discolored by tea, coffee, wine, and other foods. Smoking can also cause discoloration.
request an appointment
Digital X-Rays
X-Rays are used to examine the inside of your teeth. We are hoping to be able to catch any problems that we can’t see with the naked eye! Using radiology, we are able to see which teeth are developing cavities. We may also see some teeth or gum areas that may require some extra work.
