Millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds get braces every year. From straightening crooked teeth to fixing bite and alignment problems that could affect your oral health, orthodontic treatment is a good investment for children and adults.
At Manhasset Dental Arts, our dentists Dr. Elizabeth Abrams, Dr. Michael Abrams, and our dental team offer braces and family dentistry services at our office in Manhasset, New York.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about braces and orthodontic treatment.
A: Technically there’s no “right” or “wrong” age to get braces. Some orthodontic problems are visible as early as age 7 while your child’s teeth are still developing, and some types of malocclusions are easier to correct at that time.
Other orthodontic problems may require that all of your children’s permanent teeth fully develop before they get braces.
A: While most people get their braces in childhood and adolescence, adults also make up about 25% of the millions of Americans who get braces every year, so it’s never too late! Adults naturally have additional considerations when getting braces, such as social and professional issues, so more discreet options like Invisalign are also an option for some adults and teenagers.
A: There are four main types of braces available depending on factors like your age, the orthodontic issue that needs to be corrected, and your personal preferences. The types of braces available include:
At your consultation, our dentists will discuss your options with you and recommend the best type of braces for you or your child.
A: It really depends on your situation. The typical time frame for wearing braces can range from 18 to 24 months, but it depends on your circumstances and may be longer or shorter for some people.
A: Braces are used to correct common orthodontic issues like crowding, overbite, underbite, and open bite. Some malocclusions can lead to oral health problems like cavities and gum disease by making it difficult to brush and floss properly, so you should never ignore an orthodontic issue even if you or your child’s teeth don’t necessarily look like they “need” braces.
For more information about braces and the other dental services available at Manhasset Dental Arts, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at our office in Manhasset, New York.
