For All Ages

Orthodontics for Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to the orthodontist around age seven. Although treatment is not often needed at this age, it enables Dr. Lepley to evaluate jaw growth and tooth eruption. Sometimes, seeing a child this early can help prevent problems in the future.

Early evaluation allows Dr. Lepley to:

• Correct and guide the growth of your little one’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
• Reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems

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 around age seven or eight

Orthodontics for Teens

You’ve just heard these three words: “YOU NEED BRACES!”

Braces! What now?

Don’t worry! Braces aren’t nearly as scary as you may think. In fact, today they come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and more stylish than in the past.

Braces Your Way!

Our practice offers a variety of braces types and styles to choose from. Some common options include:

• Self-ligating braces: metal braces with the latest technology to offer the most efficient treatment
• Clear self-ligating braces
• Invisalign Teen

Orthodontic treatment, or braces, is a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good!

How long will I have to wear braces?

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

• What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently. It may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, but another may require 24 months. 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 desire.
• YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances Dr. Lepley gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!

Orthodontics for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21.

Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their smile. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.

Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment

• A bad bite or malocclusion, which causes teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

Treatment options for adults

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from seeking treatment. However, today’s orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:

• Clear braces
• Invisalign treatment

The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and teens

• 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.
• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require different levels of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatments, and 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 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 that cost you more in the end.

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