Braces for Children in Danbury, New Milford, Newtown, and Shelton CT by Dental Associates of CT
The American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontics recommend that a child should be seen by an orthodontic specialist by the age of 7 to check if the teeth and jaws are developing correctly and are properly aligned. Between the ages of 7 and 10, when a child’s permanent teeth are coming in, they should be examined to monitor the growth of the jaws and to spot any tooth misalignment before it becomes a problem. Finding and correcting an orthodontic problem early can minimize the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later.
Our orthodontists and pediatric dentists work together as a team to ensure the most age-appropriate and best type of orthodontic treatment for the children in our care and will only recommend treatment if it is necessary and when the timing is just right. Early orthodontic treatment such as expanders, retainers, or braces can also help improve the alignment of the front teeth which will allow the remaining adult teeth to come in nicely.
FACT: General dentists receive some orthodontic training while attending dental school and can treat orthodontic patients although they cannot be referred to as orthodontists. Only those dentists who successfully complete an additional two or three academic years of study in an accredited orthodontic residency program can earn the title “orthodontist”.
Our orthodontists have all the training, accreditations, plus the clinical experience necessary to diagnose and treat orthodontic concerns for our patients. They are members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and the American Dental Association (ADA). Our orthodontists regularly attend continuous education programs and seminars to keep current with all modern orthodontic advances and techniques. Our orthodontists are also recognized by the Invisalign® Corporation as Premier Provider Elite while less than 1% of all Invisalign® practitioners qualify for that special distinction.
FACT: Braces are less noticeable, more comfortable, and require less treatment time than ever before. With the introduction of small metal brackets that are temporarily cemented to each tooth, dental braces are less noticeable and more comfortable than ever. Recent advances in orthodontic technology have also led to decreased treatment time.
FACT: Some kids see braces as a fashion statement. Today’s braces and retainers can come in a wide variety of colors. Colorful elastic rings on metal braces are changed once a month and children often like to wear their school colors, or match the seasons or a holiday.
FACT: Braces are not just for kids. As people get older, our teeth start to shift, making braces a good idea for some adults. Also, with the advances in the appearance of braces, more and more adults are choosing orthodontics for a more beautiful smile. Besides traditional metal braces, adults can choose from tooth-colored ceramic brackets, lingual braces which are placed behind the teeth, or Invisalign®.
