For All Ages

WHY SCREEN YOUR CHILD AT AGE SEVEN?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to the orthodontist around age seven. At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which will make it possible for Dr. Vargo to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems faster, with better results, and without surgery.

EARLY TREATMENT GIVES DR. VARGO THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

• Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
• Create more space in the mouth for crowded teeth
• Eliminate the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
• Correct thumb sucking and promote the improvement of minor speech problems
• Diagnose orthodontic problems that parents would have missed

SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO SEE AN ORTHODONTIST:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty 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 irregularly, or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that do not appear proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth at the age seven or eight

To promote healthy development, it is important to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child around the age of 7. Please call our practice to schedule an appointment for an initial evaluation. If needed, early treatment will allow your child to have a healthy and beautiful smile now and in the future.

ORTHODONTICS FOR TEENS

We love making teens smile! Below is all the information you need to know about braces, retainers, and orthodontics.

Over time, braces gained a bad reputation. But don’t worry, today’s braces are more comfortable, discrete, and efficient than ever before. Today, braces are available in a wide range of styles, materials, and colors. With so many options, you will surely find the perfect one to meet your orthodontic needs and reflect your style.

How long will I have to wear braces?

The amount of time it takes to transform your smile with braces varies and is defined by three key factors:

• Early treatment — Phase 1 or Early treatment allows Dr. Vargo to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment at the precise time it becomes necessary. Not everyone is eligible for early orthodontic treatment but those who have it benefit from shorter and less invasive treatments..
• Your diagnosis — The complexity of your case will determine the amount of treatment needed to transform your smile and therefore how long the treatment will take. Each patient also responds to treatment differently. One patient may respond so well to treatment that it may only take 12 months to complete treatment while it may take another 14 months to complete the same treatment.
• YOU! — Your commitment to follow your treatment plan and use the appliances as prescribed plays a huge role in how long your treatment will take. Please remember to take care of your appliances to avoid any delays caused by damaged appliances.

Braces Your Way!

Our practice offers many different braces types and styles for you to choose from. Some popular options include:

• Clear braces
• Invisible aligners
• Traditional metal braces

At this age, many of your friends will likely be wearing orthodontic braces. Braces built a bad reputation in the past but honestly, today’s braces are anything but scary and can even be stylish. Please contact our office to schedule your consultation today!

Orthodontics for Adults

Today, more adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment than ever before. The American Association of Orthodontists observed that 20% of orthodontic patients are over the age of 21 and this number is growing every day.

Adults understand that straight teeth are an important factor in maintaining a high level of oral health. A beautiful smile also has the power to boost self-confidence and open a set of doors to new opportunities.

MOST COMMON REASONS WHY ADULTS UNDERGO ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

• A bad bite or malocclusion, which causes teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Crowded or spaced apart teeth which increase the possibility of tooth decay and gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure caused by crooked teeth
• Aspiration for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

Treatment options for adults

Most adults hate the look of metal braces and wish to avoid this treatment completely. Luckily for them, there are many aesthetic options for appliances and braces available today. With so many options to choose from, you will find the right fit for your custom needs. The most popular types of braces include:

• Clear braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces
• Invisible aligners
• Traditional metal braces

The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and teens

The biggest difference in treating adults vs. children and teens is found in the jaw. Younger patients have jawbones that are still in the development stage. In adults, the jawbones have finished growing and orthognathic surgery is typically necessary if the jawbones need to be aligned. Other smaller differences include:

• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely to suffer from gum recession or bone loss caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease. Straight teeth are less likely to get gum disease because straight teeth are easier to clean and therefore are less likely to grow the bacteria responsible for the disease.
• Worn or missing teeth —With age, teeth are likely to become worn down and shift into different positions. Missing teeth can also cause other teeth to shift and tilt therefore creating a bad bite that increases the possibility for gum disease. This can only be corrected with orthodontic care.
• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen but failed to complete their treatment. As an adult, many of these patients choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to finally achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.

Dr. Vargo and his staff understand that adults and children do not have the same needs and require different levels of attention and care. We will work hard to design a treatment plan that addresses your needs fully.

Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?

• In simple terms, straight teeth are healthy teeth. If your teeth are aligned, they are easier to keep clean with a flossing and brushing routine. Keeping a healthy mouth helps to prevent other health problems.
• A beautiful, bright, and straight smile exudes confidence. Having a smile that you are proud to show off will improve the way you present yourself to the rest of the world and bring you many positive experiences.
• Untreated orthodontic problems will only get worse. If you do not treat existing problems, they will get worse and need more extensive and costly treatment in the future.

To continue to learn about the treatments we have available for adults, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We understand that you are busy, just let us know what days and times work best and we will look for the most convenient time for you to visit us.