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When patients come to our office for their first orthodontic assessment, we're often asked, "How did my teeth get crooked to begin with?" Teeth erupt crookedly for a number of reasons, ranging from family genetics to mouth deformities and serious oral disease.

When extra teeth or abnormally large teeth create a malocclusion (crookedness or misplacement), the culprit is usually genetic in nature. Other inherited traits involve jaws that are too small to accommodate a full set of teeth, and misaligned jaws that did not form properly in vitro. Other causes of crooked teeth are early loss of baby or adult teeth, undue pressure on the teeth and gums, misalignment of jaw after facial injury or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier.

Having crooked teeth isn't just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious health problems as well. Crooked teeth can:

• interfere with proper chewing;
• make keeping teeth clean more of a challenge, increasing risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis;
• strain the teeth, jaws and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth.

When to Start Orthodontic Treatment for Crooked Teeth

While orthodontic treatment is beneficial at any age, the American Association of Orthodontists suggests, as we do, that parents take their child for orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early evaluation can rule out potential issues with permanent teeth eruption and abnormal jaw development. In fact, specific conditions such as crossbites and jaw development issues are easier to correct an an early age.

If you have questions about your child's teeth, contact our office to schedule a complimentary initial examination. We're here to make sure your child grows up with a beautiful, straight, and most importantly, healthy smile.

Despite the common assumption that braces are for kids, more and more adults are choosing to pursue orthodontic treatment to correct their smiles. With longer life expectancies than previous generations and a greater awareness of the benefits of a healthy smile, today’s adults are taking better care of their teeth, as evidenced in a survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. This study showed that the number of people ages 55-64 with missing teeth has dropped by 60 percent since 1960.

Orthodontics can improve the overall health of teeth and their supporting structures leading to a properly aligned and functioning bite. By aligning your teeth, orthodontic treatment makes it easier to remove plaque - a colorless sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms in the mouth. Plaque feeds on sugars and starches to form an acid that endangers teeth and gums. With proper alignment, the likelihood that your teeth will last for a lifetime is greatly increased.

What Are My Options?

Orthodontic technology has come a long way in the past few decades. The major advances in orthodontic tools and techniques mean that the options for adult patients are far greater than ever before. And adults – just like teen and pre-teens – can benefit dramatically from the enhanced self-esteem that comes with a confident smile.

Traditional Metal Braces

The basic option is traditional metal braces. These are best for individuals who have severely crowded teeth or a significant bite problem requiring major orthodontic changes. Metal braces are typically the least expensive option. The greatest drawback to wearing metal braces as an adult is aesthetics.

Clear Ceramic Braces

If you are a professional who is worried about your personal appearance, clear ceramic braces may be a better choice. Clear braces are capable of handling very crooked teeth or bite issues, but they are much less visible than traditional metal braces. If you choose this option, you’ll have to be careful about smoking or drinking red wine, soda and other dark beverages since these items may stain the adhesive that binds the brackets to your teeth.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Another popular option for adults who need orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, a nearly-invisible alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners that are created specifically for you.  In general, the Invisalign process takes anywhere from six to 18 months to complete. You should be aware that Invisalign is not as effective as traditional braces in treating certain bite problems or severely overcrowded teeth; however, many adults are candidates for this nearly-invisible treatment option.

The best way to find out which orthodontic treatment option is right for you is to visit our office for a complimentary initial consultation. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Godwin will recommend the best course of treatment for you. No matter what your personal situation, adult braces can be a great way to boost your confidence and create a smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Did you know that through proper orthodontic elastic wear you're helping both your treatment progress and helping save the Southern Bald Eagle, Gray Wolfe and other endangered animals?

Elastics (a.k.a. rubber bands) provide a gentle but continuous force to help individual tooth movement or the aligning of one arch to the other and are used periodically throughout orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Godwin and the team at Bel Air Orthodontics use the "Wildlife Series" elastics manufactured by American Orthodontics who contributes to the World Wildlife Fund. By faithfully wearing your elastics, you'll be doing your part in preserving and protecting endangered and threatened animals all over the world. This additional incentive may be just the motivator you need to wear elastics as prescribed!

To learn more about the World Wildlife Fund Program, visit their website.

April is National Facial Protection Month, and Dr. Stephen Godwin and the team at Bel Air Orthodontics want to remind parents, coaches and athletes to play it safe as they prepare to suit up for recreational and organized sports. Whether at practice, at a game, or simply enjoying some fun in the neighborhood, a sports-related injury can happen in an instant. That's why it's important to take precautions to protect your face and teeth from injury. Dr. Godwin suggests that you take these simple steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports; if you are wearing braces, make sure you use a mouthguard designed specially for orthodontic patients;
• Wear a helmet. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by absorbing the energy of an impact.
• Wear protective eye wear. According to the Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries, protective eye wear designed specifically for the sport can prevent more than 90 percent of all eye injuries.
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin;
• Be alert - as a player or spectator!

Did You Know? . . .

Athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth;

Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency room visits in children ages 12 to 17 according to the Center for Disease Control.

Whatever your sport, the right protective gear can save your teeth, your face, even your life. If you or your child suffers dental trauma such as a knocked-out or broken tooth, Dr. Godwin suggest that you contact your dentist for immediate attention. For those in braces, it's also important to contact our office to schedule an appointment for repair since damage to braces can lengthen treatment time and affect treatment results.

About National Facial Protection Month: Every April, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Society, the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry team up to remind parents and parents, coaches and athletes about the importance of taking precautions to preserve their teeth and protect them from facial injuries.