We know you want the best for your family, including healthy teeth and a beautiful smile!
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for a member of your family, you may wonder if you need different doctors for different ages. Here at Leland Orthodontics, we offer orthodontics for the whole family, so your smile transformations take place under the same roof. The first step in your orthodontic journey is to understand how the process works, so let’s take a closer look at what to expect from orthodontics at every age.
The Basics of Orthodontic Treatment
If you look at general dentistry as an umbrella, orthodontics is a specialty underneath it. Orthodontists like Dr. Andrew Leland can diagnose and treat various dental and facial abnormalities. When orthodontic issues are left untreated over time, they will almost always worsen. Unfortunately, this can result in a range of problems, including extra wear and tear to the surface of your teeth and excess stress on the gum tissue and bone. Misaligned teeth are also more challenging to keep clean, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Orthodontists like Dr. Leland spend years learning how to identify and correct bite abnormalities. This education and experience allow them to straighten teeth, correct misalignments, and improve the overall function of your smile with ease! When you choose Leland Orthodontics, you’ll receive the compassionate care and specialized attention your smile needs to thrive.
Orthodontics for Children
Leland Orthodontics is a strong believer in preventative care! We treat many young patients and have seen firsthand how individualized treatment at the right time can make a positive difference in their oral health. Interceptive treatment gives us the opportunity to:
- Correct and guide the growth of a child’s jaw so the permanent teeth can come through in better alignment
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Correct bad habits like extended thumb or finger sucking
- Help improve some minor speech problems
- Improve airway quality and sleep issues
Although some treatments require all permanent teeth to be present, early orthodontic evaluations and other available measures can make comprehensive treatment faster and better. Delaying evaluations until there is an actual problem can cost parents more time and money and may result in more intensive treatment.
Treatment for Teens
Does your teen have an overbite, overcrowded teeth, protrusions, or gaps between teeth? If so, it’s time for an evaluation by a specialized orthodontist. Braces for teens can correct many common orthodontic problems and any underlying issues affecting their smile.
The teen years are the most common time for treatment because it’s between the rapid growth of childhood and the full development of an adult. During this time, your teen has enough permanent teeth, and their jaw and bones are developed enough to support orthodontic treatment. If your teen had early treatment in our Reno office, they could even have shorter treatment times and better results!
A more attractive smile is just one of the many benefits of braces for teens. In addition to building self-esteem and helping your child feel more self-confident with a smile that looks better, properly aligned teeth can improve speech, chewing, breathing, sleeping, and overall health.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment
If you’d like to improve your oral health but aren’t sure where to begin, our expert Leland Orthodontics team is here to help! There’s no age limit on achieving a healthier smile, and it’s never too late to explore all the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Some adults we speak to received orthodontic treatment earlier in life but didn’t complete the process. Others may have finished their treatment but didn’t wear their retainers as directed afterward, causing their teeth to shift back to their original positions. This may require touch-up treatment or a complete redo for the best results.
Other adults are just excited about the opportunity to improve their smiles! Orthodontic treatment as an adult can give you the straight smile you’ve always wanted, which often results in a big boost of self-confidence. This can have a positive effect on them personally, socially, and professionally.
Treatment Options for Every Age
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance in our Reno office and come with a proven track record of success. They efficiently treat a variety of orthodontic issues and can be particularly useful in cases that are more severe or complex. While braces have been around for a long time, they have undergone some impressive changes in recent years. Modern metal braces are far more comfortable, effective, and affordable than previous designs, so you’ll have a better overall experience.
Clear braces
Clear braces function the same way as metal braces but have the added benefit of clear brackets. This offers an incredibly subtle way to straighten teeth, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics. The ceramic brackets we use with clear braces are slightly larger and more brittle than metal brackets, so we are more likely to use them on the upper front teeth than the lower teeth. Because they are much less visible than metal brackets, clear braces tend to be a popular choice with our teen and adult patients.
Clear aligners
Instead of brackets, wires, and bands, clear aligners from Leland Orthodontics use a series of customized trays to shift the teeth over time. The aligners are designed to be removed when you eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. This gives you an extra measure of freedom and flexibility that you will love!
Trust your family’s smiles to Leland Orthodontics
Regarding a rewarding orthodontic experience in Reno and the surrounding areas, you’re in the right place! Our talented team offers the highest-quality care, the latest treatments, and the most innovative technology. We provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And because our only specialty is orthodontics, we can give you nothing but the best.
Are you ready to take the first step toward a healthier smile? We’d love to meet you! When you request a free consultation with our Reno office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Leland. Following this exam, we’ll provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. We’ll be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have to help you make an informed decision.
Your family deserves a lifetime of healthy smiles! Get in touch today to request your free consultation!
