The benefits of orthodontic treatment last a lifetime

The benefits of a healthy, confident and beautiful smile are life-long, and it’s never too late to get an amazing smile you are proud to show off. At Central Lakes Orthodontics, we know how well-aligned teeth impact self image and overall health. Our orthodontic treatments straighten your smile and bite alignment, improve the overall function and health of teeth and jaws, and boost self-esteem and confidence.

So no matter what your age, now’s a good time to get started on a smile that makes you feel good about yourself.

For ages

7-11

For a lifetime of confident smiles, start early

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends scheduling your child’s initial orthodontist exam around the age of seven. At Central Lakes Orthodontics, we agree. An early evaluation with Dr. Anderson may identify and intercept problems with the developing teeth and jaws that could benefit from early correction. In fact, getting an annual orthodontic exam can potentially eliminate a need for more serious intervention as a child grows older.

What to expect

During the initial orthodontic evaluation with Central Lakes Orthodontics, most children have a mix of both primary and permanent teeth. Digital X-rays, a 3D scan, and photographs of the developing teeth and jaw are taken to record for the doctor and to evaluate along with their examination findings. If early treatment is recommended before all permanent teeth have come in, a two-phase treatment plan may be proposed.

Prevention is key

Two-phase treatments typically include a phase-one treatment of 9 to 12 months to address tooth and jaw problems, prevent more serious issues from developing and can often decrease time in phase-two treatment. This treatment is then followed by one to three years of wearing a retainer while the remaining permanent teeth come in. Once all permanent teeth are present, a second phase of treatment may take place for up to two more years, to shape the ideal smile.

Typical treatment

In most cases, however, a single phase orthodontic treatment is effective in treating most orthodontic concerns, while eliminating additional years of treatment, extra costs, and added orthodontist visits. Rest assured, you can trust Dr. Anderson to honestly advise you on all treatment options available to you. We’ll help you determine the ideal time to begin your child’s treatment, so that you can achieve the desired results you have in mind—without incurring unnecessary costs.

For ages

12-17

When your teen gets serious about smiling

The most common time to begin orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 12 and 16. At this point, teens typically have most of their permanent teeth in place which is a great time to make sure their teeth and jaw are growing and functioning properly. They may have also become more self-conscious or even embarrassed about a less-than-perfect smile, as this is the age when self-esteem and confidence really begin to develop. This makes the impressionable teen years an ideal time to get a bright, aligned smile they’re happy to share with friends and family.

Treatment with braces is the most popular choice for teens. In fact, recent advances have made today’s braces smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever.

Invisalign® clear aligners are another option. Teens like them because they’re almost invisible (you can see why they named it like that), but they have a practical side, too. Invisalign clear aligners can be temporarily removed for sports, playing a musical instrument, eating favorite foods, brushing and flossing.

How long will I have to wear braces or Invisalign clear aligners?

Fortunately, a teen’s jaw and teeth typically respond quickly to orthodontic treatment. The average treatment time is about 24 months; however, each teen’s treatment journey is unique and may differ. When you meet with Dr. Anderson, you’ll learn about options specific to your teen’s needs and goals. You’ll have all the information you need to make an educated decision on the best orthodontic treatment plan to get your teen smiling for a lifetime.

For ages

18+

It’s never too late for an attractive, healthy smile

More and more adults are seeking out orthodontic treatment later in life, for a variety of reasons. Many adult patients seek treatment to correct shifting that takes place in the adult years, which can lead to problems like tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and abnormal wearing of tooth enamel. Other adults seek treatment for aesthetic reasons, to get a more attractive smile in an image conscious, competitive world. Whatever the reason, our adult patients at Central Lakes Orthodontics are able to achieve their orthodontic goals in more discreet and convenient ways than ever before. Thanks to our modern braces and Invisalign clear aligners options, it’s never too late to achieve a healthier and confident smile.

What common problems do orthodontists treat?

Straightening your teeth does more than boost self-confidence. Orthodontic treatment improves your dental and overall health by correcting dental issues known as malocclusions. Learn about some of the most common malocclusions and their related health issues or view our smile transformation gallery to see examples.

  • Mouth with crowding
  • Mouth with spacing
  • Mouth with protrusion
  • Mouth with underbite
  • Mouth with crossbite
  • Mouth with openbite
  • Mouth with overbite

Teeth crowding

When teeth lack sufficient space in the mouth, they can overlap or rotate, resulting in a crooked appearance. This makes them difficult to clean, and can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Spacing issues

In cases of missing teeth, undersized teeth, or oversized jaws, the resulting spaces can allow food to get stuck, causing cavities and gum disease.

Protrusion

Often described as “buckteeth,” protrusion occurs when the upper teeth flare too far over the bottom teeth. This overjet can be uncomfortable and makes the teeth vulnerable to breakage.

Underbite

The lower jaw extends in front of the upper jaw, causing stress on the jaw joints as well as additional tooth wear.

Crossbite

The misalignment of teeth, where upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both which can cause improper wear of your enamel.

Openbite

The back teeth meet, but the front teeth do not (anterior open bite), or the front teeth meet, but the back teeth do not (posterior open bite). Swallowing and speech problems may result.

Overbite

The upper teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth, causing the teeth to bite into the lower gums or the roof of the mouth. This can lead to gum disease and abnormal enamel wear.

We believe in beautiful, healthy, confident smiles

Nature had 32 chances to get it wrong. Good thing you have us to straighten things out.

See more smile transformations

  • After Patient with crowding
  • After Patient with an overbite and spacing
  • After Patient with an overbite
  • After Patient with mismatched midlines
  • After Patient with crowding
  • After Patient with crowding
  • After Patient with crowding
  • After Patient with spacing
Before Patient with crowding Before Patient with an overbite and spacing Before Patient with an overbite Before Patient with mismatched midlines Before Patient with crowding Before Patient with crowding Before Patient with crowding Before Patient with spacing
After Patient with crowding

After

Before Patient with crowding

Before

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional years of training, specifically in orthodontics and the safe and healthy movement of teeth and jaws. This formalized education beyond general dental school makes Dr. Anderson a specialist on how to move your teeth and jaws safely, into a beautiful and healthy smile you’ll love.

At Central Lakes Orthodontics, our goal is to exceed your expectations by delivering beautiful smiles and exceptional patient service. Or team’s specialized education, skills, and expertise make us highly qualified partners for properly diagnosing orthodontic concerns, recommending the most effective treatment and timing, and guiding an individualized and pleasant treatment journey and smile transformation.

Meet Dr. Anderson

Schedule your free consultation today!

Call 320.762.2101Book online