You're going to love your new smile for a lifetime
The benefits of a healthy, confident and beautiful smile are life-long, and no matter your age, an amazing new smile is within reach. Your Rapids Orthodontics team wants you to know there are a lot of good reasons for orthodontic treatment. Emotionally, your self-confidence will soar, and you’ll radiate a glow of happiness in all types of social situations. Physically, you’ll enjoy the benefits of healthy teeth, gums, and your jaw for years to come. Just thinking about that makes us smile.
For ages
7-11
Starting early has benefits down the road
The Rapids Orthodontics team agrees with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) which recommends scheduling your child’s initial orthodontist visit around the age of seven. That’s a good time to take a first look and identify problems with developing teeth or your child’s jaw. Many children can benefit from early correction, eliminating the need for more serious (and costly) treatment later in life.
Let’s take a look
At this age, most children have a mix of both primary (baby) and permanent teeth. So we’ll make use of digital X-rays, a 3D mouth scan, and photographs of their developing teeth (there’s no charge) to capture a moment in time and make an evaluation. If early treatment is necessary, and all of your child’s teeth have not yet come in, we may recommend a two-phase approach. And we may discover that at this point, everything looks good! We’ll tell it like it is.
Prevention is key
If it is deemed necessary to go with the two-phase approach, here’s how it will happen: phase-one treatment addresses tooth and jaw problems, prevents more serious issues from developing, and may take 9 to 12 months to complete. The good news is that this can decrease the time needed in the next phase. Once the permanent teeth have arrived, we start phase-two treatment, which could last up to two years. Of course, every case is different, but the goal is to shape the ideal smile now and avoid more serious problems later.
Typical treatment
We’re glad to tell you that a single-phase orthodontic approach effectively treats the vast majority of orthodontic concerns. It eliminates the need for additional years of treatment, costs, and visits. And trust us to help you determine the ideal time to get started because every child is on a different path to a beautiful smile.
For ages
12-17
Smiles should come naturally during the teen years
When your child is between 12 and 17 years old, orthodontic treatment is common. Indeed, for many, it’s almost a rite of passage. You know the drill. Teens are self-conscious at this age, even more so if they have a less-than-perfect smile. Self-esteem and confidence are beginning to develop, and most of their permanent teeth are in, so now’s the time to get started on a gorgeous smile.
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 for some teens, offering treatment that’s nearly transparent. One key benefit that teens enjoy is that aligners can be completely removed for sports, playing a musical instrument, or eating their favorite foods.
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 our orthodontists, 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 Rapids Orthodontics are able to achieve their orthodontic goals in more discreet and convenient ways than ever before. Thanks to our modern braces options and Invisalign® clear aligners, it’s never too late to achieve a healthier and confident smile.
Let’s get one thing straight
Most people have 32 teeth in their mouth. What are the chances of all of them being perfect? That’s why we’re here.