Your smile is often one of the first things others notice about your appearance. You not only want your teeth to look appealing, but you also want them to help you eat and speak effectively. Your confidence, digestion, and comfort can all be tied to your teeth. Orthodontics is a great way to ensure that your smile is the best it can be. Finding a reputable and experienced orthodontist like Dr. Laprade at Pawtucket Orthodontics in Pawtucket and Lincoln can make a difference in your life.

Early Intervention:

Even though you might think that braces are just for teenagers, it’s important to begin considering orthodontics much earlier than that. Experts at the American Association of Orthodontics recommend children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7 for ideal results. This involves identifying concerns like teeth crowding, bite problems, or jaw misalignment. If issues are discovered, a treatment plan can be created to help guide jaw development and encourage proper permanent tooth eruption. Early intervention may correct thumb-sucking issues, avoid tooth extractions later, or help limit future orthodontic treatments such as braces.

Adult Treatment:

Children and teens aren’t the only patients who can benefit from orthodontics. It’s not too late for adults who never had braces or have teeth that have shifted with time to gain a beautiful smile through orthodontic treatment. New technologies like clear ceramic braces and clear aligners make treatment more appealing to adults than ever before.

Braces:

Patients of Dr. Laprade have several options when it comes to braces. A winning smile is possible with each of these types of braces:

• Traditional metal braces are a very popular tried-and-true method. Metal brackets are securely glued to the teeth and archwires are used to guide teeth into better positions.
• Ceramic clear braces for patients concerned with  the look of metal braces during treatment.

• Clear aligners are customized for each patient and gradually move teeth into better positions. These invisible clear plastic aligners are removable for eating and hygiene, reducing many of the hassles that patients dislike about traditional braces.

Treatment Length:

Every orthodontic patient is different. Dr. Laprade at Pawtucket Orthodontics will provide a treatment plan unique to you, including the anticipated time it will take to achieve beautiful end results.  Minor issues require less time, but treatment typically takes between one to three years. Duration of treatment is heavily dependent on the severity of orthodontic problems, complications that arise during the process, or compliance with Dr. Laprade’s instructions. In fact, the top reason for extending treatment is not following guidelines for optimal results. The smile you always wanted is possible with Dr. Laprade’s help. Schedule a free complimentary consultation today to see what it might take for you to obtain your best smile!!