The word orthodontist comes from the Greek words for “straight” and “teeth.” Orthodontists in St. John’s thus provide treatments like braces, Invisalign, and retainers to straighten teeth and keep them straight.
When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child have their first appointment with an orthodontist by the time they are seven years old. Their adult teeth will have started to grow in by then, and the orthodontist will be able to spot developing problems like crowding or an underbite.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is essentially a type of removable braces. It consists of multiple sets of clear aligners that resemble mouthguards and will gradually nudge the patient’s teeth into their proper positions. The patient will change sets every two weeks.
Since Invisalign is removable, the patient will be able to eat what they like, and they will have an easier time keeping their teeth clean. The patient will, however, have to wear their aligners for 22 hours every day.
What Other Types of Braces Are Available?
Orthodontists in St. John’s offer traditional braces, gold braces, ceramic or white braces, and lingual braces. Traditional braces are the metal braces most people are familiar with, but they are smaller and less noticeable than the “railroad tracks” of yore. Gold braces are a golden variant of traditional braces.
Ceramic braces have brackets made of porcelain that are designed to match the color of the patient’s teeth. They are otherwise quite similar to metal braces.
Lingual braces are metal braces that are placed on the backs of the patient’s teeth facing the tongue. They are thus completely hidden from view.
