The choice of an orthodontist is important since you’re placing your trust in that person not only with your smile but also with your child’s growth and with a considerable amount of your time and money; it is for this reason that the feedback from patients regarding St. Clair Orthodontics says more than any list of services could.
We have had the privilege of looking after families over many generations, including children who needed early intervention, teenagers who were managing both their braces and band practice, and adults who at last decided it was their turn. Here is a glimpse at a few of those experiences.
Wendy, Invisalign Two Generations Later
Wendy first entered our establishment when she was a child, and many years later she returned as an adult this time with her son.
The fact that she returned in that way is significant. As an adult, Wendy decided to have her teeth straightened using Invisalign and the reason given was practical since she had a career and a family and did not want to tell everyone in each room she entered about her orthodontic treatment. The clear aligners enabled her to deal with it in a quiet way.
The fact that the trays were removable meant that her routine remained much the same. She ate whatever she liked and brushed and flossed as she usually did. Moreover, she was able to sit in the same chair that she had known since she was a teenager.
Zach, Invisalign and a Fully Digital Start
The next time Wendy came back to us, her own son began his treatment. It was two generations sharing one practice and we do not take that for granted.
Zach’s treatment started with a digital scan instead of the traditional putty impressions. There was no need for gagging, no waiting around, and no chance of having to redo it. A few minutes using the scanner resulted in an accurate 3D model of his teeth.
On that basis, we worked out his complete treatment program before making one single aligner, and he was able to see the expected result at the outset. The value of that preview exceeds what most people anticipate. When you know where you’re going, the middle part of treatment becomes much easier to carry through.
Zach’s appointments were planned out in detail, which meant fewer trips to the office and the same steady progress.
Dane, Damon Braces
Dane took an alternative route; Damon braces have a self-ligating system, which means that the brackets contain a small sliding door that holds the wire in place rather than using elastic ties.
The practical outcome was reduced friction and less pressure on the teeth as they were moved. Dane also spent less time in the chair as a whole, since the elastics didn’t have to be changed at each visit, and without the small rubber ties there was one less spot where plaque could collect, which was a real benefit for a busy child who wouldn’t spend twenty minutes brushing.
Carli, Invisalign Around a Full Schedule
Carli’s schedule was full. It included sports, activities and other things.
Aligners worked very well for her since she could remove them for a game or in order to use a mouthguard and then put them back in afterwards and carry on as before. It only took thirty seconds to clean them at the sink and, during contact sports, there were no wires to concern herself with nor any need for an emergency visit when a bracket broke at the most inconvenient time.
Gentry, Phase 1 Braces
Gentry came into our offices when he was in the second grade, which was appropriate since the American Association of Orthodontists suggests the first orthodontic examination should take place at age seven, when the jaw is still developing, and the permanent teeth are just starting to come in.
The aim of Phase 1 treatment is not to have perfectly straight teeth when the child is eight years old, but rather to establish the proper foundation. In Gentry’s case, the early treatment focused on the bite relationship and left room for the permanent teeth, which otherwise would not have had any space to occupy.
If you address it early, the problem becomes simpler; if you wait, it often leads to extractions or more complicated work later.
Start Your Orthodontic Treatment with St. Clair Ortho
People of different ages receive different treatments and come for different reasons.
St. Clair Ortho approaches care based on excellence and individualization. In some instances, early treatment is needed. In others, clear aligners are preferred since they blend in with everyday life. In other cases, a bracket system is needed because it enables efficient treatment with fewer visits. Patients at St. Clair Orthodontics can rest easy knowing that their orthodontic appointment is tailored just for them.
If you are thinking about getting treatment yourself or aren’t sure whether it’s time for your child’s first assessment, we’d be happy to meet with you. Please contact St. Clair Orthodontics to arrange a consultation for adults, teenagers, and children alike. We’ll be honest about the options and help you choose what’s right for you.