Johnson Orthodontics Serves All Ages
Dr. Johnson believes everyone around Rehoboth Beach should be able to get quality orthodontic care and a beautifully aligned smile. We’re proud to offer a full range of orthodontics for children, teens, and adults at Johnson Orthodontics.
Choose Your Braces
At Johnson Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic appliances to choose from, both fixed and removable. These options include:
- Invisalign
- Invisalign for Teens
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear ceramic braces
A Head Start to a Great Smile
Orthodontics for Children
As a parent in Rehoboth Beach or the surrounding area, you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile.
All Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By Age 7
Your child's oral health relies on properly aligned teeth and jaws – essentially, a well-balanced bite. The optimal recommendation from the American Association of Orthodontists is for your child in Rehoboth Beach to undergo an orthodontic evaluation before turning seven years old.
At this juncture, your child's teeth have matured adequately for potential issues concerning jaw development and the emergence of new teeth to be easily identified, even as some primary teeth are still present. This assessment has the potential to unveil that your child's bite is in good condition, eliminating the need for pediatric braces.
On occasion, Dr. Johnson might detect an evolving concern but could advise watching your child's growth and development. Your child can start treatment at the perfect time if the need arises.
In certain cases, Dr. Johnson could pinpoint an issue that would greatly benefit from early intervention. If this happens, our team will guide you through the process and help you and your child feel comfortable every step of the way.
What Is Early Treatment?
Taking action early can avert more severe issues and might lead to shorter and less intricate treatment in the future. In certain instances, Dr. Johnson can create outcomes that might become unattainable once facial and jaw growth is complete.
Signs the Bite's Not Right
It’s not always easy to tell when your child needs braces or has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that appear straight may hide a bite problem.
Here are some clues that your child could benefit from an orthodontic exam with Dr. Johnson:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don't meet or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Choosing the Best Time for Treatment
The best age for orthodontic treatment varies by child, but it most often starts between nine and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are treated early.
If Dr. Johnson thinks your child will need treatment, he’ll let you know the best time to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips, and face
Learn More at Your Free Exam
If your child has a dental issue, please contact us by setting up a free consultation at Johnson Orthodontics. We’d love to discuss your child’s orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan customized to give them a smile they love.
Signs Your Teen Needs Treatment
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can impact your teen’s oral and overall health.
If you notice these issues, we recommend a free exam with Dr. Johnson at Johnson Orthodontics, as they can be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment:
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Protrusion of teeth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Bite Problems
Diagnosing and treating certain bite problems has benefits that are truly life-changing. Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Missing or extra teeth
- An overbite or underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
- A disorder of the jaw joint
Benefits of a Straight Smile
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, including:
- Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
The Treatment Process
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance.
Here at Johnson Orthodontics, we offer:
Traditional Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets. However, the braces we use are lighter and more comfortable than ever to give you a better smile-straightening experience.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials. They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious.
Invisalign
The Invisalign technique employs a sequence of entirely personalized, transparent trays called aligners. Fashioned from gentle plastic, these aligners offer a more pleasant orthodontic journey – alleviating concerns about uncomfortable sores or irritations in your teen’s mouth.
On a weekly basis, your teenager will transition to the next aligner in the series. With diligent use of 20-22 hours daily, these aligners will progressively guide your teenager's teeth into their intended positions.
Invisalign proves most effective for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, but it might not be a viable choice if your teenager needs more extensive treatment.
More Adults Are Pursuing Orthodontics
Your smile is the first thing other people notice about you. Do you love yours?
It’s never too late to benefit from orthodontic treatment at Johnson Orthodontics. Adults in Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding area currently make up about one in every five of our orthodontic patients. Here’s why:
Looking Good
Orthodontic treatment can correct crooked teeth or spaces you’ve been self-conscious about for years. It can give you the confidence and pride that come with straight teeth and a great smile.
Teeth Can Shift
Believe it or not, your teeth don’t stop moving as an adult. Teeth that once seemed straight in your teen years can shift later in life. This can cause jaw pain, trouble brushing, or a smile you’re unhappy with.
Maintain Dental Health
Misaligned teeth that aren’t treated may cause other dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. You may also have difficulty chewing or abnormal wear on the surface of your teeth.
FAQs About Adult Orthodontics in Rehoboth Beach
Start Your New Smile Today
Are you ready to give your family the smiles they deserve? Contact our Rehoboth Beach office to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Johnson will give you one-on-one attention and personalized care to help every member of your family get a healthy, stunning smile that lasts for life.