As orthodontists, Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver can successfully correct most problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that does not mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontist around seven (7) years of age.

At this age children usually have both baby and permanent teeth. Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver are able to identify both current and potential tooth and jaw problems. Early evaluation often leads to preventative treatment may eliminate the need for surgery or more invasive procedures later.

With early treatment it is easier to:

• Correct or guide the growth of your child’s jaw so that permanent teeth will come in straight.

• Regulate the width of the jaw’s upper and lower arches.

• Create more room in a narrow jaw for crowded teeth.

• Avoid having permanent tooth extracted when they’re older.

• Correct any jaw or tooth problems caused by thumb-sucking and also improve minor speech problems.

In our complimentary 7&Up Kids Club, Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver will monitor your child's growth, the eruption of permanent teeth and watches for possible impactions. If you have children age 7 or older, please ask about our 7&Up Kids Club.

Early evaluation and treatment is the best way for your child to have a healthy, confident smile for the rest of his or her life. If you would like to learn more about braces and other orthodontic treatments for children, email us at hello@northcoortho.com or give us a call at (805) 238-2632 today for a complimentary consultation. Our team will work with you to help find appointments that will fit your busy schedule.

Does my child require orthodontic treatment?

There are many ways to determine if your child is a candidate for orthodontic treatment. In addition to a referral from their dentist, parents can be on the lookout for:

• Losing baby teeth either early or late.

• Having a hard time chewing or biting food.

• Breathing through the mouth.

• Continuous finger or thumb sucking.

• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth.

• Jaws that pop or make sounds when your child opens or closes their mouth.

• Teeth that do not fully come together or come together abnormally.

• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face.

• Crowded front teeth when your child is seven or eight.

You’ve just found out that you need “braces”. What now?

Many teenagers have braces—you probably know a lot of kids in school with them! And at North County Orthodontics, braces are more comfortable, easier to take care of, and often don’t have to be worn for as long as your parents may have had them. Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver use digital technology to customize your treatment and use and LightForce clear braces to give you a healthy, gorgeous smile! Even so, braces might not be what you’re thinking to get you to that smile. The great news is that braces are not your only option to getting that awesome smile you want. Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver will evaluate if treatment with Spark™ Clear Aligners are a good option for you! Spark™ Clear Aligners, much like Invisalign, are a fantastic alternative to LightForce ceramic braces. They’re clear, removable, convenient and a great choice for patients wanting a more discreet orthodontic option.

What are the options when it comes to treatment?

North County Orthodontics has a number of options when it come to treatment. Our teen patients can choose from:

• LightForce clear braces

• Spark™ clear aligners

If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about LightForce clear braces or Spark™ clear aligners, click here. Or you can email us at hello@northcoortho.com or give us a call at (805) 238-2632 today for a complimentary consultation. Our team will work with you to help find appointments that will fit your busy schedule.

How long will I be in treatment?

That is the million dollar question! Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver at North County Orthodontics realize that every person is unique. That’s why no two teens have the exact same treatment. Many things will contribute to the type of treatment and how long your specific treatment will be. Some of those things are:

• If you’ve already received early treatment, usually when you were seven or eight years old.

• The kind of correction needed — like we said, every person is unique and each mouth is different. Drs Ross and Laura Pulver will review the treatment you need and how long it should take. Just because your friends had braces for 2 years, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will too. In fact, many of our patients only need a year or so of treatment.

• YOU! — If you’re willing to take care of your LightForce clear braces or wear your Spark™ clear aligners well and follow the instructions our Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver give you, it will have a direct positive impact on your treatment. In other words, taking care of your LightForce clear braces or Spark™ clear aligners really can help shorten your treatment time.

Why do adults consider orthodontic treatment?

More and more adults are looking to get a more confident smile. At North County Orthodontics many of our patients are adults.

Adults today are getting treatment for a number of reasons. At North County Orthodontics our patients vary from those who have had braces as a child and are looking to touch up their smile to others are seeking treatment for the first time.

For an adult seeking treatment for the first time, some factors leading to this decision are:

• They want a healthier mouth and more confident smile.

• They may have difficulty chewing due to a bad bite or malocclusion, where teeth don’t align properly.

• Their teeth are too crowded or spaced too widely apart, which can lead to greater tooth decay or even gum disease.

What kind of treatment options are available for adults?

Some adults have already had traditional metal braces in the past and would now like to wear customized, comfortable, and even invisible appliances. North County Orthodontics offers many options fit your lifestyle and your needs. Learn more about our treatment options here.

What is the difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics that children and teens use?

The biggest difference is that adult jawbones have stopped growing, while children and teens have jawbones that are still developing. This may change the way Drs. Ross and Laura approach treatment. There are some other differences too:

• Gum or Bone Loss — Some adults have recessed gums or bone loss because of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

• Worn or Missing Teeth — As we age, our teeth can become worn down and begin to shift into different positions which can only be fixed through orthodontic treatment. Adults are also more likely to be missing teeth, which can change the position of the teeth around that space, leading to a bad bite or gum disease.

• Relapse from Orthodontic Treatment in the Past — Some adults had orthodontic treatment or retainers as teenagers but have since stopped wearing their retainers and their teeth have shifted. Now, they would like to have orthodontic treatment again and enjoy a healthy smile.

Our staff knows that adults who receive orthodontic treatment at our office have different needs than children do, and we welcome the chance to work with you.

Why should adults consider orthodontic treatment?

• Having straight teeth helps to keep your teeth healthy. If your teeth are in the correct position, they easier to floss and brush.

• It’s a confidence builder. The right orthodontic treatment will give you a better quality of life and helps bring confidence to your smile.

• Untreated problems can get worse. Leaving teeth uncorrected can lead to several long-term problems, including uneven wear on teeth.

If you’d like to hear more about adult orthodontic treatment, email us at hello@northcoortho.com or give us a call at (805) 238-2632 today. We’ll work around your schedule when setting your appointments and make this process as convenient as possible.