Category: For Children

Common Orthodontic Issues in Children: 4 Signs to Watch Out For

a group of kids learns the signs you need braces

Parents, we know you want the best for your child! Whether your child still has a smile full of baby teeth, or their permanent teeth have made an appearance, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I know if my child needs braces?”

It can be tricky to identify orthodontic problems on your own, before you get a professional (free) orthodontic exam! Your team at Jupiter Orthodontics is here to help you acclimate to the world of orthodontics. 

Here are some of the most common telltale signs you need braces or Invisalign®

1. Crowded or crooked teeth

Crooked teeth and crowded teeth are two of the easiest orthodontic conditions to identify. If you notice that your child has teeth that are overlapping each other, growing at an angle, or positioned outside of the alignment of surrounding teeth, this indicates a need for orthodontic treatment. 

When teeth aren’t in alignment, it can be particularly difficult for children to brush and floss around each tooth thoroughly, which can increase the risk of cavities (tooth decay) and gum disease. Crooked/crowded teeth can also affect your child’s self-esteem and confidence!

Signs to watch out for

  • Teeth that appear crowded or overlapping
  • Difficulty biting or chewing food
  • Difficulty speaking or pronouncing certain words
  • Lack of confidence when smiling

2. Overbite or underbite

Children whose jaw bones are not aligned may have an overbite or underbite condition. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. This causes the upper teeth to hang over the lower teeth, making the chin and lower jaw bone appear recessed. 

The opposite of an overbite, an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth. This causes the lower jaw bone to jut forward, and the upper teeth may sit inside of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Both types of malocclusions (misalignments) can cause problems with chewing and speaking, jaw bone development, facial symmetry and proportion, and affect the overall appearance of the smile.

Signs to watch out for

  • Teeth that appear to be sticking out or protruding
  • Difficulty biting or chewing food
  • Difficulty speaking or pronouncing certain words
  • Recessed chin
  • Lack of confidence when smiling

3. Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth toward the back of the mouth, causing an improper alignment of the jaw. This can lead to jaw pain and discomfort, as well as premature wear and tear on the teeth.

Signs to watch out for

  • Difficulty biting or chewing food
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Jaw pain or discomfort

4. Spacing issues

Spacing issues occur when there are gaps between the teeth. This may be caused by a missing tooth, missing teeth, or teeth that are too small in proportion to the jaw bone. 

Spacing issues can impact the appearance of the smile and make it difficult to properly clean between the teeth, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease. Gaps and irregular spacing can also have a significant impact on your child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Signs to watch out for

  • Gaps between the teeth
  • Difficulty chewing food
  • Food getting stuck between the teeth
  • Lack of confidence when smiling

What do I do if I notice these signs in my child?

Fortunately, all of these conditions can be treated with orthodontics, or braces for kids! If you notice any of these signs in your child, we encourage you to request a complimentary consultation with us. 

Early intervention can prevent more serious orthodontic issues from developing and can ensure that your child’s teeth and jaws develop properly. 

We offer free consultations, because we want you and your child to get answers from a professional – with no risk and no cost. One of our experienced Jupiter orthodontists (Dr. King or Dr. Welch) will perform a full orthodontic exam, including a physical assessment, digital x-rays, digital impressions and diagnostic photos, to get the full picture of your child’s smile.

Parents, we know you’re busy! We also give you the option to get started from home first. With our virtual smile assessment, you can send us pictures of your child’s smile without leaving your house, and we can let you know if your child is a candidate for braces or Invisalign!

Personalized treatment plans for kids

If Dr. King or Dr. Welch determines that your child needs or would benefit from orthodontics, we’ll help you determine the right treatment route for your child’s case.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we create personalized treatment plans on a case-by-case basis, because every patient is different! We may suggest a type of braces (metal, clear, lingual or self-ligating), Invisalign® clear aligners, and/or an orthodontic appliance (like a palatal expander) before or during treatment. 

We’ll help your child smile with confidence for a lifetime. Request a complimentary consultation at our orthodontist office in Jupiter today!

What happens during phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

girl in phase 1 orthodontic treatment smiles at friend in the park

If you’re a parent, you may have heard of phase 1 orthodontic treatment for children. Orthodontic treatment, braces, and Invisalign® have become household words in the past decade.

After all, an estimated 50 to 70% of children in the United States wear braces before adulthood.

For parents who haven’t heard of phase 1 orthodontics yet, you’re in the right place! We’re here to give you the skinny on early orthodontic treatment and phase 1 braces.

What is phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 orthodontics, or one phase orthodontics, is a treatment approach that enables our experienced orthodontists, Dr. King and Dr. Welch, to treat our youngest patients in one complete phase of treatment.

In the 1980s, two-phase orthodontics was a popular treatment method. This approach splits orthodontic treatment into two phases, one phase aimed to prepare the mouth for braces or Invisalign treatment, and the other phase aimed to straighten the smile.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we warn parents against two-phase orthodontic treatment, as some orthodontists recommend this method in order to generate more profit. Our orthodontists only treat patients in two phases when it is absolutely necessary and in the best interest of the patient.

Due to our orthodontists’ expertise, level of skill, and the advanced orthodontic technologies we use, we can treat most patients in one phase with comprehensive treatment. As long as we are able to create the same quality of results that would be made through two phases of treatment, our orthodontists will recommend one phase treatment.

What does phase 1 orthodontic treatment mean for you? Less expense, fewer appointments, and high quality results.

The Phase 1 Braces Process

Phase 1 orthodontics begins with a complimentary consultation at our Jupiter office! We encourage you to fill out your patient forms online to make your first visit as efficient as possible.

When you visit us for your consultation, you and your child will meet your Jupiter orthodontist (Dr. King or Dr. Welch) who will perform a comprehensive orthodontic exam at no charge!

Plus, if your child doesn’t require orthodontic treatment on their first visit, Dr. King will monitor them every six months at no charge with no deposit necessary.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Once we have all of the information we need about your child’s teeth, bite alignment, and growth/development progress, your orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include an orthodontic appliance to maximize the efficiency of treatment, followed by a full treatment of braces (depending on the patient’s specific case).

Our orthodontists are known for an advanced treatment method called the King Method. The King Method is a comprehensive orthodontic approach that fuses various techniques and appliances into one unique method. With this approach, we create superior results in a shorter amount of time.

Your child’s treatment plan will focus on establishing a strong foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth to emerge!

Visit us for regular check-ups!

Once we begin treatment, you and your child will be advised to visit us for regular check-ups every 8 to 10 weeks or so. Some cases require less frequent visits! Your orthodontist will determine the frequency of visits after their orthodontic exam.

During these visits, your orthodontist will assess your child’s progress to determine whether any changes need to be made to their treatment plan.

The next step is a beautiful, healthy new smile that will last your child a lifetime with proper care! We’ll guide you through every step of the treatment process – from your first visit to your last.

Please know that there is no pressure from our office to begin a child’s treatment. We always have our patients’ best interest in mind when determining if treatment should begin!

Reach out to us with any questions or request your complimentary consultation today!

Why Choose A Specialist With Invisalign Experience?

Young girl wearing hat, smiling with trees behind her in fall season

We’re sometimes faced with the decision of what type of doctor or specialist we should see for a diagnosis or treatment. If our condition is in a certain field, say heart health or general health, we’re likely to choose a specialist in that field.

In other words, would you schedule a cardiology appointment with your family doctor? Hopefully not! Family doctors don’t necessarily have the same experience as cardiologists. When you’re looking for a doctor in any field, it’s important to choose one who specializes in your area of need! This is how you ensure the greatest possible results from treatment.

The same goes for your smile! If you or your child is in need of Invisalign® treatment, it’s important that you choose a specialist who has considerable Invisalign experience. Your smile deserves the greatest quality of care, and that means choosing  an expert with years of experience in Invisalign treatment.

Here’s why.

Top 4 Reasons to Choose an Orthodontist with Invisalign Experience

1. An Orthodontist’s Education

Many dentists offer Invisalign treatment, but dentists actually don’t receive the same training that orthodontists do. There are particular distinctions between an orthodontist’s training and a dentist’s training. Both an orthodontist and a dentist complete dental school, but to become an orthodontist, one has to devote an additional 2 to3 years to orthodontic training.

After receiving a certification, orthodontists continue practicing in their field. The best orthodontists pursue ongoing education and stay on the cutting-edge, using the latest technology to ensure outstanding results.

“Continuing education is the key to maintaining the highest level of excellence possible, and I am a staunch advocate of pursuing it. Attendance at study clubs, seminars, and lectures is on my agenda often throughout the year so that I remain on the cutting edge of orthodontic technology,” says Dr. King.

Dr. King is dedicated to continuously improving his technique for his patients! Ensuring the best results with Invisalign requires this level of care and education.

2. Customized Treatment Plans

We use The King Method approach for the utmost level of customization. This method involves a custom selection of specific techniques and tools that cater to the individual’s condition.

Before beginning any orthodontic treatment, knowing the provider’s experience in orthodontic diagnosis is essential! Along with that, the provider must be up-to-date on the customized treatments available for you.

During your first visit to our office, Dr. King will complete a thorough examination of your teeth. He uses your exam results to determine the best treatment approach for your condition.

Using the unique King Method approach, Dr. King will use a combination of all orthodontic methods fused into a single method to treat patients in a more effective and efficient manner. Through a combination of Dr. King’s Invisalign expertise and his King Method approach, patients can experience faster results with shorter treatment periods and superior results!

3. Diagnosing the Root of the Problem

Although a dentist may have some Invisalign experience, an orthodontist has special expertise in the positions of the teeth and the bite, as well as facial aesthetics.

Orthodontists have special training in understanding how your smile can change your facial profile. Orthodontists identify and treat the root of the bite or tooth misalignment, while dentists are mainly focused on the appearance of the teeth. Successful Invisalign treatment requires an approach that includes both aesthetics and functionality.

4. The cost of Invisalign

Many people believe choosing an Invisalign specialist is more expensive, but this isn’t the case! In fact, the more experience an orthodontist has in Invisalign treatment, the lower they’re able to offer the cost of treatment.

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on:
• Your orthodontic condition and its severity
• The length of treatment required for your condition
• Your individual smile goals

A dentist or orthodontist who doesn’t specialize in Invisalign may require additional resources to treat your condition. This can end up costing you more money!

At Jupiter Orthodontics, our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality treatment to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. We offer several payment options and accept a number of insurance plans to meet the needs of our patients. In other words, the cost of Invisalign is affordable with us!

5. Google Reviews

Pro tip: When choosing an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment, how can you ensure that he or she provides excellent care?

Take a look at their Google reviews!

When picking your specialist, look for reviews online, testimonials on their website, as well as other review sources to ensure that the orthodontist provides a high quality of care. People leave genuine reviews all the time—especially if they’re dissatisfied with treatment! Looking at the orthodontist’s reviews on their Google listing and their website will give you greater insight into their approach to orthodontic care.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we value our patients’ feedback. (Take a look at our patients’ testimonials!) We are constantly assessing our patients’ feedback to improve our processes and techniques.

It’s critical to consider an orthodontist’s expertise when making a decision for your smile. Undergoing Invisalign treatment requires experience and education, and with a specialist, you’re guaranteed to receive that!

Choose a qualified Invisalign orthodontist today when you  schedule your complimentary exam with us!

What To Expect Your First Week With Braces

Young girl laying in grass, smiling with braces, Jupiter Orthodontics, What To Expect Your First Week With Braces

Getting braces on is an exciting day for all of our patients! Beginning your smile journey is a momentous occasion. However, under all the excitement, there are a few minor lifestyle adjustments you’ll have to make. It is important to remember that not only will your teeth be adjusting, but so will you! After all, you do suddenly have a mouth full of brackets and wires to get used to.

The first week with braces can be a little odd, but if you follow these tips and tricks, you will have a seamless transition.

Here Are Our Best Tips for Your First Week with Braces

How to prepare for your first braces appointment

Beginning your smile journey is something to look forward to! Leading up to your appointment, we encourage you to think of as many questions as you can. While we will do our best to prepare you, we want to make sure that you leave our office feeling comfortable and confident in your new braces. If you have any questions after you leave the office, rest assured that you can always contact our office or ask your questions through our virtual consultation portal.

How Long After Getting Braces Can You Eat Normal Foods?

It is important to choose soft foods the first few days after getting braces. Not only do we want to protect your new brackets while the dental cement sets, but your teeth may be a little sensitive as well. We recommend grocery shopping ahead of time and stocking your pantry with soft foods and cold foods to help ease any discomfort. Having readily available options to choose from while you adjust to your braces will make for an easier transition.

Here are some foods you can eat during your first week with braces:

  • Yogurt
  • Apple sauce
  • Pudding
  • Ice cream, milkshakes and smoothies
  • Soft-cooked meat, like brisket or fish
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits
  • Soft crackers or cookies
  • Cheese
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Oatmeal
  • Seafood
  • Cooked or soft vegetables
  • Moist desserts

You have plenty of tasty options to eat with braces the first week! Although, there are a few foods you should avoid to prevent discomfort, broken brackets or loose wires:

  • Popcorn or nuts
  • Sticky and hard candy
  • Gum
  • Ice
  • Corn chips
  • Pretzels
  • Hard cookies or crackers

Try to avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth. When possible, cut up these hard foods into smaller pieces:

  • Raw vegetables
  • Croutons
  • Hard rolls/breads
  • Thin crust pizza
  • Chewy meats
  • Burgers
  • Sub sandwiches
  • Corn on the cob

Know how to properly brush your teeth with braces

Braces can be tricky to clean, but with practice and the right tools, you can ensure a beautiful end result! It is important to brush as often as possible while undergoing braces treatment. If you do not take proper care of your braces, then you are at risk for decalcification (permanent white marks) on your teeth. Decalcification is a result of plaque buildup, but is 100% preventable! To maintain optimal oral hygiene, follow these quick tips on brushing with braces:

  • Ask your orthodontists for their recommendation on the best toothbrush for your braces.
  • Practice angling your toothbrush at different degrees to get the top and bottom of your brackets as well as your gums.
  • Always floss! Invest in floss threaders and keep them handy with your floss.
  • Keep a compact mirror with you to keep an eye on food build-up.

Build A Braces Survival Kit

Some of the best advice we can give our patients is to build a braces survival kit to keep on-hand at all times! A portable braces kit can help you to keep your teeth clean, to be prepared for minor emergencies, and to minimize any discomfort! Your kit can be small; it’s what’s inside that counts! Here is a list of our braces survival kit must-haves:

  • Compact toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Floss and a floss threader
  • Orthodontic wax for a loose or pokey wire
  • Mints
  • A few over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol
  • Lip balm
  • Compact mirrorYou can keep your kit handy in your backpack, purse or car! Having all of these items available will ensure a smooth and comfortable braces experience.

Still Have Questions About Your First Week with Braces?

If you have any questions regarding your braces treatment or are ready to schedule your free consultation in Jupiter, we can’t wait to meet you! We are excited to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about orthodontic treatment.

What Makes the Damon® System Different?

Jupiter Orthodontics, What Makes Damon Braces Different? Jupiter Florida

With a variety of different types of braces, what makes people choose clear braces from Damon® Clear™ and the Damon® System?

The answer is clear! Damon Clear braces:

  • Allow quicker treatment time
  • Don’t use elastic or rubber bands
  • Apply less pressure to the teeth, making treatment more comfortable
  • Require less appointments
  • Are considerably more hygienic than other types of braces

Quicker Treatment with Damon Clear Braces
Aren’t we all hoping to see our new-and-improved smile sooner than later? The Damon System technology works so efficiently that it reduces the treatment period (relative to traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners) and requires fewer appointments. Damon Clear braces don’t use rubber band appliances, which means these braces don’t require an appointment to be tightened. In fact, they don’t require tightening at all!

Damon Clear Braces Use Comfortable, Convenient, Self-Ligating, Tie-Less Brackets

Self-ligating, tie-less brackets? What a mouthful! The highly-advanced, tie-less technology of Damon Clear braces means these braces (unlike traditional, metal braces) don’t use rubber bands or elastic bands to hold the brackets in place. Rubber bands in traditional braces can create space for bacteria to lodge themselves. They also apply added pressure to the teeth, which can sometimes feel sore or uncomfortable as the teeth are shifting.

Self-ligating brackets means they use a slide mechanism, which allows brackets to move freely, rather than all brackets repositioning at the same time. This feature allows greater tooth movement, which is ideal for repositioning each tooth to its optimal position. This is also how Damon Clear braces work quicker than traditional braces. When brackets are bonded to the teeth and not self-ligating, they apply added pressure to the teeth, which slows down the rate of tooth movement. With Damon Clear braces, teeth are not shifting all together at once, so they’re able to reach the desired position at an accelerated rate.

If you’re seeking a comfortable, clear and convenient braces option, Damon Clear braces might be the right choice for you! We would love to discuss the differences you’ll see with Damon braces, before and after treatment.

If Damon Clear braces aren’t your preferred option, we also provide Invisalign in Jupiter, FL along with metal braces, ceramic braces and lingual braces. Request your free orthodontic exam with Dr. King at Jupiter Orthodontics today, or reach out to us to talk about which orthodontic treatment is right for you. Jupiter Orthodontics are proud to serve the Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Hobe Sound, FL communities

Clear Aligner Therapy: Which aligner is right for you?

Woman holding Invisalign, ClearCorrect, Clarity clear aligners to teeth at Jupiter Orthodontics in Jupiter FL for clear aligner therapy

As clear aligners have become increasingly popular, countless brands are popping up left and right with the promise of effective clear aligner therapy.

So, how do you know if clear aligners are right for you?

The first few things Dr. King will help you to determine:

  • What is your current orthodontic condition?
      • Do you have a mild to moderate malocclusion (poor bite)?
      • Are your teeth crooked or gapped?
  • What goals do you hope to achieve through orthodontic treatment?
      • Are you hoping to completely realign your bite and restructure your appearance?
      • Are you hoping to straighten your teeth and experience a more confident smile?
  • What are your preferences, based on your lifestyle?
      • Do you have personal or professional commitments that may require a metal-free orthodontic treatment?
      • Are you seeking an unnoticeable, practically-invisible treatment?

Did you answer yes to the majority of these questions? You may be the perfect candidate for clear aligner therapy!

If you still aren’t quite sure whether clear aligners are right for you, take the first step by requesting your free orthodontic exam with Dr. King. He is here to educate you and help you understand all there is to know about your options in orthodontic treatment.

Now, how do you determine which clear aligner is right for you?

“Aligner therapy is all about the doctor, not the company that makes the aligner.” -Dr. King

Dr. King says it best! Each company that creates clear aligners has its own pros and cons. That’s why your team at Jupiter Orthodontics is here to help you pick out the right clear aligner for you.

We currently provide a variety of clear aligners, including Invisalign®, Clarity™ and ClearCorrect aligners.

No matter the brand of clear aligners you choose, what’s most important is the personalized treatment plan that Dr. King creates to suit your specific condition, needs, goals, lifestyle and preferences. Dr. King applies the King Method to all of his patients’ treatment plans, which allows him to provide better results in a shorter amount of time! Combining his vast knowledge with his extensive experience in orthodontics, Dr. King has a comprehensive understanding of which technique is best for each of his patients.

So, when it comes to clear aligner therapy, as long as you’re choosing clear aligners approved by a top orthodontist like Dr. King, the type of clear aligner is not necessarily the concern.

The main concern with clear aligner therapy is the doctor you choose. If your doctor isn’t exceptionally experienced with clear aligners, your treatment can be ineffective or even damaging, regardless of the brand.

Ensure that your clear aligner therapy yields the results you’ve always dreamed of when you choose Dr. King as your orthodontist.

Following your orthodontic treatment, Dr. King will continue to monitor your progress every 6 months at no charge to you! At Jupiter Orthodontics, we promise high-quality treatments with the greatest level of attention to each and every patient.

When you request your free orthodontic exam with Dr. King, you’re taking the first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile! We provide affordable orthodontics in Jupiter, FL. Reach out to us today to discuss your options with clear braces, adult orthodontics or braces for kids!  Dr. King and the entire Jupiter Orthodontics team are proud to serve the Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Hobe Sound, FL communities.

5 Signs You Need Orthodontics

young friends, school, happy, Invisalign, happy smile, Jupiter Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatments serve a cosmetic purpose as well as a major functional purpose. The right orthodontic treatment can improve your functionality, increase your self-confidence and quite literally change your life!

How do you know if you can benefit from orthodontics? Here are 5 signs that you should begin treatment!

1. You breathe through your mouth
One telltale sign that you need orthodontic treatment is mouth-breathing. Mouth-breathing has everything to do with the openness of the airways, relative to the width of the jaw. When the jaw is considerably narrow, the airways are blocked or obstructed and it’s difficult to breathe easily through the nose. Mouth-breathing can lead to sleep apnea, which can be life-threatening if it goes untreated! To improve your breathing, Dr. King will create a customized treatment plan to expand your jaw and open your airways.

2. You hide your smile
If you ever hide your smile or feel self-conscious when you grin, it’s time to begin orthodontic treatment! If your teeth are crooked, gapped, crowded or you have a visibly poor bite, we have the orthodontic treatments to give you the confident smile you deserve. It’s never too late to recreate your smile, and the right orthodontic treatment will leave you with a smile that you want to share.

3. Your top and bottom teeth don’t meet evenly
Do you find it difficult or uncomfortable to chew food? This can indicate a poor bite condition. When your top teeth don’t meet your bottom teeth evenly, this can affect your jaw function, your airways and even your posture! Poor bite conditions include overbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites. If you notice your top teeth jutting over your bottom teeth, your bottom teeth extending beyond your top teeth, or you experience difficulty chewing, Dr. King can create a personalized treatment plan that brings your jaw into perfect alignment to improve its functionality.

4. You have a speech impediment
If you have a lisp or speech impediment, this may be attributed to your orthodontic condition. A malocclusion, or poor bite condition, makes it difficult to bring your top and bottom teeth together evenly to pronounce certain sounds, like ‘s’ and ‘z’. If there are any unintended openings between the teeth while the tongue is trying to enunciate, this will create a lisp. These open spaces often occur in openbites and overjets. Through orthodontic treatment, Dr. King can expand the jaw and realign the top teeth with the bottom for proper speech ability.

5. Your child’s teeth are growing out of alignment
Children should visit the orthodontist by age 7. During this time, baby teeth are falling out and permanent teeth are erupting through the gums. This is the perfect time to consider orthodontic treatment, before the adult teeth stabilize. Once the adult teeth stabilize, they may reveal a problematic condition that affects functionality or appearance. Dr. King is highly trained in detecting problematic orthodontic conditions before they fully emerge. By assessing the alignment of your child’s teeth during his or her malleable years, we can intervene before the condition affects the quality of your child’s life. When your child completes his or her free initial consultation with Dr. King, this does not mean he will recommend that your child begins orthodontic treatment immediately. Unlike many other orthodontists, Dr. King will determine the optimal period for your child to begin treatment, and he will continue to monitor your child’s progress for months or years to follow at no cost to you!

No matter how severe you or your child’s orthodontic condition, Dr. King will create a personalized treatment plan that brings you to your ideal smile. If you notice any of these 5 telltale signs throughout the day or night, give us a call to discuss how orthodontics can benefit you.

We provide adult orthodontics, braces for kids, clear braces and more to the Jupiter, Florida community. Request your free exam with Dr. King to get started today!

Why to go to an orthodontist instead of an at-home clear aligners company?

young woman, smiling, white straight teeth, Invisalign, Jupiter Orthodontics

As at-home clear aligners increase in popularity, it’s natural to wonder whether in-person orthodontic care or at-home orthodontic care is the better decision for you or your child.

You may believe “at-home” has a comfortable ring to it, but when it comes to you or your child’s precious smile, do you really want to leave room for error?

Take this quick quiz to understand why in-person orthodontic treatment is the right decision for you!

1. Initial Exam
You decided on Invisalign® clear aligners as your treatment. Now, let’s begin. For your initial exam, do you choose Option A or Option B?

Option A: At-home clear aligners

You took the questionable route and chose at-home orthodontics. For your initial exam, you receive an impression kit in the mail. You bite into the impression mold of thick “goop”, your hands shake and you aren’t quite sure if you’re doing it correctly. You send your molds back through the mail and await the arrival of your clear aligners.

Option B: Clear aligners from the orthodontist

You played it smart and scheduled your free exam with us. You meet Dr. King, who asks you what your goals are with treatment. Dr. King then completes a thorough exam of your teeth and bite. He takes x-rays of your condition and shows you diagnostic photos of previous success stories. Dr. King discusses your treatment options with you and suggests the most efficient and effective treatment to fit your lifestyle. He thoroughly explains your chosen treatment and proceeds to take impressions of your teeth and bite, using the iTero Digital Impression system. Your dental molds show immediate results, without the use of “goopy” impression materials. Dr. King crafts a treatment plan, personalized to your current condition and your unique orthodontic goals. He explains every aspect of your custom treatment plan and answers every question you have. Now, with an extensive understanding of what’s to come, you await the arrival of your clear aligners.

2. Your initial exam is complete!

Now it’s time to receive your aligners and begin treatment. If you chose:

Option A: At-home clear aligners

You receive your clear aligners in the mail. You place a set in your mouth, and they feel slightly off-kilter. You can feel that your bottom teeth are dramatically compressed in the bottom aligner, and your top aligner is fitting loosely. You place them in and begin treatment, but you have a few questions, so you resort to searching Google for answers. You continue referring to Google with questions throughout your treatment. Four months have passed, and you snap a picture of your teeth to compare with a picture of your teeth from the beginning of treatment. You don’t notice a difference, but you assume it’ll take a little longer to see results. So you continue treatment and await the results.

Option B: Clear aligners from the orthodontist

You receive your clear aligners from Dr. King. You place a set in your mouth, and they fit snuggly with just enough pressure exerted on your teeth. Dr. King gives you detailed instructions with your clear aligners, and you ask questions to ease every concern. You leave our office with your new orthodontic treatment and a comfortable, comprehensive understanding of your treatment plan. You visit our office regularly, every couple of months, so Dr. King can monitor your progress and order your next few sets of aligners. You visit Dr. King or call the office as often as you’d like with any questions or concerns. (You’re sure to address the hard hitting questions, like “Can I drink wine with Invisalign”?) Four months into your treatment, you compare a picture of your ‘before’ teeth with a picture of your current progress, and you notice a dramatic difference! You’re ecstatic with your current smile, and you can’t wait for the final results.

3. Your treatment is over!

How do you like your new smile?

Option A: At-home clear aligners

Your smile looks different than it did at the beginning of your treatment. You realize you were misinformed on the amount of hours to wear your aligners each day, so your treatment progressed at a slow pace. Your bottom teeth are crowding each other. Your top teeth don’t fall into perfect alignment with your bottom teeth, and it feels awkward to chew food. You realize that you must’ve taken inaccurate molds of your teeth at the beginning of your treatment. (Remember your shaky hands?) Looking at your results in the mirror, you decide that your at-home orthodontic venture was not worth the money or time. You call Jupiter Orthodontics to schedule your free orthodontic exam, and your treatment period starts back at square one.

Option B: Clear aligners from the orthodontist

You love your new teeth! Your smile reveals perfectly aligned teeth on the top and bottom rows. Your previous condition has vanished, and your top and bottom teeth align comfortably with a healthy bite. Your new smile exceeds your expectations, and you can’t wait to maintain it during the retention phase. You walk out of Jupiter Orthodontics with a confident smile that you can’t stop sharing. Your in-person orthodontic treatment was a success.

The risks in at-home orthodontic care should not be ignored!

In this scenario, at-home orthodontic care resulted in an ineffective treatment that required in-person orthodontic care in the end to reverse damage. (At-home orthodontic care can lead to even greater damage than this scenario!) When you choose in-person orthodontic care with an orthodontist, you’re choosing a path that will save you a considerable amount of time and money.

At Jupiter Orthodontics, we want you to experience a confident smile without damaging your teeth or gums. If you’re seeking an orthodontist in Jupiter, we would love to meet you! Please feel free to reach out to us or schedule your free exam with Dr. King today.  Jupiter Orthodontics is proud to serve the Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Hobe Sound, FL communities.