Category: For Teens

Why Orthodontics for Teens is Important!

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Milagros Santini - For Teens

Have you caught your teen practicing their smile in the mirror? Or giving you grief every year on picture day? The teenage years as we all know are a time of awkwardness and a whole lotta change.

One of the biggest concerns among American teens is their appearance! And 96% of teens aren’t satisfied with their smile. So what can you as a parent do to help them? Simply talk it over with your teen! If you find they’re wanting to straighten their teeth, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation together.

But did you know that there’s more benefits of orthodontics for teens than just straight teeth? And if your Jupiter orthodontists recommend braces, which braces option is best for your teen?

Braces for Teens Offer Many Health Benefits

Think of straight teeth as the foundation for a beautiful, healthy smile. From your teen’s improved bite and aligned jaw, comes a plethora of health benefits. Let’s break it down!

Orthodontics for teens can…

Improve speech. Did you know your tongue touches a specific area of your teeth to produce certain words? It’s true! Crooked teeth or spacing issues can slur your teen’s words or produce an embarrassing whistling sound.

Improve digestion. Teeth and jawbones in alignment allow your teen to easily chew their food into smaller pieces—the ideal size for proper digestion!
Reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth in healthy alignment are easy to brush and floss! They also don’t provide extra places for food particles to hide and fester.
Reduce the risk of trauma (from protruding teeth). During puberty, growth spurts are common! The pesky temporary side effect from these is lack of coordination, which can lead to a fall and damage your teen’s protruding teeth. And if your teen is active in sports, the risk of trauma to their mouth or teeth increases! (Especially if your teen has an overbite, where their risk of dental injury increases by 30%!)

What’s the best braces for teens?

There isn’t one “best” option when it comes to braces! Each different type of braces has unique benefits. It’s just a matter of what your teen prefers and how they want to look during treatment.

Teens can choose from:

All these orthodontic options are incredibly effective and will help reveal your teen’s true smile! Teens can express their creativity through their smile with traditional braces or go discreet with a clear or lingual option.

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces are made up of high-quality metal alloy brackets that are fixed to each individual tooth with non-toxic dental adhesive. A metal arch wire is threaded through these brackets and held in place by elastics— more commonly known as rubber bands! At the expert hands of Dr. King or Dr. Welch, these brackets and the arch wire will work together to straighten your teen’s teeth in 6 to 36 months depending on the severity of your teen’s orthodontic condition.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Although not as popular as metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces are an orthodontic option for your teen too! Ceramic braces are similar in design to metal braces, but blend in with the natural color of your teen’s teeth. If your teen prefers a more discreet form of braces, ceramic braces may be right for them.

Lingual Braces

INBRACE is the truly invisible, incredibly innovative, no-compliance-necessary orthodontic treatment option for teens! With lingual braces, the brackets and wires are located behind the teeth, so they aren’t visible to anyone!

Invisalign for Teens

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for any lifestyle! Teens don’t have to change their diet, stop eating their favorite foods, turn down any dates to prom, or worry about “metal mouth” with Invisalign.

Improve Your Teens’ Confidence and Health with Orthodontics!

When your teen visits us for their free orthodontic exam, we’ll explain to you both about their current orthodontic condition. We’ll create a custom treatment and payment plan 100% for your teen! Our experienced orthodontists and talented team want to make your teen’s life-changing transformation comfortable, affordable, and accurate.

If you have questions about orthodontic options for teens, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you select from our recommended orthodontic treatment options to ensure your teen receives the best possible smile results!

Is your teen ready to begin their journey toward their most confident smile? Get started by requesting a free exam with our top orthodontists in Jupiter— Dr. King and Dr. Welch!

Why Choose A Specialist With Invisalign Experience?

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Lo Dellarocco - For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

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!

Three Easy Steps To Keep Your Teeth White With Braces

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Lo Dellarocco - For Adults, For Teens, Invisalign

How to keep teeth white with braces, Jupiter, girl with blonde hair smiling with braces

Are you planning to start treatment with braces soon, or your treatment is coming to an end and you’re scared of stained teeth? We know teeth stains may be a cause for concern for some people, but we have tips to help you achieve the smile you’ve always desired—without the stains!

The first thing to keep in mind is that braces themselves don’t stain your teeth; braces are made of high-grade materials that don’t rust or cause discoloration.
It’s the build-up of plaque and food particles that can cause your teeth to turn yellow.

As your Jupiter Orthodontist, we are here to help you navigate your life with braces with three easy steps to keep your teeth white and your oral hygiene at its best!

3 Tips to Avoid Teeth Stains

1. Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly

Your mouth is home to over 700 types of bacteria, so you can imagine how much bacteria is on your teeth and around your gum line if you don’t brush diligently! Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can minimize plaque and bacteria that cause the teeth to stain. It can also ward off gum disease!

Committing to oral hygiene habits not only prevents stains, but it can also have a profound impact on your health and longevity. Consider using an interproximal orthodontics brush to optimize your results and clean the hard-to-reach spaces between brackets and wires!

2. Avoid Whitening Toothpaste

Some people may opt for whitening toothpaste, thinking it’ll prevent teeth staining. However, this method will actually make the problem worse! Whitening toothpaste can reduce the enamel responsible for the natural, beautiful shine on your teeth. It’ll also lighten the exposed tooth surfaces that aren’t covered by your braces brackets. Before you purchase any whitening products throughout your treatment, consult with Dr. King! He’ll help you make the best decision for your smile.

3. Use Flossing Threaders
Flossing threaders can make a huge difference in your treatment! Unfortunately, not enough people are flossing their teeth regularly. Research shows that only 37% of the American population flossed their teeth in 2016. Flossing regularly can maximize the results from your smile transformation. Flossing can help to prevent gum disease and tooth decay and clean the areas where a regular toothbrush can’t reach.

If you’re still wondering what you can do to keep your teeth white while having braces, we are here to help you! (Many of our patients choose Invisalign® clear aligners, because they’re removable and practically invisible. With clear aligners, there aren’t any brackets or wires to get in the way of your toothbrush or floss threaders!)

The Jupiter Orthodontics team is here to support you throughout your treatment. We don’t want you to fear yellow or stained teeth emerging after your treatment. Seeing your new smile is incredibly exciting—especially when you take the necessary precautions during your treatment to avoid stained teeth!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. If you’re ready to begin your smile journey, take the first step by requesting your free consultation today.

You can rest assured that you’re in the best hands when you visit Dr. King at Jupiter Orthodontics!

What You Should Know When Drinking With Invisalign

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Malcolm Bowen - For Adults, For Teens, Invisalign

One of the many perks of Invisalign® treatment is that it requires minimal lifestyle changes! Invisalign is designed to be clear, convenient, removable, discrete and effective! While there are not many restrictions with Invisalign clear aligners, there are some drinking restrictions while your aligners are in place. Understanding when to take out your aligners is important in protecting your smile and your investment!

When you visit us for your free orthodontic exam, Dr. King will tell you everything you need to know about Invisalign treatment. He will take the time to discuss any temporary dietary changes you’ll have to make to ensure that your treatment is as effective, efficient, and comfortable as possible.

The Safest Drink for Invisalign

The best thing you can do (not only for your health, but for your clear aligners too) is drink water! Water is the only drink you can have without removing your aligners. Invisalign trays are prone to stain, and can become damaged or warped by hot beverages. More importantly, drinking sugary beverages while wearing your Invisalign trays is bad for your teeth!

When you drink sugary, carbonated beverages while wearing your trays, those sugars are trapped on the surface of your teeth and between your teeth. This can lead to plaque build-up, and eventually tooth decay!

If you happen to drink something other than water while wearing your trays, don’t worry! Simply remove your clear aligners, rinse them under water, and use a travel toothbrush to brush your teeth and aligners.

Drinks to Avoid while Wearing Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are clear for a reason, and we want to help you keep them that way! It’s important to know that casually drinking green tea, coffee, alcohol or smoothies with invisalign can damage your aligners and potentially harm your teeth. Be in-the-know on which drinks you should avoid to prevent damage to your aligners and to ensure a successful, timely treatment!

Here is a Quick List of Drinks to Avoid while Wearing Invisalign :

Hot drinks
Teas
Coffee
Wine and Beer
Soda
Juice
Carbonated/sparkling water
Milk
Smoothies

Invisalign and Hot Drinks

It’s no secret that Invisalign and coffee do not mix well! After all, coffee is infamous for staining the teeth, so imagine what it can do to your aligners!While that is true, coffee and other hot drinks can do more damage than just staining your aligners.! Drinking coffee and hot drinks with Invisalign can permanently damage your aligners, because heat naturally warps plastic. When clear aligners become warped, they no longer fit as well as intended, which can create an ineffective treatment.

This is why it is also important to remember that you should clean your aligners with room temperature water. Boiling or soaking your aligners in hot water can damage your trays and affect the fit and comfort as well.

When your custom aligners are made, a sheet of the Invisalign plastic is first heat-softened, and then vacuum-formed (sucked down) over a model of your teeth, thus giving the aligner its precise shape. Drinking hot beverages with your aligners incan alter the intended precision of your trays.

What Will Stain Invisalign?

It is important to remember that your Invisalign clear aligners are easily stained. Drinking juices, red wine, or coffee with Invisalign can cause discoloration in your trays. We encourage you to only drink water while wearing your aligners, but if you accidentally stain them, we have a fix! Soaking your aligners in a retainer cleaning solution, like Retainer Brite®, can effectively minimize these stains.

Retainer Brite is the #1 doctor-recommended brand to cleanInvisalign trays, retainers, night guards and any other removable dental appliance! You can use these tablets to clean and disinfect your aligners with the professional strength of a dental office at home. Keeping your clear aligners clean is essential for maintaining your oral health. If you don’t take cleaning measures seriously, bacteria can build up in the aligners, which can cause health complications for your teeth and gums.

Invisalign and Drinking with a Straw

We have a lot of patients ask if they can still drink whatever they want if they use a straw with Invisalign. While you may have heard of this trick for teeth whitening, it does not work in regards to keeping your aligners safe. Hot drinks will still cause heat damage, and sugars can still be trapped in your teeth.

It is important to remember that while these drink restrictions sound like a downside to Invisalign treatment, Invisalign clear aligners are made to be comfortable and fit your lifestyle. When you compare the dietary restrictions with braces vs Invisalign, you’ll find that clear aligners are much easier to manage!

Still Have Questions About How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about getting started with Invisalign and protecting your aligners! Our goal is to help you choose the best treatment option for you. We encourage you to schedule your free exam or reach out to us at our Jupiter office (561-747-5766) today!

What To Expect Your First Week With Braces

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Malcolm Bowen - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens

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?

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Lo Dellarocco - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens

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?

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Lo Dellarocco - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

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

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Lo Dellarocco - Braces, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Invisalign

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!

561-747-5766