early treatment

Ask Dr. Fidler: How long does orthodontic treatment take?

February 13th, 2012


Your smile is totally unique, so the time you’ll need to spend undergoing orthodontic treatment will also be unique. Generally, orthodontic treatment will take about two years, and this is for good reason. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into their desired positions, leaving you with a great smile with as little discomfort as possible. Rushing treatment can result in a less than perfect smile with a greater chance of tooth movement after your treatment is complete. At Factoria Orthodontics, we don’t want to waste your time with treatment that won’t retain your smile for the rest of your life.

Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Dr. Fidler will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!

Has your child or teen visited Factoria Orthodontics for an orthodontic consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Have you had a check-up lately?

January 6th, 2012

Even if you brush and floss daily, as well as maintain your braces and visit our office during your orthodontic treatment it is still important to visit your local dentist every 6 months, or as recommended.

Why?

  • Your dentist can detect and treat tooth and gum problems that you may have never felt or noticed.
  • Even thorough daily oral care may not be enough to prevent cavities and oral decay.
  • Frequent visits can allow your dentist to treat a problem early to prevent future complications.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue.  Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing.

If you have not visited a dentist in the past six months, please let us know! Dr. Brett Fidler will be happy to provide a few great references here in the area!

-- Dr. Brett Fidler & Team

Ask Dr. Fidler: "My son is turning 7 - when should we visit for a consultation?"

November 8th, 2011


Great question! Our staff at Factoria Orthodontics will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Brett Fidler and our team to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Give us a call at our Bellevue office if you have any questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment! We hope you have a WONDERFUL rest of the week!

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