Children & Young Adult Treatment
For us here at Kelly Orthodontics, a healthy bite and beautiful smile can go a long way to improving a child’s self-confidence and overall health. You can be assured that we only recommend treatment where there is real benefit to be had, and we are also happy to let you know when we believe that treatment is not needed. Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages 9 and 14. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At your initial appointment, Dr. Kelly will assess whether your child is ready to begin treatment. We look forward to getting to know you and your child and understanding your treatment goals.
Types of Braces
There are many types of braces Orthodontist now are able to use to correct a smile. The most common type of braces are stainless steel brackets. These are the most popular and most affordable form of braces used today. With these braces a small bracket gets bonded to each tooth in the patient’s mouth and joined by a wire. The brackets can be decorated with elastics and ligatures in a variety of colors.
Ceramic braces are another type of popular braces. These braces are clear and aren’t as easy to see as the ones that are made out of metal. Usually these braces are made to blend in with the natural color of a tooth’s enamel. Of course, at the same time ceramic braces are far more brittle and they are more likely to break are usually recommended for adult treatment only.

Finally, available to some patients, there is the option of invisible and removable aligner therapy. This type of "braces" are great for people whose orthodontic problems are in the mild to moderate range. They are employed for their gradual and minimal movement of teeth from the beginning of treatment, to the healthiest possible finishing point. Aligners also offer the wearer superior oral hygiene because it’s easy to remove them for brushing as well as eating. It's important to understand that in order for them to be effective, aligners rely heavily on the patient's compliance in wearing them.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Compared to adolescent patients, adults can present with complex problems that require a team approach to treatment. Dr. Kelly is experienced at coordinating seamless care with your dentist and/or other dental specialists to achieve ideal results. Another difference between adolescent and adult orthodontics is that limited treatment is also more common in adults. Your dentist may recommend re-positioning teeth with orthodontics prior to reconstructive work (crowns, bridges, implants). Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of tooth structure as well as the bone that supports the teeth, requiring periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. We look forward to discussing your treatment options with you!
Braces and Your Dental Health
Taking care of your braces does not need to be complicated. In fact, taking even basic care of your teeth now, could prevent costly dental procedures later. Of course, knowing how to properly care for your teeth involves knowing exactly what is happening when you have braces on your teeth.
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While your teeth are adorned with your braces, you will want to take extra care to make sure that your dental hygiene routine is impeccable. One of the best tools for oral care while you have braces is a water pik. This can be used in addition to regular brushing to get the spaces between your teeth clean. Flossing may be difficult when you have braces and the water pik helps to clean the places you’ve missed. You will also want to invest in an anti-cavity, fluoride mouthwash as it will help protect your teeth during the day.
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When you have braces, your teeth are being moved through the gums to new positions. This means that your mouth could feel sore as the teeth move to their new positions. One of the most common problems with braces is the wires of the braces rub against your cheeks and lips and can cause soreness. Also, as your teeth move closer together, the wires of your braces could end up sticking out of the back of your braces and poking into your cheeks. When you first get your braces, we will send you home with a home care kit that includes dental wax to be used just for the occasion of pokey wires. Fix a small amount of the wax to the wire to protect your cheek and if necessary, call us to see if you can get in to have the wire clipped.
Follow the directions given to you when we place your braces and you’ll have a beautiful and healthy smile in no time!