Treatment

Getting Started with Treatment

If treatment is indicated, it can easily begin at your first appointment by taking diagnostic records. Diagnostic records are needed to obtain accurate models of the teeth and dental arches so that Dr. Whitlock can measure their relationships to one another. As the next step to getting started with your care, this information allows Dr. Whitlock to carefully plan the recommended treatment so that appliances can be placed at your next visit. These records are taken here in our office and take an additional 30-45 minutes.

State-of-the-Art Approach Personalized Care

Dr. Whitlock utilizes the latest techniques of treatment planning and delivery. Our most recent advancement comes in the form of digital imaging, a computerized method of gathering digital pictures. Used at the initial exam, these visual images make it possible for Dr. Whitlock to instantly evaluate the nature of any orthodontic concerns. For most new patients, we are able to use this information to discuss the initial findings, explain the recommended course of treatment and review the approximate cost involved, all at the first appointment. You'll even receive a customized treatment summary with visual printouts of our findings. This "take-home" information makes a great educational tool for family members who are unable to attend the first visit. Most importantly, digital imaging provides you and your family with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about when to begin orthodontic care.

Age 7, A Year to Remember

In the past, orthodontic treatment was often postponed until the adolescent years, when all the permanent teeth came in. We now know that many orthodontic problems can be treated earlier and much easier by working with the growth that takes place in younger children.

Dr. Whitlock follows the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, or earlier if a problem is detected. Although treatment may not begin at this young age, an early examination allows Dr. Whitlock to monitor your child's dental development. Early detection can significantly reduce the need for removal of permanent teeth. And because younger children are more enthusiastic and cooperative, total treatment time is often reduced. In many cases, positive orthodontic results can be achieved, which would not otherwise be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Braces and Beauty at Any Age

Beautiful, healthy smiles are possible for almost anyone. From age 7 to age 70, the biological process of tooth movement is the same in adults and children. In fact, it's the condition of a person's teeth, gums and supporting bone that is the most important element in deciding whether or not to begin treatment. Properly aligned teeth are not only easier to clean, they can go a long way to improving a person's self-esteem and confidence. Whether you are considering orthodontic care to enhance your appearance or to correct a poor bite that has contributed to dental problems, we'd love to talk with you about the benefits of adult orthodontics.