Orthodontic services can straighten teeth, address bite problems, and provide a more comfortable smile. Orthodontics will improve the health, long-term stability, and appearance of your smile. Braces and clear aligners will reposition your teeth, often widening the bite to allow the teeth to make proper contact. If you have teeth that protrude, are crooked, or a bite that is uneven, orthodontic treatment may be the solution for your needs. Orthodontics is not just for kids- adults can often benefit greatly from orthodontic services and support long-term dental health.
An experienced orthodontist, Dr. Anthony Albert provides traditional metal braces and orthodontic appliances as well as Invisalign clear aligners. He can work with children and adults to improve smiles with appropriate orthodontic treatment. Dr. Albert offers orthodontic screening for children, early intervention, and braces for all ages. Routine screening for bite problems is a part of your preventive dental care in our office, but if you have concerns about the comfort of your bite or the appearance of your teeth, consider a consultation to discuss orthodontic treatment options.
Orthodontics for Children
Orthodontic treatment for children and teens is designed to facilitate better oral development and to address underlying bite problems or jaw structure concerns. Dr. Albert can offer early screenings for children if a dental problem or potential bite issue has been identified by one of our dentists during routine dental care. In some cases, phase one orthodontics may be recommended for a young patient with significant concerns about the development of their bite and future tooth position.
We offer several types of orthodontic treatment options and Dr. Albert will make the appropriate recommendation for the needs of your child or teen. Although the aesthetics of the smile is an important factor in the treatment plan, our goal is to achieve a smile that is healthy, stable, and comfortable for a lifetime.
What is phase one orthodontics?
Phase one or early intervention is orthodontic treatment for a developing child. Phase one orthodontics is designed to address how the jaw and palate are developing and where the permanent teeth will erupt. Phase one orthodontic treatment is typically began between the ages of 6 and 10. This is when the primary or baby teeth are being lost and permanent teeth are erupting. Common reasons for recommending phase one orthodontics can include:
- Thumb sucking throughout childhood that is opening the bite
- Protrusion of front teeth
- Crowding of teeth
- Underbite
When correcting these dental health concerns during the development stage we can often avoid more complex problems later on and set the stage for the permanent teeth to be positioned correctly. Phase one orthodontics may include the use of braces, retainers, and oral appliances that will support treatment goals.
Braces for Adults
Dr. Albert can work with patients of any age who have orthodontic-related concerns. We offer braces for adults including traditional metal braces and clear aligners. We believe that it is never too late to straighten your teeth or to address a bite problem that is also impacting other aspects of your dental health. Straighter teeth are healthier teeth and they will make it easier to maintain your overall oral health.
Whenever possible, Dr. Albert will offer Invisalign clear aligners to meet your orthodontic needs as an adult. Clear aligners are discreet and make treatment more convenient in many ways. Common reasons that adults may need or seek orthodontic treatment can include:
- Crooked teeth
- Bite problems and TMJ disorders
- Orthodontic relapse
The Importance of Retainers
Once your braces are off or you have completed treatment with clear aligners, the ongoing use of a retainer is important. A retainer should be worn as directed for the first few months post-treatment and then nightly for the rest of your life! Neglecting to use a retainer will significantly increase your risk of orthodontic release where the teeth slowly return to their pre-treatment position.
Why Choose Dr. Albert?
Dr. Anthony Albert is an orthodontist in our Lansdale dental practice. As an orthodontist, Dr. Albert has advanced post-graduate training in the treatment of jaw alignment and tooth position. He has an in-depth understanding of facial orthopedics and works with children and adult patients to address bite problems, crooked teeth, and other dentofacial concerns affecting the function of the bite. Dr. Albert has years of experience treating patients and provides comprehensive orthodontic treatment for the health and comfort of your smile. Contact our Lansdale dentist office to schedule an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Albert and explore your treatment needs and options.