Orthodontics for All Ages | Sturbridge
Smiles for the Whole Family
At Sturbridge Orthodontics, we believe in orthodontics for all ages. We have lots of parents who bring their children to us for treatment and are so pleased with the process that they inquire about braces for themselves, too.
We’re proud of the fact that we treat lots of families. We also offer a discount for each family member who goes through treatment.
Orthodontics for Kids
Dr. Sabelis and the American Association of Orthodontists both recommend that children visit an orthodontist for the first time around their seventh birthday. This may seem young, but it’s actually the perfect age.
By age 7, children usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, so we can get an idea of how the adult smile is taking shape. Then we’ll be able to identify any potential issues and determine when the best time for an intervention. This is what’s known as two-phase treatment.
Two-Phase Treatment
Some patients who visit us at the age of 7 might be right for early intervention treatment. This is performed in two phases.
- Phase One: First, we’ll focus on proper jaw growth, guiding the jaw to ensure there’s adequate space for all permanent teeth to erupt. Some kids may need appliances such as palatal expanders to help accomplish this.
- Phase Two: This treatment stage is the straightening phase. Once all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and braces or clear aligners can then guide them all to their perfect locations. This phase is usually much more efficient because the first phase takes care of the heavy lifting of guiding the jaw.
The Importance of Early Treatment
We know that the adolescent years can be hard enough without the worry of showing up to school with braces. However, it’s important to consider the issues that could arise if you skip orthodontic treatment.
Straighter teeth aren’t just prettier. They’re healthier, too. Plus, misaligned jaws can cause a host of problems, from chipping, cracking, and breaking to pain.
The good news is that today’s treatment options are more discreet than ever before. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, and you have multiple clear braces options to choose from as well. But even if you opt for traditional metal braces, our braces are sleeker and more efficient than ever.
We’ll discuss all treatment options with you and let you know which one we believe is the best for your child’s smile.
Orthodontics for Teens
The Right Time for Treatment
The teen years are the perfect time for orthodontic treatment — and with good reason. Whether or not your child had early intervention, phase II takes place most commonly between 11 – 15 years of age.
Phase II Treatment
Once the permanent teeth have all erupted, your child is ready for the next phase of treatment. Phase II is the straightening phase where we‘ll guide the teeth to their ideal locations using braces or clear aligners.
Patients who undergo early intervention, Sturbridge two-phase treatment often see much shorter treatment times during this phase because we’ve already done the hard work of correcting the jaw growth.
With two-phase treatment, Dr. Sabelis can divide the treatment up to focus on one thing at a time. Focusing strictly on jaw growth first allows us to ensure an ideal bite that is ready for permanent teeth. Then, when we move to the straightening phase, it can be more efficient and effective.
Stop Problems Before They Start
Sturbridge’s Two-phase treatment reduces the need for jaw surgery and extractions but also ensures the straightening phase is less complicated. The goal of orthodontic treatment isn’t just a straight smile, but a properly-functioning bite, as well.
Two-phase treatment allows us to provide the best treatment of your child at the most ideal times.
Orthodontics for Adults
Times have changed. Getting a smile that rocks is easier than ever for adults, too! In fact, close to one in five new Sturbridge patients is over the age of 18!
Why Adult Orthodontics?
Here’s something we see a whole lot:
- You bring your child in for treatment.
- You see your child’s personality evolve and confidence increase during treatment.
- You inquire about orthodontic treatment for yourself.
We love to see this happen because we always say you’re never too old to improve your smile.
If you’re an adult who didn’t receive orthodontic treatment during childhood — or your teeth have relapsed because you stopped wearing your retainer years ago — Dr. Sabelis can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Benefits Abound
Check out these awesome benefits of adult orthodontic treatment:
Boost in Confidence
A confident smile can significantly enhance your self-esteem and have a positive impact on your professional life. Orthodontic treatment not only improves your smile's appearance but also boosts your overall confidence.
Improved Oral Health
Orthodontics is more than just cosmetic — it's key to maintaining good oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup. This alignment helps in effective brushing and flossing.
Reduced Plaque Accumulation
Aligned teeth minimize the crevices where food particles can get trapped. This reduces the likelihood of plaque formation, one of the primary causes of dental issues.
Gum Health Preservation
Correctly spaced and aligned teeth play a crucial role in preventing gum recession and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment ensures that your gums fit more securely around your teeth, offering better protection against periodontal issues.
Protection Against Enamel Wear
Orthodontic treatment also helps in preventing premature enamel wear. Proper alignment ensures that your teeth meet most optimally, reducing undue stress and wear on the tooth enamel.
You’ve Got Options
One reason adult treatment is more popular than ever is that you have so many options!
We offer:
- Damon self-ligating metal braces
- Damon self-ligating ceramic braces
- Invisalign
Many adults prefer ceramic brackets — which match natural tooth color — or Invisalign® because these treatment methods are less noticeable. Invisalign® has all sorts of stylish advantages, and you can learn more about this treatment method by visiting our Invisalign® page.
Even if you opt for traditional metal braces, keep in mind that the self-ligating metal brackets we carry are smaller and more comfortable than those you might have had in childhood.
Everyone Deserves to Smile
No matter the size of your smile, Sturbridge Orthodontics and Dr. Sabelis have you covered. From the youngest tykes to our more seasoned Sturbridge-area residents, consultations are always free, and our doors are always open. Call today!