The Right Time For An

Orthodontic Check-Up:

No Later Than Age 7.

Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

Why Your Child Should Get An

Orthodontic Check-up No Later Than Age 7:

1. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some

baby teeth are still present.

2. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an

orthodontist can detect.

3. The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify

a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development,

and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases,

the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

4. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make

treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

5. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible

once the face and jaws have finished growing.

6. Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:

• guide jaw growth

• lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

• correct harmful oral habits

• improve appearance

• guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

• improve the way lips meet

7. Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity

for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

(Information provided by the AAO)

Myths and Facts about Orthodontics and Braces

The AAO has stated the following myths and facts about orthodontics and braces:

MYTH: Orthodontists are appropriate only for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
FACT: Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do.

MYTH: My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth.
FACT: An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

MYTH: Braces are for kids.
FACT: One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

MYTH: If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling.
FACT: Unlikely, as braces are made from non-magnetic materials.

MYTH: Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment.

FACT: It's not the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands form, function and a wonderful smile.

MYTH::Braces are painful and take two years or more for the desired result.

FACT:After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. Some may be worn for months, not years.

MYTH:Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.
FACT: This is not possible right now.

MYTH:Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and would be embarrassing in business settings.
FACT:Today's braces may be nearly invisible, made from clear plastic, or unseen, mounted on the back (lingual) side of the teeth.

MYTH:Orthodontists have a low profile
FACT:Orthodontists give back to the community by offering free, discounted, services to patients in need.

MYTH:Any dentist may join the American Association of Orthodontists
FACT:Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

If you have heard of additional myths and facts about orthodontics and braces that we have left out, feel free to add to this list.

Hart Orthodontics is Tackling Youth Sports Safety with Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and AAO

At Hart Orthodontics, our primary concern is our patients. This is why we are joining football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, his family, and the American Association of Orthodontists during the month of April to help raise awareness and increase the use of facial protection in youth sports in Cleburne, Tx and the surrounding areas.

Watch this video about the importance of wearing mouth guards and protective gear when playing contact sports.

The Hart Orthodontics Family asks all of our patients to be proactive and protect yourselves when playing any contact sport, organized or just with friends, by wearing a mouth guard.

Watch this video about "Moms For Mouth Guards" if you want to get a good laugh in. This is a very cute video that shows the concern that mothers have for their children.

How do you feel about the importance of wearing mouth guards? Do you make it mandatory for your children? Please feel free to comment below.

Why Straighten Teeth?

The American Association of Orthodontists states that:

Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image—important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life.

There are psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about.