Adolescence
Does my child need braces?
In most cases, the question would be better asked….Will my child benefit esthetically from having braces? On every visit to our office we are assessing your child based upon both their current and future development. Orthodontic treatment is necessary when an excessive overbite, underbite, or crowding of the teeth is present. At any point we are available for consultation as to your child’s orthodontic care.
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that move teeth gradually into the desired position. Dr. Ruelf can evaluate for malocclusion to determine whether or not your child may be a candidate for “Invisalign”. Insurance providers generally cover “Invisalign” at the same benefit rate as traditional braces.
At What Age Is Bleaching Safe?
Leading authorities agree that bleaching will not damage the teeth despite the age of the patient. We recommend that the patient be at least thirteen years of age with all permanent teeth excluding wisdom teeth erupted. Depending upon the degree of “whiteness” you want to obtain, we would encourage one of the following three bleaching techniques.
Over the Counter Bleaching Products
It is important to understand that for a bleaching technique to work it must stay in contact with the teeth for a prolonged period of time. “Crest White Strips” meet this criteria. Follow the directions explicitly that are given with the product.
Custom Tray Bleaching
During your child’s first appointment, your family will be provided valuable information on how you can ensure you’re doing the best job at home of correctly maintaining your child’s oral hygiene. You will also receive personalized instructions on how best to clean your child’s teeth, what products are right for your baby, proper nutritional guidelines, recommended fluoride levels, and learning what to do in the event of an injury to your child’s teeth. Based on our findings, “anticipatory guidance” and periodicity of visits will be discussed.
The Zoom Process
This technique is done here at the office. The teeth are isolated and then a bleach is applied. The bleach is further activated by a bright “white” light for fifteen minute increments. Depending on the desired “white” will determine how long the process will take.
The advantages of the Zoom process over the other two methods is that it is done in one sitting. The results are more predictable and seem to be longer lasting.
New Challenges and Responsibilities
During the adolescence period, it is critical that personal oral hygiene practices are properly maintained. Along with increasing independence, changes in diet, lifestyle, oral microflora, and physical condition pose new challenges and risks to adolescents . In addition to continued caries susceptibility, the adolescent years pose an additional risk of periodontal disease development.
Esthetic Considerations
Malocclusion
Any number of changes in the position of the teeth/jaw during adolescent development may not only lead to emotional concerns related to a patient’s appearance, but functional concerns as well. In addition to a professional diagnosis, it is critical that open and honest discussion, patient readiness, and overall treatment plans are taken into full consideration before advancing directly to orthodontic care.
Discolored Teeth
Tooth discoloration may be caused by a variety of factors. Often, these factors include natural aging, the consumption of staining substances, excessive fluoride intake, or traumatic injury to the tooth. Somewhat less commonly, tooth discoloration may be the result of exposure to certain antibiotics during tooth development or underlying genetic conditions. Due to the wide variety of factors, it is important that a pediatric dentist first determines the likely cause of discoloration before deciding upon the best method of treating it.
Third Molars
Third molars may cause acute or long-lasting problems for adolescent patients. Depending on the manner in which these teeth erupt, the problems which may arise include caries and/or potential infection of the surrounding tissues. Therefore, clinical observation of third molar development is a critical evaluative measure during this age.
Recommendations
In addition to continued oral hygiene, dietary management, and professional evaluation, the clinical removal of excess plaque through is of increased need during this stage of development. In addition, sealant placement/replacement, proper fluoride treatments and routine radiographs are of critical importance in preventative care.
