The benefits of orthodontic treatment last a lifetime

The amazing new smile you’ve always imagined for yourself is within reach, no matter your age. The many benefits of a healthy, confident and beautiful smile are life-long, and your Shawano Orthodontics team wants you to experience the positive impact that well-aligned teeth have on self-image and overall health. Watch your self-confidence soar in social situations when you flash your best smile. And physically, you will enjoy the benefits of healthy teeth, gums, and jaw for years to come. Just thinking about that makes us all smile.

For ages

7-11

Starting early has benefits down the road

The Shawano Orthodontics team agrees with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) which recommends scheduling your child’s initial orthodontist exam around the age of seven. That’s the ideal time to take a first look and to begin monitoring your child’s developing teeth and jaw. During this development stage, we can work with the natural growth of the child’s mouth and identify the most favorable timing for achieving the best treatment outcome. Many children benefit from early correction, often lessening the need for more serious (and costly) treatment later in life. An annual orthodontic exam is highly recommended to ensure your child’s mouth and jaw development is monitored for any treatment needs.

Let's take a look

At this age, most children have a mix of both primary (baby) and permanent teeth. So we’ll make use of digital X-rays, a 3D mouth scan, and photographs of their developing teeth (there’s no charge) to capture a moment in time and make an evaluation. If early treatment is necessary, and all of your child’s teeth have not yet come in, we may recommend a two-phase approach. And we may discover that at this point, everything looks good! We’ll tell it like it is.

Prevention is key

If it is deemed necessary to go with the two-phase approach, here’s how it will happen: phase-one treatment addresses tooth and jaw problems, prevents more serious issues from developing, and may take 9 to 12 months to complete. The good news is that this can decrease time needed in the next phase. Once the permanent teeth have arrived, we start phase-two treatment, which could last up to two years. Of course, every case is different, but the goal is to shape the ideal smile now, and avoid more serious problems later.

Typical treatment

We’re glad to tell you that a single-phase orthodontic approach effectively treats the vast majority of orthodontic concerns. It eliminates the need for additional years of treatment, costs, and visits. And trust us to help you determine the ideal time to get started, because every child is on a different path to a beautiful smile.

For ages

12-17

Smiles should come naturally during the teen years

When your child is between 12 and 17 years old, orthodontic treatment is common. Indeed, for many, it’s almost a rite of passage. You know the drill. Teens are self conscious at this age, even more so if they have a less-than-perfect smile. Self esteem and confidence are beginning to develop, and most of their permanent teeth are in, so now’s the time to get started on a gorgeous smile.

Braces are the most popular choice, but these are not your grandfather’s braces. Today they’re smaller, sleeker, and surprisingly comfortable. It’s like going from a Model-T to a Tesla.

Invisalign® clear aligners are another option. Teens like them because they’re almost invisible (you can see why they named it like that), but they have a practical side, too. Invisalign clear aligners can be temporarily removed for sports, playing a musical instrument, eating favorite foods, brushing and flossing.

How long will I have to wear braces or Invisalign clear aligners?

Treatment may be quicker than you think! A teenager’s jaw and teeth typically start responding immediately to orthodontic treatment. If you’re looking for an average, think 24 months. But as you know, every child is different, with different concerns, so your actual mileage may vary. Count on Dr. Siu to give you the straight scoop so you can make an informed decision on creating his or her beautiful smile.

For ages

18+

Can we talk like adults here?

If it feels awkward to think of having braces at your age, it shouldn’t. Many, many adults crave that perfect smile for any number of reasons. There may be physical problems, and orthodontics can fix those and make ailments like tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and abnormal enamel wear become a distant memory. And hey, we all want to look our best all the time, so achieving an attractive smile is a big part of improving our self image (or even a selfie!). Whether it’s using Invisalign clear aligners or today’s modern take on braces, your Shawano orthodontic team can take you where you want to go.

Orthodontics is an investment in your future

Sure, you desire to flash a beautiful, confident smile every time it feels natural. But there’s more to it than that. Orthodontic treatment improves your dental and overall health by correcting dental issues known as malocclusions. Here are a few examples of what can go wrong:

  • Mouth with crowding
  • Mouth with spacing
  • Mouth with protrusion
  • Mouth with underbite
  • Mouth with crossbite
  • Mouth with openbite
  • Mouth with overbite

Teeth crowding

When teeth lack sufficient space in the mouth, they can overlap or rotate, resulting in a crooked appearance. This makes them difficult to clean, and can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Spacing issues

In cases of missing teeth, undersized teeth, or oversized jaws, the resulting spaces can allow food to get stuck, causing cavities and gum disease.

Protrusion

Often described as “buckteeth,” protrusion occurs when the upper teeth flare too far over the bottom teeth. This overjet can be uncomfortable and makes the teeth vulnerable to breakage.

Underbite

The lower jaw extends in front of the upper jaw, causing stress on the jaw joints as well as additional tooth wear.

Crossbite

The misalignment of teeth, where upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both which can cause improper wear of your enamel.

Openbite

The back teeth meet, but the front teeth do not (anterior open bite), or the front teeth meet, but the back teeth do not (posterior open bite). Swallowing and speech problems may result.

Overbite

The upper teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth, causing the teeth to bite into the lower gums or the roof of the mouth. This can lead to gum disease and abnormal enamel wear.

Let's get one thing straight

Most people have 32 teeth in their mouth. What are the chances of all of them being perfect? That’s why we’re here.

See more smile transformations

  • After Patient with an overbite
  • After Patient with crowding and protrusion
  • After Patient with crowding and an overbite
  • After Patient with crowding and a crossbite
  • After Patient with crowding and a crossbite
  • After Patient with crowding and a crossbite
  • After Patient with crowding and a crossbite
  • After Patient with an anterior openbite
Before Patient with an overbite Before Patient with crowding and protrusion Before Patient with crowding and an overbite Before Patient with crowding and a crossbite Before Patient with crowding and a crossbite Before Patient with crowding and a crossbite Before Patient with crowding and a crossbite Before Patient with an anterior openbite
After Patient with an overbite

After

Before Patient with an overbite

Before

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist. That means a dentist who has completed years of additional education and training, specifically in the safe and healthy movement of teeth and jaws for confident, beautiful and healthy smiles.

We think you’re special enough to deserve a specialist—and that’s what you’ll get at Shawano Orthodontics. We have the education and expertise (learning more all the time, of course) to diagnose, interact with, and treat our patients on a uniquely personal level. We promise you’ll experience exceptional service, have a good time on your journey, and at the end of the day, radiate a beautiful smile unlike anyone else’s.

Meet Dr. Siu

Schedule your free consultation today!

Call 715.526.2544Book online

Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.