Ortho 101
Make Your Dream Smile a Reality
Learn when to consider early orthodontic care, explore treatment options for every age, manage at-home discomfort, maintain excellent oral hygiene with braces, get tips on retention, make informed dietary choices, and discover the benefits of rapid palatal expanders. PT Orthodontics is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout your orthodontic journey.
Create the Smile You've Always Imagined
A Guide to Orthodontic Care
Learn everything you need to know about orthodontic care, from early intervention to practical dietary tips, and rely on PT Orthodontics to guide you on your journey toward a lifetime of healthy, confident smile.
When To See an Orthodontist?
We’re here to answer your questions and address your concerns. Whether you’re dealing with misaligned teeth, bite issues, or other changes in your mouth and jaw, we can diagnose and treat the root causes. Early intervention is particularly beneficial for children, and we recommend their first orthodontic visit between ages 6 and 8. Adults can also achieve incredible results with our effective and often more discreet treatment options. Beyond enhancing your smile, orthodontic care at PT Orthodontics in Hoover, Al, promotes long-term dental health. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way on your orthodontic journey.
Early Treatment
At PT Orthodontics in hoover, Al, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional orthodontic care for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening by age 7 to monitor their growth and detect any bite irregularities. Treatment usually begins between ages 9 and 14, leveraging the natural development of the jaw. We specialize in correcting common orthodontic issues such as crossbites, overcrowding, protruding teeth, and underbites. Additionally, we proactively address childhood habits like thumb-sucking and mouth breathing to prevent long-term complications, supporting your child’s dental health and overall well-being while often reducing the need for more complex treatments in the future.
Adolescent Treatment
Adult Treatment
At PT Orthodontics, we are proud to serve adult patients throughout Hoover and the surrounding areas. In fact, more than a quarter of our patients are adults! It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Boost your confidence and enhance your quality of life with orthodontic care tailored to your unique needs.
Our specialists offer a variety of treatment options, including traditional metal braces, discreet clear ceramic braces, and convenient removable clear aligners, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Expert Orthodontic Care for Every Age
With years of experience, our team has helped patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through personalized orthodontic care.
Treating Discomfort at Home
Brushing & Flossing with Braces
Retention
At PT Orthodontics, serving Hoover, AL, and the surrounding areas, we often see patients years after treatment with smiles as radiant as the day their braces were removed. No matter your orthodontic treatment, our expert team will create a customized retention plan to keep your teeth perfectly aligned. Since teeth can shift over time, wearing a retainer is essential to maintaining your smile. To keep your retainer clean and fresh, gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush or soak it in denture cleaner or alcohol-free mouthwash.
Foods to Avoid
- Protect your braces by avoiding hard, sticky, and sugary foods, as they can cause damage or increase the risk of tooth decay. Refrain from habits like nail-biting or chewing on pens and pencils.
- Stay away from sticky foods such as gum, licorice, toffee, and caramel, as they can harm your braces. Hard foods like ice, nuts, and whole apples or carrots should also be avoided. Enjoy sugary treats in moderation and limit sugary drinks to once per day.
- Regularly inspect your braces for any issues, such as bent or loose wires and brackets. If you notice a problem, contact PT Orthodontics immediately for necessary repairs.
