From bold to discreet, a world of orthodontic options awaits kids and adults at our specialty practice
There have never been more options for orthodontic treatment – and for children and adult patients alike — at any other point in history. So, it is a fortunate time to be a patient needing services to improve the health and beauty of their smiles through orthodontic care. It is also an exciting time to be in orthodontics! As a specialty practice in Mission Viejo, California, SHN Orthodontics stays on the leading edge of all that modern dental science and technology offers our community and patients. These innovations are more than pleasant, shiny objects that lack substance. Each of our therapies has been carefully vetted by our orthodontist, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen. Dr. Nissen can vouch for the efficacy, safety, comfort, and convenience of all of the products, materials, technologies, and techniques used by our knowledgeable and kind team.
Orthodontics for kids
Our practice emphasizes proactive assessments and care. We generally advise that orthodontic evaluations occur no later than around the age of seven. Furthermore, we emphasize interceptive or early orthodontics. This approach is about intervening with growth and developmental challenges while the child is still growing. That way, we can modify that growth and prevent problems later on. These approaches can help to avoid the complications of developmental anomalies, such as crowded teeth, which may have to be treated later on with braces or even invasive corrective procedures – like jaw surgery. We may also recommend Phase 1 orthodontics with palate expanders or other growth modification appliances. These devices may further be paired with partial braces, which are applied to mixed dentition to reposition permanent teeth in growing mouths. Still, other approaches may include exercises that help to resolve harmful behaviors, such as persistent and severe thumb sucking or pacifier use.
Orthodontics aren’t just for kids!
Today, teens and adults alike appreciate that there are discreet and lightweight “twists” on conventional fixed braces. These include braces that are made with tooth-colored brackets. So, the braces just fade into the background when you smile! Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention clear aligner therapy. This alternative to braces uses a series of oral appliances called aligners made from clear and smooth plastic to straighten the teeth instead of fixed brackets, wires, and elastics. Clear aligners may also be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing.
Kids who want to show off their braces rather than hide them even have options to do so, courtesy of WildSmiles Braces®. WildSmiles brackets come in a variety of fun shapes and even feature Disney character and other options like: heart, star, diamond, basketball, football, and flower. With so many options, there really is no excuse to wait any longer to get or restore your perfect smile. Call (949) 830-4101 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nissen at SHN Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, CA, today.