The Versatility of Your Children’s Orthodontist in Mt. Vernon, OH!

When it comes to orthodontic care, there are two primary traits you should look for in a professional: that he or she has received the specialized training needed and the ability to care for patients of all ages. Read on to find out how your children’s orthodontist in Mt. Vernon, OH tailors orthodontic care to fit the specific needs of kids and adults!

The Differences Between Orthodontics for Children and Adults

To ensure effective results, a “cookie-cutter” approach won’t suffice for providing orthodontic care for children and adults. That’s because there are several factors to consider. Let’s look at a few of them.

Children’s Teeth vs. Adults’ Teeth

Because children’s teeth and jaws are still growing, the alignment process is typically easier to accomplish. For adults, the procedure can sometimes be more challenging because the bones have hardened and the tissues surrounding them have become fixed.

Thus, whether it’s for a child or an adult, it’s important to seek care from a professional who has received specialized training in providing orthodontic care.

Aesthetics vs. Functionality

While having properly functioning teeth is always a top priority, the approach to correcting issues is different for children and adults, an example of which is the process of addressing an overbite. For the latter, the primary focus has to be on functionality because it’s vital for the prevention of premature enamel wear.

Because children are younger, and they’ve had less time to endure any tooth wear, the orthodontist can take a more aesthetic approach to their orthodontic treatment.

Why It’s Better to Work with an Orthodontist

To become an orthodontist, a health professional completes the formal training that all other dentists undergo. He or she will then go on to receive two-to-three years of specialty training in the area orthodontics. This provides a way to treat the multitude of different scenarios that can arise in a safe and effective manner.

How to Move Forward with Receiving Care

As an adult, your desire to have your teeth straightened likely isn’t new. If you’re like many other people, though, you may have had some apprehension and thought that wearing braces is just for kids. The reality, however, is that adult braces are on the rise, as the number of people receiving orthodontic care increased by 40% from 1989 to 2012.

If you’re considering joining this group of people who said, “It’s not too late to be happy,” then reach out to your local orthodontist to schedule a consultation. Soon, you’ll have the smile you’ve always wanted!

About the Author

Dr. Timothy G. Wigal is a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Additionally, he has received a certificate of specialty in orthodontics from the West Virginia University Department of Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. To remain current with the latest advancements in orthodontics, Dr. Wigal maintains professional affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontics and the Six Elements Study Club. He straightens teeth with braces at Wigal Orthodontics, and he can be reached for more information through his website.