Orthodontist in Great Falls, MT
Orthodontics for Kids
Key Benefits of Fluoride
- Strengthens Tooth Enamel: Fluoride reinforces tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks that can lead to cavities.
- Prevents Tooth Decay: Regular fluoride exposure reduces the risk of tooth decay and the need for invasive dental treatments.
- Safe and Effective: Fluoride treatments are safe and have been proven highly effective in maintaining oral health.
Benefits for Young Smiles
Orthodontics for Adults and Teens
At Pediatric Dentistry in Great Falls, MT, Dr. Dawson and our experienced team understand the importance of orthodontic care for patients of all ages in Great Falls. Orthodontics isn’t just for children; it plays a crucial role in the dental health and confidence of teens and adults alike. With advancements in technology, orthodontic treatment, including metal braces, has become more comfortable and efficient, making it easier for patients to achieve a beautiful smile. By scheduling an appointment with us, you’re taking the first step toward improving your oral health and enhancing your smile for life.
Our practice is dedicated to providing personalized care and treatment tailored to your individual needs. Dr. Dawson and our caring team prioritize the health and well-being of each patient, ensuring a positive and comfortable experience at every visit to our office in Great Falls. Whether you’re a teenager seeking orthodontic treatment or an adult looking to enhance your smile, our experienced team is here to guide you through your orthodontic journey with care and expertise. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at (406) 449-0189 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier smile and improved confidence.
Orthodontics FAQ
When to schedule your child's orthodontic evaluation?
What are the benefits of choosing an orthodontist?
How to understand the causes of orthodontic issues?
Many orthodontic problems have a hereditary component passed down from family members. These issues can encompass crowding, spacing, missing or extra teeth, underbites, protrusion, periodontal disease, and jaw growth concerns. However, certain malocclusions may arise from habits like thumb-sucking, accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, chronic mouth breathing, or even premature birth. Recognizing the cause is crucial to effective treatment.
Can adults benefit from orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is no longer reserved solely for adolescents. One in every four orthodontic patients today is over 18. Advancements in orthodontic technologies have led to smaller, less noticeable, and more comfortable appliances, making treatment more appealing to adults. Straightening your teeth and achieving a healthier bite is beneficial at any age.
What is the significance of orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment holds several crucial benefits. Misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to abnormal tooth wear, speech and chewing difficulties, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissues. Left untreated, these issues may necessitate more extensive dental procedures later in life. Furthermore, orthodontics can enhance facial aesthetics and optimize lip and tooth support. It's about more than just straightening teeth; it lays the foundation for healthy teeth, jaws, and lips.
What to expect in terms of treatment duration?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies, dependent on the severity of dental issues, patient compliance, and treatment objectives. Typically, orthodontic treatment spans 1 to 3 years. The specific timeline for your treatment will be determined during a free consultation with our orthodontists.
What diet should I follow with braces?
Maintaining a proper diet during orthodontic treatment is essential for overall dental health. This includes avoiding sticky, hard, or chewy foods like candy and nuts and detrimental beverages such as soda and juices. Rest assured, you can still enjoy delicious meals and snacks while wearing braces.
How to maintain braces for a bright smile?
Maintaining clean teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment is essential to prevent staining. Bacteria, in the form of dental plaque, tends to adhere to teeth, especially near the gum line and between teeth. With the addition of brackets, there are more surfaces for bacteria to cling to. Regular and thorough teeth brushing is paramount, especially in the morning, at night, and after meals. We recommend using helpful aids like a water flosser and plaque-detecting toothpaste such as PlaqueHD to ensure your braces stay in top condition.
What to consider when choosing an orthodontist?
How long does a typical orthodontic treatment take?
Damon System
Experience the Damon System: Unlike conventional braces, the Damon System uses gentle forces designed to protect the health of your teeth and gums while in treatment. The Damon System achieves a smile that is more than straight teeth—it provides a beautiful, natural smile.
Studies have shown that a fuller smile with a wider arch is more attractive.¹ Having the teeth upright and aligned into a smile "arc" can also add to a smile's appeal.
Damon Smile treatment has:
- Â Gentler force
- Â Broad, wide, natural smiles
- Â Faster treatment plans
- Â Incredible results
- Â Metal or clear bracket options
- Â No headgear or unnecessary tooth extractions
Clear Aligners
Discover Clear Aligners: Spark Aligners is an innovative technology designed to straighten teeth and improve your smile without braces. Using advanced 3D computer imaging to create a digital model of your teeth, we plan your entire treatment before it even starts. Then, using a series of clear aligners custom-made just for you, we'll position your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners lasts 7-14 days until your treatment is completed and your desired smile is achieved.
With Clear Aligners, you:
- Â Â Â Hide your treatment instead of your smile
- Â Â Â Brush and floss teeth regularly
- Â Â Â No changes in the diet compared to conventional braces.
- Â Â Â Wear aligners approximately 20 to 22 hours/day
- Â Â Â Are more comfortable than conventional braces
Spark Aligners are a popular choice for anyone interested in improving their smile without drawing attention to the fact that they're in treatment.
Interceptive Treatment
Early Intervention Matters: We normally recommend treatment only after all the adult teeth have erupted, around the age of 12. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be evaluated between 6 and 8 years old. At that early age, it's possible to determine if issues related to the child's growth or tooth positions should be addressed sooner rather than later. Early, interceptive treatment like braces for kids can be recommended to correct crossbites, underbites, extreme crowding, impacted permanent teeth, under or overdeveloped jaws that affect the profile and bite, and constricted airways.
With early orthodontic treatment, we can take a less invasive, preventative approach. Addressing development concerns while the bones are growing allows us to avoid more invasive approaches (such as jaw surgery) in the future.
First Visit
We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to our office! Our team is committed to making your treatment as easy and enjoyable as possible in a friendly and welcoming environment. During your first visit, you'll get acquainted with the process and procedures; we'll discuss your customized treatment options in detail, estimated treatment length, and the associated costs. The initial consultation is free. If treatment is indicated, we offer same-day convenience and can take the necessary records that day.
Orthodontic Treatments Available
Braces
Clear Aligners
Interceptive Treatment
About Dr. Dawson
