We can straighten teeth, address bite problems, and provide a more comfortable smile. Orthodontics in our Lansdale, PA office will improve your smile’s health, long-term stability, and appearance. Braces and clear aligners will reposition your teeth, often widening the bite to allow the teeth to make proper contact.
If you have teeth that protrude, are crooked, or have an uneven bite, orthodontic treatment may be the solution for your needs. Orthodontics is not just for kids—adults can often greatly benefit from these services to support their long-term dental health.
An experienced orthodontist, Dr. Anthony Albert provides traditional metal braces, orthodontic appliances, and Invisalign clear aligners. He can work with children and adults to improve smiles with appropriate treatment. Dr. Albert also offers screening for children, early intervention, and braces for all ages.
Routine screening for bite problems is a part of your preventive dental care in our office, but if you have concerns about the comfort of your bite or the appearance of your teeth, consider a consultation to discuss orthodontic treatment options.
Orthodontics for Children in Lansdale, PA
Our orthodontics treatment for children and teens facilitates better oral development and addresses underlying bite problems or jaw structure concerns. If one of our dentists identifies a dental problem or potential bite issue during routine dental care, Dr. Albert can offer early screenings for children. In some cases, we may recommend phase one orthodontics for a young patient with significant concerns about their bite development and future tooth position.
We offer several types of orthodontic treatment options, and Dr. Albert will make the appropriate recommendation for your child or teen’s needs. Although the aesthetics of the smile are an important factor in the treatment plan, our goal is to achieve a smile that is healthy, stable, and comfortable for a lifetime.
What is phase one orthodontics?
Phase one, or early intervention, is orthodontic treatment for a developing child. It addresses how the jaw and palate develop and where the permanent teeth will erupt. Phase one treatment typically begins between the ages of 6 and 10. This is when the primary or baby teeth are lost, and permanent teeth erupt. Common reasons for recommending phase one can include:
- Thumb sucking throughout childhood that is opening the bite
- Protrusion of front teeth
- Crowding of teeth
- Underbite
When correcting these dental health concerns during the development stage, we can often avoid more complex problems later on and set the stage for permanent teeth to be positioned correctly. Phase one orthodontics may include braces, retainers, and oral appliances supporting treatment goals.
Braces for Adults
Dr. Albert can work with patients of any age who have orthodontic-related concerns. We offer braces for adults, including traditional metal braces and clear aligners. We believe it is never too late to straighten your teeth or address a bite problem that also impacts other aspects of your dental health. Straighter teeth are healthier teeth, and they will make it easier to maintain your overall oral health.
Dr. Albert will offer Invisalign clear aligners whenever possible to meet your orthodontic needs as an adult. Clear aligners are discreet and make treatment more convenient in many ways. Common reasons that adults may need or seek orthodontics in Lansdale, PA, can include:
- Crooked teeth
- Bite problems and TMJ disorders
- Orthodontic relapse
Why Retainers Are Essential
Wearing a retainer is essential after your braces come off or you finish using clear aligners. A retainer helps keep your teeth in their new positions. At first, you’ll need to wear it as directed for a few months. After that, you’ll wear it every night—for the rest of your life!
If you don’t use a retainer, your teeth may shift back to where they were before treatment. This is called orthodontic relapse, which can undo all the hard work your braces or aligners did. Wearing your retainer is the best way to keep your smile looking great.
Why Choose Dr. Albert?
Dr. Anthony Albert is an orthodontist in our Lansdale dental practice. He has advanced postgraduate training in treating jaw alignment and tooth position and an in-depth understanding of facial orthopedics. Dr. Albert works with children and adult patients to address bite problems, crooked teeth, and other concerns that affect bite function.
Whether he works with children or adult patients, Dr. Albert is dedicated to personalized care. He wants to create beautiful, functional smiles for his patients. With his commitment to excellence and passion for orthodontics, Dr. Albert is a trusted practitioner who consistently delivers exceptional results.
Orthodontics FAQs
Learn more about orthodontics in our Lansdale, PA, dental office with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Are orthodontics the same as braces?
No, they are not the same. Braces can be a part of orthodontics, but orthodontics also includes options like clear aligners, retainers, and appliances for children. These treatments help straighten teeth and ensure the proper growth and development of the teeth and jaw.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Invisalign may be better for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. However, we may recommend braces for pediatric patients and patients with moderate to severe orthodontic problems. We recommend one option based on your specific bite pattern, orthodontic needs, and age.
What age is too late for braces?
There’s no age limit for braces. You’re a good candidate for braces if you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, tooth gaps, or misaligned teeth that can benefit from braces. You can get a straighter smile at any age.
What are orthodontic options for adults?
Adults can get metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and other clear aligners. Clear aligners offer more discreet care, but we may recommend more traditional braces if you need more extensive care. Adults have a wide range of treatments to choose from. If you have crooked teeth, we welcome you to get an exam.
How do you treat soreness from braces?
Your teeth may feel sore as they begin to shift during braces treatment. You can take acetaminophen at home and apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce inflammation. After you reduce inflammation with the ice pack, a heating pad will help soothe pain.
Soft foods can also minimize tooth pain because hard and crunchy foods require more bite pressure. Soreness will fade after several days as your teeth get accustomed to new movements.
What do I do if I have a loose braces wire?
If you have orthodontic wax, create a small wax ball and place it at the end of the wire. Wax will prevent the wire from poking and irritating your gums. You can also try to bend the wire back in place with a small, clean object like a cotton swab. If you cannot fix the wire, make an appointment with us so we can fix it.
How much does it cost to straighten your teeth?
The cost to straighten teeth can vary depending on the type of treatment. Traditional metal braces and clear aligners, like Invisalign, offer comparable prices. However, the price depends on how much the teeth need to move and the treatment length. Dental insurance may cover part of the cost, so check with your insurance provider. We will provide an estimate of cost before treatment.
What are my options if I have orthodontic relapse?
If your teeth have moved back after braces or aligners, we can fix it. One option is to wear a retainer, which might help shift the teeth back if the movement is small. If your teeth have moved a lot, we may suggest clear aligners like Invisalign or getting braces again to correct the alignment.
Another option is a fixed retainer, a small wire behind the teeth to keep them in place. Our dentist can help you decide the best option to get your smile back in shape.
Straighten Your Teeth Today
Dr. Albert has years of experience treating patients and provides comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics in Lansdale, PA, can improve the health and comfort of your smile.
Contact our Lansdale orthodontist office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Albert and explore your treatment needs and options. If you have questions, let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help.