What to Expect from Early “Phase One” Treatment for Your Child’s Teeth 

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Children don’t always need to wait until they get their permanent teeth for orthodontic care. Our orthodontists in Wichita, KS, at Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics may recommend early Phase I treatment if your child shows certain signs of potential orthodontic issues, such as extra teeth or not enough space for permanent teeth to erupt. We’ll explore what happens with this kind of treatment so you know what to expect!

Why It’s Done

Our orthodontic team uses this treatment to help improve how your child’s lower and upper jaws fit together. This approach helps ensure that there’s adequate room for permanent teeth to break through the gums instead of getting trapped.

When It’s Done

Phase I treatment may be recommended when your child’s four upper front teeth come in. This usually happens when kids are between 7 and 9 years old, though this may vary.

How It’s Done

The exact process may vary, depending on your child’s teeth and jaws. We’ll typically have your child wear an orthodontic appliance on their lower or upper permanent teeth — or both. Some children wear expanders to help shift teeth into a better position for proper alignment. If needed, we might take steps to make sure your child’s mouth has enough room for permanent teeth to break through the gums.

What Happens After Treatment

Phase I is just one part of the process. Your child moves onto Phase II when your child has all or most of their permanent teeth.

Set Up an Orthodontic Appointment for Your Child Today!

Does your child need early Phase I treatment? At Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics, we provide this orthodontic care to help your child’s teeth grow in evenly and support proper alignment. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment for orthodontics in Wichita, KS!

5 Benefits of Orthodontic Care for Adults 

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You might think wearing braces is just for kids or that only younger patients need orthodontic services. But adults benefit from orthodontic care, too! At Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics, our orthodontists in Wichita, KS, provide these services for adult patients to help correct problems with alignment or bite. Let’s discuss the main benefits of this care!

Orthodontic Problem Prevention

Visiting our orthodontists for checkups means they can look for problems that need to be treated. Detecting these issues early gives us a chance to provide prompt care to prevent more severe orthodontic problems.

Reduced Risk of Complications

Leaving bite or misalignment issues untreated can cause more serious problems to develop. If that happens, you may need more invasive or complex orthodontic treatment later on.

Healthier Smile

Orthodontic care in your adult years helps your teeth and gums stay healthy! Misaligned teeth can cause tooth erosion and increase the risk of decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems that affect your smile.

Increased Self-Confidence

Do you hesitate to smile in front of people due to crooked teeth or other orthodontic problems? Having our orthodontists treat these issues helps you regain confidence, allowing you to smile comfortably.

Better Functionality

Having misaligned teeth or bite issues can make it harder to speak clearly and chew food. Orthodontic care for adults allows us to address these problems, improving your ability to eat and talk without any trouble.

Schedule Orthodontic Care Today!

Do you need help for bite or alignment issues? Our team at Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics can provide the treatment you need! We offer adult orthodontic care in Wichita, KS, at two locations for your convenience. Our orthodontists can determine the best approach to help your teeth!

Can Orthodontics Help With Speech Issues?

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The big idea behind orthodontics is to straighten teeth; everyone knows that. But did you also know that orthodontic treatment in Wichita, KS can be of assistance with speech issues? Of course, solely having speech problems isn’t a reason to get orthodontic treatment unless there are underlying issues, but it’s certainly a benefit that can be enjoyed when it’s needed.

How Dental Alignment Affects Speech

Teeth and tongue placement are essential for proper pronunciation. When teeth are overcrowded, have large gaps, or protrude too far forward, they can interfere with tongue movement and airflow, making it difficult to produce certain sounds. Common issues like overbites, underbites, and open bites can also contribute to speech difficulties by altering the way the tongue interacts with the teeth and roof of the mouth.

Orthodontic Solutions for Speech Improvement

Braces and clear aligners can help correct these structural issues by gradually aligning the teeth and improving bite function. As teeth shift into proper positions, tongue placement becomes more natural, making it easier to articulate words clearly. In cases where the jaw position is a factor, orthodontic treatments such as palatal expanders or bite correction can create more space for proper tongue movement, improving speech clarity.

Working With Speech Therapists

While orthodontics can help with certain speech-related concerns, some cases may require collaboration with a speech therapist for the best results. If a speech issue is caused by a combination of dental misalignment and learned speech habits, therapy alongside orthodontic treatment can provide the most effective solution.

Misaligned teeth, improper bite alignment, and jaw positioning can all contribute to difficulties in pronunciation, lisps, and other speech impediments. In many cases, orthodontic correction can lead to clearer, more confident speech. If you or your child struggles with speech difficulties and dental misalignment, a visit to your Wichita, KS orthodontist might be a great first step in improving both oral function and communication confidence.

Is Teeth Shifting Normal?

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One of the most frequently asked questions an orthodontist in Wichita, KS, receives is, “Is teeth shifting normal?” Let’s find out!

Is Teeth Shifting Normal?

Yes, teeth shifting is normal throughout your life. Teeth shifting is the result of how you use your teeth and the stressors put on them.

The Most Common Causes of Teeth Shifting

Take a look at these common causes of teeth-shifting.

  • Aging.
  • Teeth grinding.
  • Orthodontic treatments (like braces) and their adjustments.
  • Gaps left by missing teeth.
  • Dental conditions (tooth decay, gum disease, etc.).
  • Physical injuries and impacts to your mouth and face.

How to Prevent Your Teeth from Shifting

You can’t prevent all teeth from shifting. However, there are some things you can do to prevent a lot of it.

  • Practice good oral hygiene (floss and brush twice a day).
  • Rinse your mouth out after eating.
  • Avoid too many sugary foods and drinks.
  • Avoid smoking and all other tobacco products.
  • Visit your orthodontist twice a year.

Follow all your orthodontist’s care instructions (proper oral care, wearing a retainer, etc.).

How to Treat Shifting Teeth

How your orthodontist treats your shifting teeth will, of course, depend on the reason they are shifting and the severity of that shifting. However, here are some of the treatment options your orthodontist might recommend.

  • Dental implants to replace missing teeth.
  • Wearing a retainer.
  • Place a crown over damaged teeth.
  • Treat any underlying issues causing tooth decay or gum disease.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Wichita, KS?

If you think your teeth might be shifting or want to prevent that from happening, please Contact Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics today. We would love the opportunity to show you just how easy and affordable caring for your teeth can be!

Invisalign®

Do Invisalign® Clear Aligners Use Brackets?

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If you are thinking about getting Invisalign® in Wichita, KS, you probably have some questions before making any decisions. For example, “Do Invisalign® clear aligners use brackets?”

Let’s find out.

Do Invisalign® Clear Aligners Use Brackets?

When thinking about Invisalign® clear dental aligners, you probably don’t think about them using brackets like traditional metal braces do. However, Invisalign® clear aligners do have brackets. Well, sort of. They are not really brackets per se. That’s just what people call them. They are actually attachments that work similarly to brackets.

What Does Invisalign® Use Instead of Brackets?

Invisalign® clear dental aligners, so-called “brackets,” are, in reality, attachments (sometimes called buttons). They are small tooth-colored “bumps” that your orthodontist in Wichita, KS, will put on your teeth. Their purpose is to help your aligners fit better. Additionally, those attachments also help move your teeth more effectively.

How Are the Invisalign® Attachments Put On?

Your orthodontist will cement the Invisalign® attachments to your teeth. They are small, tooth-colored, nearly invisible and strategically placed to get the best possible tooth movement.

The attachments are designed to apply gentle pressure to your teeth, kind of like traditional braces, but without all the metal wires and brackets. However, not all patients will need the Invisalign® attachments. Additionally, the number of attachments needed will vary from person to person.

Do the Invisalign® Attachments Hurt?

The actual attachments themselves don’t hurt at all. However, just like traditional braces, you will feel a slight bit of pressure and maybe some soreness when your teeth begin to move. The pressure you feel will only last a few days, though.

Are You Looking for an Orthodontist in Wichita, KS?

Whether you are ready to get your Invisalign® clear dental aligners or just have a few questions first, please Contact Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics today. We have a warm and welcoming team of professionals who look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful smile!