ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS, AND ADULTS

Braces & Invisalign® in Billings, MT

Orthodontic treatment can do much more than simply straighten teeth—it can improve oral health, help with brushing and flossing more effectively, increase self-confidence, and even enjoy a higher quality of life as you grow up! Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, screening at an early age ensures the greatest potential for results and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. Though metal braces are most often associated with orthodontic treatment, we offer many other effective options that can work wonders for growing teeth and accommodate every child’s lifestyle! Our team will be happy to review them with you in greater detail during your first visit so that we can determine the best course of action for your child.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

We are happy to be able to provide multiple in-office orthodontic treatment options for our adolescent and adult patients, including:

Traditional Braces:

This classic service is highly-reliable and works wonders for a wide variety of ages. At Creekside Orthodontics, we’ll place silver brackets on the teeth and then attach orthodontic archwires over them with the help of rubber elastics. The archwires will then exert gradual pressure at different points on the teeth, shifting them towards the ideal position. Traditional braces are durable enough to stand up to your active routine, and you’ll surely enjoy choosing your favorite colored rubber bands to wear, too!

Clear Braces:

If you’d prefer to help your smile maintain a more natural appearance throughout your orthodontic journey, talk to your orthodontist about clear or ceramic braces. These braces have many of the same elements as traditional braces but the components are made out of clear and/or tooth-colored materials that have a much more subtle appearance. Though appealing, keep in mind that these braces are more delicate, and wearers will need to be extra careful with them on a daily basis!

Phase 1 Orthodontics:

Orthodontic problems can become noticeable in a child’s smile from a very young age. By providing treatment when they still have all or most of their baby teeth we can potentially help avoid more severe problems down the road. This process is known as Phase I Orthodontics and may involve the use of removable oral appliances or recommend at-home interventions for issues like thumb sucking.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners:

Many image-conscious teenagers and adults are interested in improving their smile’s appearance but they don’t necessarily want to wear noticeable metal braces for the sake of their self-confidence. If your orthodontic problems are relatively minor, Invisalign® clear aligners can be a great compromise! Invisalign® gets rid of brackets and wires entirely using clear, custom-made thermoplastic aligners that are hardly noticeable. With Invisalign® removable trays, you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods and activities throughout your treatment.

Orthodontic Appliances:

There are several other orthodontic appliances that can provide growing smiles with a plethora of benefits. For instance, a space maintainer can be used if a child loses a baby tooth too early yet needs to hold the existing space open so that their adult tooth will erupt correctly. Other common appliances like palatal expanders can be placed on the roof of your child’s mouth to widen the upper dental arch, giving permanent teeth more room to erupt in a natural position.
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