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If you've recently attended a playdate or a school event and noticed that your friend's child is proudly sporting a set of braces, you might be wondering why your little one hasn't hopped on the orthodontic train just yet. Fear not! There's a method to the orthodontic madness, and today, we're diving into the world of early orthodontic treatment.

So, why might your friend's child be rocking braces while yours is still brace-free? The concept of two phases of orthodontic treatment might hold the key. In some cases, it's beneficial to start with early intervention, addressing specific issues when a child is around 7 years old. This helps in cases where guidance is required for the growth and development of the jaw and facial structures. 

A second phase of treatment may be necessary at a later age, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. The goal is to treat at specific times to reduce the need for more complicated treatments, including extractions or surgeries to uncover impacted teeth. The good news is that, for most kids, two-phase treatment will not be needed. Dr. Loveless and his team take a very conservative approach, understanding that every smile is unique, and not all little teeth need an early tune-up. Instead, they opt for a wait-and-watch approach, intervening only when necessary. It's all about giving your child the right treatment at the right time.

Now, you might be curious about those magical-sounding devices called palatal expanders that typically accompany early treatment. These nifty contraptions work wonders on young children because their growing bones are more malleable. If your child needs an expander, it is likely to be recommended during the early orthodontic phase. These devices gently widen the upper jaw, creating more space for teeth to come in properly and preventing future crowding issues.

The key takeaway here is that every child's orthodontic journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Jeff Loveless and his team at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics understand the importance of personalized care and take pride in offering conservative approaches that prioritize your child's long-term dental health.

So, if you’re wondering why your friend's child has braces and yours doesn't, don't fret. Embrace the uniqueness of your child's smile, and trust that Dr. Loveless has their best interests at heart. When the time is right, we will guide your little one toward a radiant, confident smile – no rush, just the right touch of care. 

By the way, a common orthodontic misconception is that you need a referral from your dentist to bring your child in for an evaluation. We will gladly schedule your complimentary consultation at any time, and no referral is necessary. We believe everyone benefits from an initial visit at age 7, if for no other reason than the "peace of mind" regarding your child's smile.

Here's to happy smiles, unique journeys, and the expert hands of Dr. Jeff Loveless and his team at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics 

Click below or call us at (507) 451-5993 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!

One of the questions we get asked the most from parents and patients is: “which is better: Braces or Invisalign?”

It’s a hard question to answer because so much depends on each patient and their specific needs. That’s why at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we prioritize spending time with you and listening to your needs and goals. That’s what helps us land on the best possible treatment plan for each unique patient who comes to see us for orthodontics.

Let’s talk about some of the different treatment options that we offer at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics and the differences between them. Traditional metal or clear braces are the most commonly recognized and can be a great choice. There’s minimal involvement from the patient’s perspective except for avoiding foods that can damage brackets and wires, and brushing really well is a top priority. Braces are also great for patients who simply aren’t going to wear aligners for 22 hours a day. And that’s okay! You’ll come to me every 6-8 weeks for adjustments and we’ll be on our way to a straighter smile in no time.

On the other hand, clear aligners are an excellent alternative for patients that are good at keeping to a schedule and the list of foods to avoid while in treatment is much smaller.

If our doctor feels that one would be a better option for any reason, we’ll let you know why and we’ll talk through everything in detail together. In most cases both treatment options are efficient and effective at giving your child their ideal smile, and making parents smile along the way.

Click below or call us at (507) 451-5993 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!

As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to set goals, make resolutions, and embark on journeys that lead to positive transformations. At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, we believe that 2024 is the ideal year to prioritize your oral health and achieve the smile you've always dreamed of. Let's explore the benefits of starting orthodontic treatment this year. 

1. Enhanced Aesthetics:

The most apparent benefit of orthodontics is improved aesthetics. Straight, aligned teeth contribute to a captivating smile, boosting self-esteem and confidence. This aesthetic enhancement can have a positive impact on various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional opportunities.

2. Improved Oral Health:

Beyond the cosmetic appeal, orthodontic treatment addresses functional issues. Correcting misalignments and bite irregularities contributes to better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. A well-aligned bite also aids in proper chewing and digestion.

3. Prevention of Dental Issues:

Orthodontics can prevent potential dental problems before they arise. By addressing misalignments and bite issues early on, orthodontic treatment helps prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even jaw problems.

4. Boosted Self-Confidence:

A straight, beautiful smile has a profound impact on self-confidence. Knowing that your smile is one of your greatest assets can positively influence social interactions, relationships, and professional pursuits. Orthodontic treatment provides not just physical transformations but also a mental and emotional uplift.

5. Speech Improvement:

Misaligned teeth or bite issues can sometimes contribute to speech difficulties. Orthodontic correction can help improve speech patterns, making communication clearer and more effective.

6. Comfort and Functionality:

Orthodontic treatment enhances the comfort and functionality of your bite. It ensures that your teeth come together properly, reducing the risk of uneven wear, jaw pain, and discomfort while eating.

7. Long-Term Savings:

Investing in orthodontic treatment can lead to long-term savings on dental care. By preventing potential dental issues, you reduce the need for costly treatments and procedures down the line.

8. Take Advantage of your FSA Renewal

Flexible Spending Accounts often renew at the start of the new year. If you have an FSA this is a great opportunity to allocate those pre-tax funds so you can save on orthodontic treatment for you or your child. This is a cost-effective way to invest in your smile and oral health!

Ready for your complimentary orthodontic evaluation?

At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, our primary focus is on you—your unique orthodontic needs, your timeline, and your comfort. We treat our patients as members of our family, gently and respectfully, while providing professional and effective treatments that create healthy, beautiful smiles you can be proud of!

With an array of options to fit your unique needs and desires, Dr. Loveless will work with you to find the optimal treatment choice to achieve your ideal smile. From traditional braces to Invisalign, there's a solution for everyone.

Click below or call us at (507) 451-5993 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION. 

There isn’t a specific age at which children should start undergoing orthodontic treatment. However at around seven years old, your child will have grown out enough permanent teeth and the jaw is developed enough to tell if there are any current issues... or any on the horizon.

There are many benefits to getting orthodontic treatment as a child, including shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth because we:

• Guide teeth into desired positions early 
• Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
• Guide jaw growth
• Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking 

Are there any signs I should look for?

Yes, definitely! Here are some of the signs to keep in mind:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting into food
• Grinding and/or clenching of teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Speech difficulties
• Thumb or other finger sucking habit
• Crowding, misplacement, or blocking of teeth
• Jaw shifts or jaw noises like popping
• Protruding of teeth
• Biting the inside of his or her cheek 
• Teeth meet abnormally or do not meet at all
• Jaw and teeth do not appear to be proportionate to the face

Keep in mind that these signs do not guarantee that your child needs treatment, but they may indicate that an orthodontic evaluation may be a good idea.

Do some of these signs look familiar to you? 

Have no fear, your child will be in good hands! Dr. Loveless uses the latest technology and stays up to date on the newest trends in orthodontics so that all of his patients can achieve their dream smiles. 

Think your child may need an orthodontic evaluation?

Dr. Loveless’ passion for orthodontics stems from “being able to witness a person’s change in self-confidence from the creation of a beautiful smile they are proud to show the world!” Early treatment can help give your child that healthy, beautiful smile for more self esteem as they go through their teenage years and through adulthood. 

Click below or call us at (507) 451-5993 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and your child!

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION.