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Many parents associate braces and orthodontics with their teen years but you may be surprised to learn that the best time for your little one to have their first orthodontic visit is around their 7th birthday. We know, we know - they’re still running around the jungle gym and definitely not exhibiting any tween behavior (at least we hope not for your sake!). That said, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen by an orthodontist at age seven and here at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we absolutely agree. 

Why by age seven?

By age 7, your child’s mouth has matured enough for a trained orthodontic eye to spot current and future issues. We can then make corrections that will help guide their jaw and teeth into a healthier place for an easier straight smile later on. 

There are many benefits to starting orthodontic treatment as a child; these include shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth. That’s because with early orthodontics we can:

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

At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, we think of early orthodontics as a two phase solution. 

• Phase 1 works with your young child to make space for his or her permanent teeth. 
• Phase 2 begins once those teeth have arrived. 

If you recommend early orthodontics for my child, does that mean they won’t need braces as a teen? 

Early treatment (phase 1) can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. That said, children who have undergone early orthodontic treatment typically wear braces or Invisalign for a shorter period of time in the teen years than those who have not undergone early intervention. This makes life easier for both them, and you, as both of your schedules get busier and busier.

If I bring my child to you at age 7 are you definitely going to recommend early orthodontics? 

Nope! Every child is different and we customize every treatment plan to the individual. Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in; some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or complete. Dr. Loveless will develop a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs.

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

We get a lot of questions from our patients about Invisalign. Below we have answered the five most common questions we get about the clear aligners from patients who are considering the treatment for themselves or their child. If your question isn’t answered, give us a call at (507) 451-5993 to speak with one of our knowledgeable and friendly staff members.

1) How does Invisalign work?

As an Invisalign provider, Dr. Loveless uses precision technology to create a high-resolution, interactive image of your teeth and uses that to produce a comprehensive treatment plan that creates the pathway to your better smile. Every one-to-two weeks along the way you will get a new 3D printed aligner that applies just the right amount of force on your teeth. Each one is custom-made for your mouth to guide you toward your goal. 

2) How do I clean the aligners?

Caring for your aligners is easy. Rinse your aligners nightly and gently brush them with your toothbrush to keep them fresh and clean. There’s also a cleaning system available to keep your aligners clear. But, for the most part, you’ll only be wearing each custom-made set of aligners for about one to two weeks before being replaced so there isn’t enough time for them to get dingy if you brush them nightly.

3) What can’t I eat?

Trick question. There’s nothing you can’t eat! Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t have restrictions on what you can’t chew while undergoing treatment. That’s because Invisalign appliances are removable. That said, we wouldn’t be doing our duty if we didn’t warn you against eating sugary snacks and encouraging you to brush after every meal. Otherwise, when it comes to enjoying all of your favorite foods, we say go for it! Just remember that you need to wear your Invisalign appliances 20 to 22 hours a day for best results.

4) Are they comfortable?

Dr. Loveless will take a precise scan of your teeth and plan out every move needed to give you the perfect smile. The treatment plan is personalized to fit your mouth. There is no guesswork so every aligner is made to ensure the utmost comfort, and they’re precision trimmed so they don’t cut your gums. Also, the patented plastic material is flexible and forms a snug fit over your teeth.

5) Is Invisalign plastic safe?

The aligners are made from SmartTrack material, an FDA-approved, flexible plastic that was invented by bioengineers exclusively for Invisalign. They contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten so we are confident that the material is safe for your mouth.

...and one more for good measure: 6) Is Invisalign good for teens?

Yes. Invisalign is not just for adults who don’t want to wear traditional metal braces. And, the overall cost of Invisalign is becoming much more comparable to metal braces. If your teen wants the benefits that come with Invisalign, click below to schedule a complimentary consultation. 

If you’d like to learn more or find out if Invisalign is the right fit for your child, contact us today! Click below to schedule your complimentary consultations and we can’t wait to meet you! 

We have seen thousands of patients at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics over the years and we have had every type of patient sit down for their very first consultation from the jitterbug to nerves of steel. It’s only natural to feel a little nervous at your first orthodontic appointment. One thing to keep in mind is that this is your first step on the way to a beautiful, healthier smile.

To help you feel more comfortable, we outlined exactly what will happen during your initial consultation with Prairie Ridge Orthodontics. Remember, our team’s focus is your health and safety. No matter how many new smiles we create for our many patients, each one is unique and deserves personal time and attention.

Meet the Team

Before anything else, we want you to meet our wonderful staff. Here at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on our knowledgeable, friendly team of orthodontic professionals. From the moment you walk into our office and meet our front office team to getting to know Dr. Loveless, every single one of us has a responsibility to ensure your experience is as wonderful as possible. Just like with your amazing new smile, we pride ourselves on first impressions.

Oral Examination and Digital Images

Speaking of impressions, your next step is to slide into the examination chair where we will begin the nuts and bolts of the consultation process. Don’t fret! You can forget about that icky feeling that came with the traditional way to make impressions of your teeth. At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we have invested in the latest and greatest in orthodontic technology. Our Itero Digital Scanner takes 3-D digital images (impressions) of your mouth, allowing us to permanently retire that uncomfortable, gooey, putty material that is typically used. At the same time, it provides more precise information for better fitting appliances and enables shorter appointment times. The results are faster turnaround time, comfortability, and accuracy in the treatment plan.

Treatment Plan Options

Once we scan your teeth and check your dental records, we will talk to you about your treatment plan options. As we said, every patient is different, with a different idea of the perfect smile and how they want to get there. We will present the options and work with you to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment with us. This is also a good time for a Q&A. Ask everything and anything you want to know about the options we present and your hopes and fears about the process. We want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible with the journey we take to get you a better, healthier smile.

Payment Options

As well as offering the most up-to-date orthodontic digital technology and treatment options, at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we want to make sure you have a payment option that works for you.  Once we decide on a treatment plan, we make sure we create a payment schedule that fits into your budget. No one should forgo needed oral care, so we make it as easy as possible to discuss finances, often one of the most difficult conversations to have when it comes to medical care. We will go over your insurance and offer flexible payment plans so you don’t ever have to worry about affording orthodontic treatment.

Scheduling Your First Appointment

Next, we will get you set up with your first appointment to start you on your way. At this point, we hope we have answered all of your questions, addressed your concerns, and made you feel comfortable with your journey with Prairie Ridge Orthodontics to create your best smile ever.

One of the most common reasons for choosing clear aligners is that they are just that—clear! You can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile without the more obvious wires and brackets of traditional braces. But if your aligners are noticeably stained well before it’s time to replace them, you can be facing days or weeks of self-conscious smiles.

Luckily, this problem is preventable. Let’s look at some of the common causes of aligner discoloration and how to avoid them.

• Beverages that Stain Teeth Stain Aligners

You take your aligners out to eat, of course, but do you always remember to remove them when you drink a beverage? Red wines, coffee, tea, dark juices, and sodas don’t just cause enamel staining—they can discolor your aligners as well. Even worse, drinking an acidic or sugary drink with your aligners on gives that acidic, sugary beverage an opportunity to bathe your teeth in acids and sugar over a period of time. Keep your aligners (and your enamel) protected by removing them when you drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth before you replace them. If you absolutely can’t remove aligners, a straw will reduce the risk of staining.

• Soaking in Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a way to keep your teeth and mouth fresh-smelling and free from bacteria. You also want your aligners to stay fresh and bacteria-free. So, what could be the problem in giving your aligners a good soak? Well, sometimes a colorful mouthwash can stain your aligners to match! If you’re not a fan of tinted aligners, talk to us about the safest ways to use mouthwash with your appliance.

• Using Harsh Cleaners

There are products specifically made for aligners which will keep them their cleanest and clearest. Harsh cleaners and even toothpastes can be abrasive, leaving visible scratches or cloudiness. We’re happy to recommend the best and safest cleaning products for your aligners.

• Inadequate Cleaning

Plaque, that bacteria film that can stick to your enamel and around your gum line, can also stick to your aligners. If you notice a white film on your appliance, it could be plaque. Thorough and regularly scheduled cleanings are essential. Talk to us about the best schedule and methods for keeping your aligners not only clear, but sanitary.

What if, despite taking precautions, your aligners do get stained? If your aligners are new, we might be able to offer you some suggestions to get you through the next week or so. If you are almost ready for your next set of aligners, you might have no problem waiting. But the simplest solution to stained aligners is prevention.

Talk to Dr. Jeff Loveless at our Faribault, Zumbrota, or Owatonna, MN office about how to keep your aligners looking their best—and least visible. Whether it’s diet suggestions or the most effective soaking and cleaning techniques, we have the answers to ensure your brightest, most confident smile. After all, isn’t that one of the reasons you chose clear aligners?