Dr. King Answers: Does It Take Longer to Straighten Teeth in an Adult?

Q: Does it take longer to straighten teeth in an adult than in a child/teen who is still growing?

Exceptional orthodontic results are possible for adults, too.

A: Great question! All things considered, the answer is yes: An adult patient would take longer. But orthodontic care with exceptional results is still a sure-fire possibility in adults.

It is important to remember that younger patients have softer jaws that are more agreeable to tooth movement. Also, growing bone cells help the process be more efficient and comfortable. Adult jaws are firmer and have a tendency to resist tooth movement.

Although orthodontics is possible at ANY age, I see greater corrective changes and long- term stability in growing teenage patients.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation -- young or old!
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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: Do You Ever Use a “Wait It Out” Strategy When Treating Kids?

Q: Do you ever use a “wait it out” strategy when treating kids? Is there a benefit to waiting until almost all of the adult teeth are in before trying to correct some issues?

A: Great question! The answer is yes. For the most part, I like to wait until all of the adult teeth are grown in before starting orthodontic braces treatment. Even so, it is important to know that some issues are best cared for before full eruption of adult teeth.

Underbite can occur when the lower
teeth protrude past the front teeth.

For example, crossbites, narrow jaws, and underbites [see image] should be corrected between ages 8-9 years. Research has shown that overbites are best left untreated until 11-13 years. Crowding and spacing, unless disfiguring, should also wait until the patient is about 12 years of age.

The wait-and-see approach is great in most cases, as a lot changes over time. Patients grow and mature; so do their teeth and jaws.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation!
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SOURCE: Invisalign® [image]

Dr. King Answers: Can I Use Flex-Spending Dollars on Braces or Invisalign®?

In most cases, patients can use medical flex-
spending account dollars for orthodontic treatment.

Q: Can I use my medical flex-spending account [FSA] dollars on braces or Invisalign®?

A: In most cases, yes! Braces and Invisalign® are covered as dental expenses.

There are some differences in how the accounts pay. For example, some plans want you to pay over the time of treatment, which may mean applying those dollars in two separate benefit years. Some plans, however, will allow payment of all the expenses in one benefit year.

At King Orthodontics, we can help you determine the amount to set aside for a benefit year and also assist you in making the most of those pretax dollars! We take great care in helping our patients’ families maximize their pretax benefits. Call us for a free consultation!
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SOURCE: Visa Inc. [image]