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Do you know what the best age is to bring your child to their first orthodontic evaluation?

We can guess that most people would think it is in their early teens. One of the things we hear all the time in our office is: “I can’t schedule my child yet because they haven’t lost all their baby teeth.” However, the recommended age for a child’s first orthodontic checkup is seven years old. Even if your child’s teeth seem straight, there may be an underlying issue that only the orthodontist can detect.

This is why Mack and Hansen Orthodontics in Longview, TX and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend every child to see an orthodontist by the age of seven years old. We want to make sure everyone from the dentist to the parents understands the importance of these early evaluations.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there are many reasons why your child should be seen by age seven. First of all, Dr. Spencer Mack or Dr. Andrew Hansen can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Your child’s check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. On the other hand, our orthodontists may identify a developing problem that can be monitored with your child’s growth and development and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child. In certain situations, Dr. Mack or Dr. Hansen might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment and be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. It also allows our orthodontists to

– guide jaw growth
– lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
– correct harmful oral habits
– improve appearance
– guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
– improve the way lips meet

Our orthodontic consultations are ALWAYS complimentary, so you don’t have to worry about any cost or insurance claims taking anything away from your benefits. We just want to make sure we are doing what is best for your child. Have no fear, if your child doesn’t need braces we will simply follow up with them monitor their growth through set appointments ranging from 6-month to 12-month intervals. When they are ready for braces, we give you and your child all the information needed about their treatment.

Please feel free to call our orthodontic office here in Longview, TX at 903-212-7737 with any questions you may have. We will be happy to answer those questions and look forward to giving you and your family “Something to Smile About.”

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

What does an orthodontist do?

When it comes time to decide who you should see about orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners) there is some information you should be aware of.  While you might think of an orthodontist as someone who just straightens teeth, there is much more that orthodontists do. Not only do they straighten teeth and align bites, they also help correct irregular jaw growth. This is one of the main differences between a dentist and an orthodontist. While dentists do receive some training on orthodontics, an orthodontist attends a residency program after dental school. During this 2-3 year residency program they do nothing but learn and practice orthodontics.

Since most people focus on their front teeth and not their bite or how their jaws line up, it is understandable that many people do not think orthodontists correct these things. However, every orthodontist is trained in diagnosing and correcting malocclusions and aligning teeth and bites. Of course, there is a significant benefit to having straight teeth including increased confidence and self-esteem.

What types of braces are there?

There are a number of different types of braces used by orthodontists and they are not like the braces used in generations past. The types of braces we use today are much less noticeable, much smaller, and are less prone to breaking off the teeth due to advances in the orthodontic materials used. We provide numerous types of braces at affordable prices. For more information on the types of braces including metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners, visit our types of braces page.

What do I have to do differently if I am wearing braces?

It is important that you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time while you are wearing braces. Even better, you should be brushing after every meal. Additionally, you want to do your best to avoid sugary drinks and acidic foods and drinks while undergoing orthodontics treatment. The reason for this is over time, areas of decalcification can start to appear on your teeth. These areas are commonly known as white spots. It is also important to avoid crunchy hard foods like chips and crackers, pretzels and peanuts. These types of foods are more likely to cause brackets to break.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

Did your child go back to school with braces on? The good news: they’re on track to a straighter, healthier smile. The not so great news: they have to deal with cleaning their brackets and wires 24/7 — even during school hours.

Here’s How To Keep Braces Clean At School:

1. Carry A Care Kit

Help them out by putting together a small, private dental to-go kit. Here at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics we provide every patient with one of these at the time they get their braces on. This helps them stay organized and on track with their oral hygiene at school, practice, and even during a sleepover with friends.

2. Brush Or Rinse After Every Meal

Brushing is important in the morning, at night, and also after every meal. Remind them to brush or rinse after lunch and every snack.

3. Drink Plenty Of Water

Having a water bottle handy throughout the day will help clean their braces while keeping them hydrated at the same time. They should drink water instead of sodas or other sugary drinks since sugar can stain teeth and leave behind residue that can cause cavities.

4. Protect Your Mouth During Sports

Physical activity can be dangerous for anyone. But, it’s especially true for someone with braces. They should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and their braces from any impact or injury they may sustain out on the field or court.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

.For this reason it's critical to have your periodontal health evaluated prior to getting braces. This applies particularly to adults, since a 2013 study by the Center for Disease Control estimated that over 40% of adults 30 years of age and older had periodontitis (gum disease). If you do have periodontitis, moving your teeth with braces will only make things worse.

Conversely, there is also risk for periodontal disease if you don't get orthodontic treatment. Malocclusion, as well as crooked and spaced teeth, can all contribute to periodontal disease. In these situations your teeth and gums are more difficult to clean and become breeding grounds for disease causing bacteria. Bad oral hygiene combined with these traits can greatly contribute to the development of periodontitis.

So, periodontics and braces have a tricky relationship. On one hand, you shouldn't get braces if you show signs of developing or have periodontitis, while on the other hand, braces can help prevent the possibility of developing periodontitis by correcting the bite and straightening the teeth.

If you are 30 years of age or older and are considering getting braces, it would be wise to first:

• Let Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen know about your desire to get braces
• Get an exam to make sure you're in good periodontal health and a good candidate for braces
• If you are a good candidate, keep an eye on your teeth and gums and get regular dental checkups throughout your course of treatment.

If you are in any doubt about the status of your teeth and gums, it's always best to get them checked before embarking with braces treatment. For more information or to have your periodontal health assessed for braces treatment, please contact us at our Longview office.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer