Why Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Care

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Orthodontic care is a step above the general daily care that you may be used to. Your children’s smile is essential, and many issues can affect your child’s ability to live their lives to the fullest.

The experienced team at Hockenberger Orthodontics of Norton, OH, is proud to serve the local community with exceptional dental care services, including professional orthodontic care, which helps to ensure and preserve the smiles of tomorrow.

What are Orthodontics?

One of the most critical conversations in your household will be the conversation around the possibility of your child needing braces. Orthodontic dental care teams specialize in jaws and misaligned teeth. While braces are a common solution, many tools and procedures may suit your child.

Why Would My Child Need Orthodontic Care?

Orthodontic care is essential for everyone, but seeing a professional as early in life is crucial. If your child is of middle school age, here are some signs they may need care:

Still Has Baby Teeth

Children start losing baby teeth as early as five and should have most adult teeth by thirteen. It’s important to check in with an expert if your child is not losing their baby teeth regularly or the tooth is growing back in an improper position.

Hard to Bite and Chew

Misaligned teeth cause chewing and biting issues, and children can get food stuck in their teeth and gums, which may not be removed with brushing. The earlier bite issues are resolved, the better.

Speaking and Other Mouth-Related Issues

Jaw and tooth issues can cause difficulty breathing, so you may find that your child is consistently breathing through their mouth. Misaligned teeth can also cause speech issues and can affect facial symmetry.

Your Local Dental Care Specialist

When your child consistently complains about dental care issues, it may be time to see an orthodontic professional. During your next appointment with the qualified team at Hockenberger Orthodontics of Norton, OH, you can be sure you receive the best care and guidance your unique situation deserves.

Hockenberger Orthodontics — How Do Clear Aligners Work?

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If you want straight teeth, clear aligners are a great option. They’re comfortable, hardly noticeable, and relatively inexpensive. While it’s easy to understand the benefits of these popular orthodontic devices, do you know how they work?

In this post, we’ll talk about what you can expect with clear aligners.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are orthodontic devices that help to straighten teeth over time. Working just like braces, they move teeth to their desired position over a matter of months. However, instead of using metal brackets and wires, clear aligners utilize a strong plastic. This device simply snaps over your teeth for a comfortable orthodontic experience. While popular brands like Invisalign offer these clear aligners, you can also find several other providers.

Think clear aligners may be right for you? If so, contact Hockenberger Orthodontics today! We offer top-of-the-line clear aligners in Norton, OH.

What to Expect

If you’re interested in clear aligners, the process starts with a consultation with your orthodontist. They will examine your teeth, look at X-rays, and evaluate your dental history to determine if you’re a good candidate. If everything checks out, the next step is to take X-rays and get an impression of your teeth. This information is then sent to a lab to create your aligners.

Once your aligners are made, you’ll have another office visit to try them on and ensure a good fit. If things look good, you get a set of aligners to wear throughout your treatment plan. After wearing one aligner for a week or two, you’ll switch to a new aligner. You’ll continue this process until your teeth have moved to their desired position.

Interested in learning more about clear aligners? To speak with a skilled and knowledgeable orthodontist in Norton, OH, call Hockenberger Orthodontics today!

3 Things You Should Know About Orthodontic 3D Printing

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3D printers have become a standard piece of equipment for many dentists, but not everyone is aware of how they work or why they’re being used in more and more offices. Learn more about what printing does, when it’s used, and why you might want to take advantage of the technology.

3D Printers Take Exact Replicas

A 3D printer can create a replica for any number of dental devices. If you’re looking for braces in Norton, OH, they can be used to construct an appliance that can give your teeth the look and shape you’ve always wanted.

The process is fairly straightforward. First, a scanner will make a map of the mouth. Then, the printer will use that information to layer different materials together. 3D printers have made customization far more affordable, because now it can be automated across the board.

It’s Extremely Versatile

Crowns, braces, aligners: 3D printers are being used to make any number of devices. When everyone has their own dental patterns (known as dentitions in the industry), it’s crucial to find solutions that will work with the rest of your mouth.

Unlike the devices of yesteryear, the quality is far more consistent. Patients no longer have to worry about the technician making a mistake or refusing to complete a difficult design.

The Right Dentist in Norton, OH Can Help

3D printers give patients better results for less money, and they’ve revolutionized an entire industry. However, not every dentist has the same equipment, nor will they be able to use it in the same way.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Norton, Akron, or Wadsworth, OH that knows how to pass along the benefits of 3D printing to you without endangering your health (or wallet), contact Hockenberger Orthodontics today.