Ask Drs. Tomassetti & Lin: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. James J. Tomassetti and Dr. Edward Y. Lin will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early with Apple Creek Orthodontics can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile at Apple Creek Orthodontics. Set up an appointment for a free consultation at our Appleton office and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

See you soon! Have a great weekend!

Drs. Tomassetti & Lin talk two-phase treatment

Typically, patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth. But in some cases Drs. Tomassetti and Lin have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Our staff at Apple Creek Orthodontics call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, Drs. Tomassetti & Lin recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a complimentary consultation at our convenient Appleton office, please give us a call at 920-738-7600.

Ask Apple Creek Orthodontics: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Appleton orthodontists Drs. Jim Tomassetti and Edward Lin work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Apple Creek Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth - and do - lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!
Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

At Apple Creek Orthodontics, we utilize the latest digital technological and advanced techniques, including SureSmile, Invisalign, self-ligating braces, and digital x-rays, to ensure that you receive the most precise and efficient care possible.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Tomassetti and Lin can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment here at Apple Creek Orthodontics.