Parsing through the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Scott

Dr. Gregory Scott knows there are quite a few myths about orthodontists (and orthodontics) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, he thinks you should get the facts!

We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics.

We encourage you to check them out today! If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Scott Orthodontic Associates, feel free to give us a call.

Age seven, the magic number for your child's first visit to Scott Orthodontic Associates

Many parents in Lakeland and surrounding communities just assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Scott Orthodontic Associates, only to discover that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. But did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That's right: seven.

OK, you're thinking: what’s so great about age seven, Dr. Scott? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Scott to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what Dr. Scott calls “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites, and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, however, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age seven, please give us a call at Scott Orthodontic Associates to schedule an appointment.

Happy Monday!

Ask Dr. Gregory Scott: Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

A couple of weeks back, we posted a blog on the benefits of braces. This week, we thought we'd get a little more specific and delve into adult braces. Recently, our staff at Scott Orthodontic Associates read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago!

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adult orthodontics and braces at Lakeland office can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign® and others, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. Treatment at Scott Orthodontic Associates can be successful at any age, and Dr. Scott knows adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Scott and our entire team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Staying connected with Scott Orthodontic Associates

Dr. Scott and our team at Scott Orthodontic Associates love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind.

Although social media is hugely popular these days, Dr. Scott knows it is unpredictable and ever-changing. We thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Ask Dr. Gregory Scott: Who benefits from Invisalign®?

Part of what makes Invisalign "work" is that the treatment is customizable for pretty much anybody. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment at Scott Orthodontic Associates, the first Dr. Gregory Scott does, is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Scott is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.