May 10 2023

Challenges in Adolescent Dental Health

Wausau Smiles Dental Hygiene, Oral Health, Preventative Care Oral Hygiene, Orthodontics, Wisdom teeth

Teenage Oral Health Wausau: Navigating the Unique Dental Challenges of Adolescence

Adolescence is a period of significant growth and transformation, including changes in dental health. Teens face various unique challenges, from orthodontic needs to maintaining healthy gums and teeth. This blog explores the common dental concerns encountered during adolescence and offers strategies to address them effectively, ensuring lifelong oral wellness.

Orthodontic Challenges: Braces for Teens in Wausau

Orthodontic issues are prevalent among teenagers. Many require braces for teens in Wausau to address dental misalignments, including overbites, underbites, crowding, and gaps. While braces are highly effective, they require diligence in oral hygiene and maintenance. Parents and teens must work together to follow orthodontists’ instructions and establish a routine that keeps braces clean and free of food particles. Proper care during orthodontic treatment ensures a healthy, straight smile post-treatment.

The Role of Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom Teeth Removal Wausau

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For many adolescents, the lack of space in the jaw leads to discomfort, overcrowding, or infections. Wisdom teeth removal Wausau is often recommended to prevent complications such as impaction or misalignment of existing teeth. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the growth of wisdom teeth and determine if removal is necessary.

Common Dental Health Issues in Adolescents

Adolescents often face an increased risk of cavities and gum disease due to dietary changes and inconsistent oral hygiene. Sugary snacks and beverages are common culprits of dental caries. Encouraging teens to brush twice a day, floss daily, and reduce sugary food consumption is critical for maintaining optimal oral health. Regular visits to a teens dentist Wausau can help detect and address early signs of these issues before they escalate.

Preventing Sports Injuries: Mouthguard for Teens in Wausau

Many teens participate in sports, which increases the risk of dental injuries such as fractured or avulsed teeth. A mouthguard for teens in Wausau offers crucial protection during athletic activities. Mouthguards are designed to absorb impact and prevent severe dental trauma. Educating teens about the importance of wearing protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and ensure their teeth remain intact.

Addressing Eating Disorders and Oral Health

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can have devastating effects on dental health. Frequent vomiting associated with bulimia exposes teeth to stomach acids, leading to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Parents and caregivers should remain vigilant for signs of eating disorders and seek professional help when needed. Early intervention can prevent lasting damage to oral health and overall well-being.

The Impact of Tobacco and Substance Abuse

Adolescents experimenting with tobacco or drugs are at risk of serious oral health issues. Tobacco use, whether smoked or chewed, causes tooth discoloration, gum disease, and increases the risk of oral cancer. Drug use can lead to severe tooth decay and gum disease. Educating teens about these dangers is essential for discouraging harmful habits and promoting healthier choices.

Encouraging Proper Oral Hygiene Practices

As teenagers gain independence, they may neglect proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups are vital for maintaining teenage oral health Wausau. Parents should reinforce the importance of these habits and set a positive example by practicing good oral hygiene themselves. A partnership between teens, parents, and dental professionals is key to fostering lifelong dental health habits.

Conclusion

Teenage oral health Wausau is a vital aspect of overall well-being during adolescence. From braces for teens in Wausau to mouthguards for teens in Wausau, addressing the unique dental challenges of this stage ensures a foundation for lifelong oral health. Establishing open communication with teens about dental care, encouraging regular dental visits, and promoting healthy habits can help navigate these challenges effectively. With guidance from a trusted teens dentist Wausau, parents and adolescents can work together to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

April 10 2021

Clear aligners

Wausau Smiles Oral Health, Orthodontics Clear Aligners, Clear braces, Invisalign, Orthodontics

Affordable Clear braces Wausau

What are “Clear Braces” systems similar to Invisalign?

Similar to braces, Invisalign and other clear-aligner treatments are orthodontic devices that gradually straighten teeth and correct bite patterns. Invisalign employs transparent plastic retainers (similar to athletic mouthguards) that fit securely over the teeth, unlike conventional braces.

How Do They Function?

The procedure begins with an examination and consultation to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign or a comparable clear aligner system. After determining that you are a suitable candidate, the doctor will digitally scan your teeth and create a series of transparent, BPA-free plastic aligners specifically for you. At the following appointment, you will receive the initial supply of platters. Your physician will ensure a proper fit, address any concerns, and explain what to expect in the future. Thereafter, you will be required to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. As you continue to wear the trays and replace them every two weeks, your teeth will progressively adjust into the proper, straighter position. While aligners alone are sufficient in the majority of cases, some patients may require the attachment of “buttons” to the surface of their teeth to provide additional traction for tooth movement. Throughout the course of your treatment, you will need to visit your dentist’s office approximately every six to eight weeks to have your progress evaluated and to receive your next set of aligners.

How do I care for my teeth during treatment with clear aligners?

As previously stated, you must wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day; the only times they should be removed are when you eat, consume hot beverages (the heat can distort the shape of the trays), and cleanse your teeth. Since the plastic aligners completely cover your teeth, it is essential that you floss your teeth after every meal and refreshment to remove any food particles that may have become lodged against them. Even after a clear aligner treatment is concluded, the majority of patients must continue to wear a nocturnal retainer to preserve the results.

What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners Compared to Conventional Braces?

In addition to the ability of all orthodontic devices to produce straighter teeth, clear aligners have several significant advantages over traditional braces:

Plastic retainers are a nearly invisible, transparent orthodontic device.
During treatment, removable trays enable you to continue eating all of your favorite dishes.
You can continue to participate in all of your favorite sports without risking cuts or other oral injuries due to the aligners’ smooth plastic construction.
With aligners, you will never have to deal with damaged brackets or wiring, allowing you to avoid all emergency appointments.
Removable trays enable you to continue brushing and flossing normally throughout the duration of treatment.

What Kinds of Tooth and Bite Problems Can Clear Aligners Correct?

In addition to aligning crooked teeth, Invisalign and other clear aligners can remedy the following:

Underbite Overbite
Alternately, crossbite
Open bite Teeth with spaces
Extreme crowding
Blend of primary and permanent dentition

Prior to a relatively recent period, metal braces were almost always preferable to transparent aligners for treating these orthodontic issues. Nonetheless, Invisalign and other companies have continued to innovate and develop technology that now produces comparable results to metal braces.

How long does it take clear aligners to straighten teeth and correct bite problems?

As is the case with metal braces, the time required to achieve a person’s orthodontic objectives with Invisalign or comparable clear aligners will differ greatly depending on the specific issues being addressed. Some individuals can have their teeth aligned in as little as six months. Certain issues, such as overcrowding, may require a treatment period of 24 months or longer. The majority of clear aligner treatments take between nine and eighteen months to complete.

How expensive are Clear Aligner treatments?

As with treatment duration for clear braces, the cost of treatment will vary significantly based on your individual circumstances. Your oral health, the amount of orthodontic work required, where you reside, and the extent to which your insurance covers orthodontic care are the primary determinants of cost. Without insurance coverage, you can expect to pay between $3,500 and $8,000 for Invisalign or a comparable clear aligner treatment, with an average cost of approximately $5,000. Compare these costs to the $3,000 to $7,000 that the majority of people spend on metal braces, with an average cost of $5,000.