Here at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, we provide you with the latest and safest orthodontic treatment options to straighten your smile. We believe you should have as much information as possible regarding your treatment to make the best decision for your unique smile. That’s why we’re bringing you everything you need to know about clear aligners from Invisalign! Our expert orthodontists can help you get the same stunning results as traditional braces without using metal brackets or wires. Clear aligners can be the perfect choice if you are looking for a more flexible treatment option, but what exactly is Invisalign, and how does it work? To learn more about this innovative system, keep reading below! What are Clear Aligners? Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners to move your teeth and give you a straighter smile. Each set of aligners is customized specifically for you with the help of 3-D computer imaging, which gives us a detailed look at the state of your smile and the changes we want to make. If you spend time watching tv or online, you most likely know about clear aligners. While the design may look simple, a lot goes into those trays! Invisalign aligners are constructed of a unique thermoplastic material that’s smooth enough to be comfortable but strong enough to align your teeth. When you wear your aligners as directed they can be just as effective as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues. How Does Invisalign Work? The first step in your orthodontic journey is an initial consultation with an experienced orthodontist. When you schedule your free Invisalign consultation with Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, one of our doctors will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs, preferences, and goals. This plan will include all the movements we want your teeth to make and how long we expect treatment to take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete! We’ll then begin designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. Your aligners are custom-made to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. For them to work correctly, you must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily during treatment. You should only take your aligners out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. Failure to follow these recommendations can result in longer treatment times and unsatisfying results. You’ll need to switch your clear aligners out for the next in the series every few weeks to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. We’ll schedule follow-up visits every 6 to 10 weeks to check your treatment progress. Every case is different, and everyone responds to treatment differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long you’ll need to wear aligners. On average, however, most patients wear anywhere from 24-36 aligners over a 9-15 month timeframe. What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners? It’s not surprising that what patients love most about Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are discreet and removable. However, there are many other advantages to this innovative system! These benefits include: Zero food restrictions The food restrictions accompanying braces are often the most challenging parts of treatment. Crunchy or chewy foods can damage the wires and brackets, so avoiding them is important until you finish braces treatment. While the result is worth it, eliminating some of your favorite foods for months can be frustrating. Unlike braces, which are fixed appliances, Invisalign aligners can—and should!—be removed every time you eat. That means you’re free to enjoy all the treats you usually would as long as you brush and floss when you’re finished. Easy to maintain a good oral hygiene routine We should all do our best to keep our teeth and gums healthy and clean, but this is even more important if you’re an orthodontic patient. It can sometimes be tough with braces since the nooks and crannies make it easy for bacteria to hide and multiply. With Invisalign, keeping your teeth free of pesky food particles and harmful plaque is easy! The clear aligners are designed to be removed before you brush and floss, making it simple to maintain a great oral hygiene routine. There are also special kits specifically for cleaning Invisalign aligners, or you can brush them with a soft toothbrush and denture crystals. Convenience and flexibility For Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontic patients who play sports or stay active, Invisalign can be a game-changer! The aligners can be removed before practice and games and replaced with a mouthguard to keep the mouth safe. They’re also great for musicians who play certain instruments since they can be taken out for short periods. And when it comes to special occasions like weddings, prom, and senior pictures, you can remove your Invisalign aligners to let your natural smile shine through! Invisalign Aligners Are the Clear Winner at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign to patients at all of our convenient locations. So if you’ve been searching for Invisalign near me, you’re in the right place. Once you have everything you need to know about clear aligners, you can make the best decision for your unique smile. Schedule a FREE consultation with our team of experts and start your journey to a straighter smile!
Why Your Child Should See An Orthodontist By Age 7
Here at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, our team has created beautiful smiles for patients of all ages for more than 40 years. We treat teens and many adult patients, but we also treat younger children! We often hear from parents who want to know when they should bring their children in for their first visit with us. The American Association of Orthodontists and our doctors recommend that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven or when permanent teeth begin to erupt, and we can identify and address potential issues. Since kids this age tend to have several baby teeth left, this can surprise some parents. But that’s exactly why these early visits to our offices in Central Florida are so important! Early childhood evaluations are a valuable tool because they allow us to identify potential issues that could cause more severe problems in the future. Our team of experienced orthodontists uses dental landmarks to identify how a child’s bite is likely to develop as they age. We’ll create a customized plan for the right treatment at the best time, giving a child the best chance for a lifetime of healthy smiles! Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation? If you’re bringing your child in for their first orthodontic visit, it helps to know what to expect! Our primary focus during this evaluation is assessing their oral health and development. Your Dietrich & Kelso orthodontist will keep an eye out for any problems that could require treatment, whether now or in the future. Diagnosing oral issues at a young age allows us to correct them before they become more serious. There are several common problems we’ll be looking for, including: Misalignment Crooked teeth can impact the cosmetic appearance of a child’s smile and are more challenging to clean than straight teeth. They’re more susceptible to uneven wear and tear as well. If these issues are left untreated over time, they can eventually affect the shape and position of the surrounding gum tissue. Tooth loss Even though children lose their baby teeth, they’re still the placeholders for our permanent teeth, so they matter more than you might think. Baby teeth tend to fall out in a pretty specific order. If we notice any significant deviation from this pattern, it may signal a developmental issue that requires further attention. Spacing issues These problems can occur when a tooth is lost prematurely, where one has never developed, or if a child has teeth that are too small or too far apart. Tooth eruption Most children will have at least four permanent molars and up to four permanent incisors around seven. Any more or less than this could indicate a problem with missing, crowding, or extra teeth. Overbite Front teeth that noticeably protrude are often seen as a cosmetic concern, but they can also increase the risk of potential injury to the permanent teeth and affect a child’s speech. Underbite Underbites can be caused by problems with either the teeth or jaws. This usually involves the lower jaw growing too far forward or the upper jaw growing deficiently. Posterior Crossbite A posterior crossbite can cause crowding and may cause the jaw to shift from one side to the other so the top and bottom teeth can fit together. A narrow upper jaw can also be associated with a narrow nasal passage. Anterior Open Bites and Deep Bites These bite problems occur vertically. In bites that are too deep, the top teeth completely cover the bottom ones when biting, indicating a small lower jaw. With an open bite, the overall bite doesn’t overlap enough. What Happens After a Child’s First Orthodontic Evaluation? An orthodontic evaluation with Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics doesn’t always lead to a recommendation for immediate treatment. We only recommend treatment for a small percentage of cases involving young children. We love early visits because they allow us to approach a child’s orthodontic care proactively instead of reacting when things go south. We sometimes refer to this approach as interceptive orthodontics or Phase I treatment. We recommend interceptive orthodontics to achieve the kind of results we may not be able to obtain once a child’s face and jaw have stopped growing. Phase I treatment encourage proper jaw development, which helps: During Phase I treatment, we will often use fixed or removable orthodontic appliances, with one or both jaws, for some time. Doing this earlier in a child’s life helps to correct poor jaw growth, creates space for developing teeth, and allows the facial muscles to develop more normally. After this initial phase of treatment is complete, we will remove the appliance and begin a period of observation. Our doctors will monitor your child’s mouth every 4-6 months to monitor how things develop. The child may also be given a retainer to keep their teeth stable. Most Phase I patients will eventually need Phase II treatment to continue the stabilizing process. We will use braces or aligners to accomplish this and move the teeth into their final positions. This completes the bite correction process, leaving the patient with a beautifully aligned smile that is also fully functional. Give Your Child’s Smile the Best Start with Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics Scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation with Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics for your child is one of the best things you can do for their smile! If treatment isn’t necessary, we’ll invite you to continue visiting the most convenient office location for you every 6-12 months so our team can monitor their smile as they grow. This allows us to catch and treat any emerging issues early on. These recall visits are always free of charge. If your young child is ready for their first orthodontic visit, we’d love to meet you and see how their smile develops. Get in touch today to schedule their FREE evaluation at one of our convenient locations.
The Basics of Two Phase Treatment
One of the toughest things about being a parent is trying to anticipate your child’s needs in both the present and the future. If you’ve been thinking about orthodontics for your child, we don’t have a crystal ball, but we can still offer reliable information you can trust! The expert team here at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics can help you understand what a long-term plan for your child’s orthodontic care might entail. The first step in any smile journey is a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. We offer this first visit free of charge, and while there’s no minimum age for a child’s initial evaluation, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends all children have one by about seven years old. Let’s look at what this involves and how a preventive approach can give your child’s smile the best possible start! Why are early evaluations important? By the time a child reaches seven years of age, they will generally possess a good mix of permanent and baby teeth. Examining their mouth around this time allows an orthodontist to diagnose and treat misalignments or a bad bite before they have the chance to cause more serious problems. This type of early intervention can also reduce the need for more invasive treatment options later in life. It’s summed up by something we call two phase treatment, a specialized service that allows us to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to a child’s oral health. This treatment method is often recommended for younger patients who are likely to need orthodontics in their tween or teen years. What is Two Phase Treatment? In simple terms, two phase treatment involves a child receiving orthodontic treatment at two separate times with a break or rest period in between. The first phase of treatment generally begins while the patient still has a mix of primary and permanent teeth, followed by a period of no treatment. The second phase of treatment will typically be initiated once most or all of the adult teeth have grown in. An Orthodontist can use two phase treatment to create a more optimal environment for a child’s permanent teeth as they emerge. This works by: When you schedule an orthodontic examination for your child in one of our state of the art offices, one of our doctors will provide a thorough examination of their teeth and jaws. They may recommend two phase treatment if it appears that: Your child will be prone to a particular problem we want to keep from developing in the first place (preventive treatment) your child already has a developing problem that we want to intercept as soon as possible (interceptive treatment) your child’s jaw bones may need some guidance as they grow (growth modification) By following the normal patterns of childhood growth and development, our Board Certified Orthodontists at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics can improve and correct your child’s orthodontic issues at the most opportune time. Many common dental problems that can be treated relatively easily in a growing child may require more serious treatment as they age and their jaw bones stop growing. Initiating treatment in early childhood can achieve lasting results for many of these problems. It may even be able to lessen their impact in some cases! How Does Two Phase Treatment Work? Both you and your child are partners with us in their orthodontic journey. By understanding a bit about each phase and what goes on during the resting period, you’ll be able to see how two-phase treatment will work to improve your child’s long-term oral health. Phase One Phase One treatment sets a child’s jaw up to develop in a way that better accommodates all of their permanent teeth. It can also improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Phase One orthodontics has several benefits for young patients, including an improved ability to bite, chew, and digest food more effectively. It can also reduce the risk of oral damage over time due to crowding, misalignment, or malformed jaws. Resting Period Phase One treatment is the starting point for long-term stability, setting the teeth up to stay in the positions our doctors guide them to. The second phase of treatment will continue this stabilization process by moving the teeth into their final positions, but before this can begin, we need to let the permanent teeth finish emerging. Treatment is suspended during this time, giving the mouth a temporary break. During this period, we’ll help keep the teeth stable with a retainer. Phase Two We love it when a plan comes together and this phase is when it finally begins to happen! This phase is usually initiated once all of the patient’s permanent teeth have erupted and often includes the use of traditional braces or clear aligners. Once this phase of treatment is complete, we’ll provide the child with a customized retainer to ensure they enjoy their newly straightened teeth for many years to come. Give your child’s smile the best start with Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics Your child’s smile is as unique as they are. Our doctors know that what works for one may not be a good fit for another, which is why they create customized treatment plans for every patient. Your child’s treatment plan will be built around their specific needs and goals, ensuring they receive the highest-quality orthodontic care and a beautiful custom smile! If your young child is ready for their first orthodontic visit, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation. This is the perfect time to start your child on the path towards a healthier and happier smile.
Questions to Ask When Choosing an Orthodontist
Now that you’ve decided to pursue orthodontic treatment, you’re on your way to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. But first things first—you’ve got to find a qualified provider you trust with your smile! With so many orthodontists out there, you may not be sure where to begin. That’s where we come in! Here at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, we want every patient to feel confident in their care from the first visit to the last. That starts with learning more about our team of experienced orthodontists! There are several factors to consider before trusting someone with your smile, so let’s take a closer look at what you should ask before choosing an orthodontist. “What is Your Orthodontic Background?” You only get one smile, so it’s essential to find an orthodontist with the skills, experience, and knowledge to treat your specific needs. That begins with learning more about their orthodontic background! This is especially important now that some dentists offer certain types of orthodontic care alongside their regular services. Although they may advertise clear aligners or other smile solutions, these are generally not the main focus of their practice. An orthodontic practice like ours, on the other hand, has one primary focus: delivering the best orthodontic care possible by using the latest technology and the most innovative treatments! This distinction matters. Why? To put it simply, an orthodontist is a dentist who has also undertaken several additional years of specialized training and education in: Orthodontic residency programs are very competitive and usually accept only the top students in any graduating dental school class. These programs last around 2-3 years and include full-time training focusing on the safe and effective correction of orthodontic issues. While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, most general dentists won’t possess the level of training and education that an orthodontist receives. Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics has a team of five exceptional orthodontists to keep Central Florida smiling! Drs. Dietrich, Kelso, Anthony, Ellis and Dixon have dozens of years of combined experience treating every orthodontic need. Drs. Dietrich, Kelso, and Anthony are also board-certified, a credential only 33% of orthodontists obtain. When you trust your smile to our expert team, you can be sure your orthodontic care is in the most capable hands! “What Treatment Options Do You Offer? Which Do You Recommend for Me?” Orthodontic offices vary in the treatments they choose to offer. All of our locations use the same state-of-the-art technology to give patients the most effective treatment with highly personalized results. We offer the following options for the best orthodontic experience possible. Metal braces Metal braces are one of the most popular treatment options and are available for patients of all ages. Today’s braces are much more comfortable than they used to be, and you can even customize them with fun-colored elastics! These orthodontic staples deliver excellent results and can be especially helpful in more severe or complicated cases. Clear braces Ceramic braces function the same way metal braces do but come with the additional benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Both options blend well with your natural smile, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. This makes them an especially attractive choice for our older teen and adult patients! In-Ovation self-ligating braces The In-Ovation system uses self-ligating brackets with spring-loaded doors, so there’s no need for ties and bands. They don’t require tightening, so they’re virtually painless, and your teeth can move freely without the added pressure of ties holding the archwires in place. This allows the system to work faster while also making it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy! In-Ovation comes in three styles that look great and are comfortable to wear: In-Ovation R is smaller and has a lower profile than other self-ligating brackets. With no elastic or metal ties, you’ll experience less irritation, less plaque build-up, and less difficulty keeping your teeth clean. In-Ovation C is a translucent ceramic bracket that offers fast and comfortable treatment in an attractive “clear” package. In-Ovation L MTM offers a superb alternative to tray aligners for patients requiring movements of 6mm or less. L MTM self-ligating “quick clips” are completely invisible and work within a few short months to give you a perfectly balanced smile. Invisalign clear aligners Instead of brackets and wires, the Invisalign system uses a series of removable trays to gradually shift teeth into the desired positions. These aligners are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit over your teeth firmly but comfortably. Because the aligners are removable, Invisalign gives patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than traditional braces. They also allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would! Invisalign clear aligners are often just as effective as braces when patients are fully compliant and wear the aligners exactly as directed. “How much will treatment cost? Does your practice accept insurance?” At Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, the total cost of treatment is based on several factors, including how severe your case is, the estimated treatment time, and the orthodontic appliances required. We’re always transparent about what’s included in your treatment plan, so you’ll never have to worry about hidden fees! During your consultation with us, our treatment coordinator will present you with the treatment total and outline the payment options available to you. This includes no-interest in-office financing if needed. We also offer CareCredit and Springstone financing options with a $0 down payment and low monthly payments to make treatment more affordable. They also tend to come with a lower interest rate than traditional loans. Some are even interest-free if you qualify! These choices help you achieve a beautiful smile without breaking the bank. Our practice also accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. If you have insurance that will be covering any portion of your orthodontic treatment, our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims, questions, and paperwork. “How often will I have follow-up visits? How
Your First Visit to Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics: What to Expect
Welcome to Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics! We’re excited to help you take the first step toward improved oral health, but we know you may be feeling a little nervous about the treatment process, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. We’re here to make this experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible for you, and that begins with your complimentary consultation. This initial appointment is one of the most important ones you’ll have with us! Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your first visit with our expert team. What’s included in your orthodontic evaluation? When you arrive at one of our conveniently located offices, you’ll be welcomed by our front desk team. After giving you a brief tour of the office, we’ll collect your diagnostic records. These will usually include a series of digital photographs and x-rays, which help us get a better idea of what’s happening with your teeth, facial features, and jaw relationship. It also allows us to determine the position of your erupted and unerupted teeth. Once we’ve collected the images we need, you’ll be introduced to one of our board-certified doctors! They are experienced orthodontists with many years of education and training in diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. You’ll receive a brief and painless oral examination after describing the concerns you have with your smile. Your orthodontist will use all of the information collected to make their initial diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan for you. We want you to understand every aspect of your diagnosis and treatment plan, so we’ll never rush you through this first visit! You can expect to spend about an hour with us, leaving plenty of time to perform the exam, discuss your diagnosis, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also cover several important topics, including: Your smile is as unique as you are! You won’t find any cookie-cutter treatment here at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics. We’ll provide you with a treatment plan that’s built around your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. This approach helps ensure a rewarding smile journey with highly personalized results you’ll love! Investing in a healthier and happier smile Once you’ve decided on a treatment plan with your doctor, we’ll go over the financial particulars of treatment. Every patient has different needs and responds to treatment in their own way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how much treatment will cost. Your fee will be based on the difficulty of your case, the expected treatment time, and the orthodontic appliances required. We are always transparent about the costs associated with orthodontic care, and will make sure you understand everything included in your plan before moving forward. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile! Our treatment coordinator will present you with the treatment total and outline the payment options available to you. This includes no-interest in-office financing if needed! We also offer CareCredit and Springstone financing options with a $0 down payment and low monthly payments to make treatment more affordable. They also tend to come with a lower interest rate than traditional loans. Some are even interest-free if you qualify! These choices help you achieve a beautiful smile without breaking the bank. Our practice also accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. If you have insurance that will be covering any portion of your orthodontic treatment, our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims, questions, and paperwork. The next steps in your orthodontic journey Once your consultation is complete, you’re one step closer to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted! We’ll schedule an appointment for your doctor to place your new orthodontic appliance. This appointment generally takes about an hour, and our team will be available to you during this time to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. They’ll also walk you through caring for your teeth and your appliance during the treatment process, and answer any questions you have at this point. Depending on the type of appliance you have, we’ll want to see you for follow-up visits every 8-10 weeks or so. During these appointments, your orthodontist will assess the progress you’re making and ensure things are proceeding according to the treatment plan. If you’re wearing braces, we’ll make any necessary adjustments. Your doctor may choose to change the wire out at this time as well. These visits are an essential part of your treatment plan. We do our best to schedule them for a day and time convenient for you, but we also understand that things can come up unexpectedly! If you can’t make your appointment or will be running late for any reason, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule you. This allows our office to continue running smoothly and keeps your treatment plan on track! Your best smile is waiting for you at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment goes beyond straightening your teeth. It can improve your oral health, transform your smile, and boost your self-confidence, too! If you haven’t already scheduled your first visit, there’s never been a better time to get started. Get in touch with us today to set up a FREE consultation with our South Lakeland, North Lakeland, Bartow, Brandon, Riverview, or Winter Haven office!
