Dr. Krishnan and staff are pleased to offer orthodontic treatment for all ages. While braces have traditionally been for children and young adults, orthodontic treatment is now for all ages! Receiving proper orthodontic care can make a dramatic difference in the aesthetic appearance of your smile, improve your self-confidence and improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Krishnan uses only the latest in orthodontic technology and takes the patient's needs and concerns into primary consideration. Read below to learn more about the early and adult treatment options Dr. Krishnan offers!

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Warning Signs it is time to see an Orthodontist

Recognize any of these early warning signs?

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Finger sucking or other oral habits
Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
Speech difficulty
Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
Protruding teeth
Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
Facial imbalances or asymmetry
Grinding or clinching of teeth

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it may be time for you to schedule an evaluation with an Orthodontist.

When is the best time to begin orthodontics for my child or teen?

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal age to begin treatment. Dr. Krishnan believes beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early an orthodontic evaluation?

An early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the ideal time for screening?

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

What are the advantages of preventative treatment?

Some of the most direct results of preventative treatment are:

Reducing treatment time with braces
We can create room for crowded, erupting teeth
Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preserving space for unerupted teeth
Reducing the need for tooth removal

Is your child or teen a candidate for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics is not just for improving the look of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should bad bites be treated?

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems:

Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
Cross bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.

Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier child.

Adult Orthodontic Treatment and Braces

Braces aren't just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups - including adults. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

You have options! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, Clarity clear braces or invisible aligners called “Invisalign”.

Current Adult Braces Offered

Are you an adult and finally made deciding to get braces? Good news! Dr. Krishnan uses the latest in braces to enhance patient comfort, decrease the frequency of visits and shorten treatment time, while also keeping aesthetics in mind. The former method of wrapping metal bands around each of your teeth individually is a thing of the past!

Braces our office specialize in:

Unitek™ Miniature Twin Braces, a smaller size bracket with a low profile, which can result in greater comfort and a better look.
Clarity™ Clear Braces, offer a comfortable design with a clear appearance. Many patients enjoy the combination of ceramic and metal because not only is it attractive it is also sturdy.
SmartClip™ Self Ligating Braces, technology that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket, creating less friction and resulting in greater comfort. They also make it easier to maintain good hygiene because they are much easier to keep clean.

Whatever age you may be, or if you have children that are in need of a professional oral care provider, Dr. Krishnan’s orthodontic practice is here to serve you! Our office if conveniently located in Prince Frederick in Calvert County, Maryland. If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, braces or if you would like to hear more about scheduling an appointment with Dr. Krishnan, click here to view our contact information.