Learn About Orthodontics in Hendersonville, TN

The American Association of Orthodontists® (AAO) recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. While research has shown that only 10% to 20% of children will need treatment at this age, an early evaluation can detect problems before they become serious and help our orthodontist to prevent more serious skeletal and dental problems from developing.

Orthodontics is important for a number of reasons. For one, it enhances your child’s smile. The most important benefits, however, are to your child’s oral health and function. Orthodontics straightens crooked teeth, corrects misguided growth, directs erupting teeth, alleviates bite problems and prevents the need for tooth extraction. All of this leads to teeth which are easier to keep clean and healthy with normal brushing and flossing, and which are less likely to develop cavities or gum disease or sustain damage from trauma.

Some children may require early orthodontic treatment to prevent orthodontic problems from becoming complex when they are older. Early orthodontic treatment can often help children avoid extended treatment time or the need for surgical treatment in the future. The AAO recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist by age 7 to determine whether or not they will need early orthodontic treatment. Your child will most likely not need early treatment, but an evaluation at this age will let you know when is the best time for your child to begin treatment.

No. Braces do not hurt at all when they are placed on the teeth. There may be some mild soreness after the orthodontic wire is initially placed or after it is adjusted, but this soreness will dissipate after a few days.

Yes! There is a wide variety of colors for you to choose from, and you can pick out the colors that you want on your braces when they are placed. You can even change the colors during your regular appointments!

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. These teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally and also ensure that your child’s permanent teeth erupt properly by forming a path that those permanent teeth can follow. Baby teeth also assist in the development of the bone around the teeth to promote proper growth and development.

Flossing is incredibly important, and we recommend that you help your child learn how to floss as soon as they have two teeth that touch — this may be as early as age 2 ½. Flossing helps remove plaque and food from between the teeth and along the gumline to prevent cavities and other problems from developing. As young children have limited coordination, parents should help them with flossing.

Stay calm! Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown (not the root), make sure it is clean and try to gently reinsert it into the socket. If this is not possible, put the tooth into a glass of milk or saliva and take your child and the tooth to a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. If the tooth lost is a baby tooth, do not reinsert it into the socket. The permanent tooth will erupt on its own in time. We do, however, recommend a visit to the pediatric dentist even if the tooth is a baby tooth.

Provide your child with a balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables; breads and cereals; milk and dairy products; and meat, fish and eggs. Limit their intake of sugars and starches. You may want to ask your pediatric dentist for tips on selecting foods that will protect your child’s teeth and help them enjoy better oral and overall health.

The best way to know if your child needs braces is to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Our orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development to determine whether treatment is needed now, later or not at all.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment is not only for children and teenagers. Many adults choose braces or clear aligners to improve the appearance, function and health of their smiles. Our team can help you learn which options may be right for your needs.

The length of orthodontic treatment depends on the patient’s needs, the type of treatment recommended and how the teeth respond. During your consultation, our orthodontist can provide an estimated treatment timeline based on your specific smile.

After orthodontic treatment is complete, patients typically wear retainers to help keep their teeth in their new positions. Retainers are an important part of maintaining your results and protecting your smile long term.

Clear aligners can be a good alternative to braces for many teens and adults who want a more discreet, removable orthodontic option. Our orthodontist can evaluate your teeth and bite to determine whether aligners are right for your smile.

Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligners. Both use removable trays to gradually move teeth, but the best option depends on your orthodontic needs and treatment goals. Our orthodontist will make a recommendation after evaluating your needs and discussing your options with you.

If you have a loose bracket, broken wire or poking wire, call Morris Orthodontics as soon as possible. Our team can give you instructions and determine whether you need an emergency orthodontic appointment.

Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions after braces or aligner treatment. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift, which may affect your bite and smile alignment.

A palatal expander gently widens the upper jaw to create more room for permanent teeth and help the upper and lower teeth fit together better. It is most often recommended while a child is still growing.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment includes an early phase to guide jaw growth or bite development, followed by a resting period and a second phase to align the teeth and refine the bite.

Self-ligating braces use a built-in clip or sliding mechanism to hold the wire in place instead of elastic ties. This design may make some appointments simpler and may be easier to clean around.

Functional orthodontics focuses on improving how the jaws work together, especially in growing patients. It may involve appliances such as a Herbst appliance to help guide jaw position and improve bite function.