At our practice, patients benefit from a highly specialized team that includes a cosmetic dentist, two general orthodontists and a world-renowned, dual-certified maxillofacial and facial plastic surgeon. This unique combination of expertise allows us to provide unmatched care, particularly when managing the complexities of wisdom tooth extractions in relation to orthodontics.

Why Wisdom Teeth Can Complicate Orthodontic Treatment

Wisdom teeth are known for causing a range of issues, from overcrowding to impaction. For patients with braces or retainers, this can be especially concerning. As these molars attempt to erupt, they may put pressure on neighboring teeth, potentially undoing the alignment achieved through months or even years of orthodontic work.

Our orthodontists closely monitor the development of wisdom teeth during treatment. If removal becomes necessary, the process is handled seamlessly in collaboration with our maxillofacial surgeon. Timing is critical, and having all specialists in-house ensures that every step is coordinated and customized to your specific situation.

The Power of a Collaborative, Expert Team

What sets our practice apart is the depth of experience within one office. When your care team includes a dentist, orthodontists and a dual-certified surgeon, you receive comprehensive evaluations and unified treatment planning. This not only leads to more efficient care but also minimizes risks and improves outcomes.

Our surgeon specializes in complex extractions, bone grafting and facial aesthetics. This level of surgical skill is especially beneficial when removing impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth. You can feel confident knowing that your procedure will be performed with precision and a focus on both function and appearance.

What to Expect Before and After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Once wisdom tooth removal is recommended, our team will guide you through the process. Advanced imaging, thorough exams and a detailed surgical plan are provided to ensure your comfort and safety. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia or sedation in our office, with our surgeon overseeing every detail.

Postoperative care is carefully managed. You can expect some swelling, mild discomfort and dietary adjustments for a few days. We provide clear aftercare instructions, and our team remains available to address any concerns throughout your recovery. Your orthodontic progress is also monitored and adjusted if needed to stay on track.

Your Smile Deserves the Best Care

Choosing a dental practice with a multidisciplinary team, including a world-class surgeon, means your oral health is in expert hands. If you are unsure about your wisdom teeth or their impact on orthodontic care, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today. We are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile—and you can trust that you are in expert hands every step of the way.

The post Your Valuable Guide To Targeted Wisdom Tooth Removal During Braces first appeared on iCare Orthodontics & Dentistry.

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. While this does not necessarily mean they will need braces at that age, an early assessment allows an orthodontist to monitor jaw growth, tooth alignment and potential bite issues. Early detection can help prevent more severe problems and may reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later.

The Best Age for Braces: A Breakdown

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here is a general breakdown of when orthodontic treatment is most effective:

Ages Seven to 10: Early Intervention (Phase One Treatment)

• At this stage, orthodontists may recommend interceptive treatment if issues such as severe crowding, crossbites or jaw discrepancies are present.
• Phase one treatment can include expanders, space maintainers or partial braces to guide jaw development and create space for permanent teeth.
• Early intervention can reduce the need for extractions and simplify future orthodontic treatment.

Ages 11 to 14: The Ideal Time for Braces

• Most children get braces between ages 11 and 14 when their permanent teeth have erupted.
• At this stage, the jaw is still growing, making it easier to correct bite alignment, spacing and crowding issues.
• Treatment typically lasts 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
• Braces options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners like Invisalign® Teen.

Ages 15 to 18: Late Teen Treatment

• While treatment is still highly effective, the jaw has mostly finished growing, so some cases may take longer to correct.
• Many teens who did not get braces earlier still achieve excellent results with comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
• Clear aligners may be a popular choice for older teens who prefer a more discreet option.

Signs Your Child May Need Braces

If you are unsure whether your child needs orthodontic treatment, look for these common signs:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Jaw shifting, clicking or popping sounds
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Thumb-sucking beyond age five
• Misaligned bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite)

If you notice any of these signs, scheduling an orthodontic consultation can help determine the best course of action.

Benefits of Starting Braces at the Right Age

Choosing the right time for braces can offer several benefits: 

• Shorter treatment time – Early intervention can prevent severe misalignment, reducing the need for prolonged treatment. 
• Better results – A growing jaw is more adaptable, making it easier to achieve an ideal bite and smile. 
• Improved oral health – Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. 
• Boosted confidence – A healthy smile can enhance self-esteem, especially during critical developmental years.

Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation

If you are wondering whether your child is ready for braces, the best way to find out is through an orthodontic consultation. Early assessments can help create a customized treatment plan for the best results. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward your child’s perfect smile!

The post When Is The Best Time For Your Child To See A Professional Orthodontist? first appeared on iCare Orthodontics & Dentistry.

If you do end up with broken braces, the first thing you should do is contact Dr. Vinh or Dr. Kim to schedule an appointment. But there are some things you can do to mitigate the problem until your visit. For example, if you lose a spacer from your braces, there is no cause to panic. It usually means that you need to have a new band placed. If a spacer comes loose, cover it with dental wax to keep it from irritating your lips. A broken wire can be a bit more complicated. If it is irritating your lips, gums or cheek, you can cover it with dental wax, or try to gently push it back into place. Before you try cutting it, contact our office first. We can tell you whether or not to cut it, and the best way to do trim it.

If you notice a problem with your braces in Norcross, Georgia, iCare Orthodontics & Dentistry will be happy to help. Give us a call today at 770-840-9500 and well get you in as soon as we can.

The post What to Do About Damaged Braces first appeared on iCare Orthodontics & Dentistry.

There are many options for orthodontic treatments to choose from. The first option is traditional braces, which are more common, especially among teenagers and young adults. These braces have the metal wires, and brackets help adjust your smile into the correct alignment. There are also ceramic braces available which are more discreet and common for adults. The most popular type of orthodontic treatments is clear aligners, such as Invisalign® because they are hard to see with no food restrictions and can be used on many different alignment issues.

Having the right kind of orthodontic braces for your smile is imperative because every smile is different and have different needs to reach the correct, healthy alignment. Having adequately aligned teeth have also been shown to expand self-esteem. Aligned teeth are also easier to clean preventing cavities and gum disease. Other benefits include when your teeth are in the ideal alignment; they are also less likely to injuries such as cracked teeth, chipped teeth, or fractured teeth.

Our team is happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about your alignment needs. So, call us today at 770-840-9500 and let us help you get a straighter and healthier smile.

The post Obtain Oral Health Through Orthodontics first appeared on iCare Orthodontics & Dentistry.