Teenagers & Dental Implants

Teenagers & Dental Implants

When is it the right time to use implants to replace missing teeth in a teenager?

A Consultation with Dr. Frank Celenza | Featured on Dear Doctor

Dear Doctor,
My daughter is 15 years old and is just finishing wearing braces. She is missing two of her upper front teeth which never developed. The orthodontist made space to have them replaced, but now we’re told she has to wait 2 to 3 more years before she can have implants. She desperately wants her teeth replaced. Why can’t implants be done now?

Dear Alicia,
This is an important question and the current wisdom is not to have implants placed until jaw and facial growth are complete. Although it varies from person to person, growth of the jaws in most cases is not complete until late teens. Of course, we are faced with the dilemma of waiting for the optimal time to place implants so that they will succeed on the one hand, and respecting the psychological needs of a teenager missing front teeth on the other.

Read more

Orthodontics For The Older Adult

Orthodontics For The Older Adult

You’re Never Too Old To Straighten Your Teeth

A Consultation with Dr. Janina I. Braun | Featured on Dear Doctor

Dear Doctor,
I would like to fix my crooked teeth, but I just turned 60. Is it too late for me to get braces?

Dear John,
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there’s no such thing as “too old” for braces. In fact, nowadays about one out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult. Yet this figure represents only a small portion of adults who could actually benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Research has shown that the frequency of malocclusion (“mal” – bad; “occlusion” – bite) in adults is comparable to what we see in children and adolescents. Perhaps as many as three quarters of adults have some form of orthodontic problem — crowding of teeth or drifting of teeth after extractions, for example.

A great-looking smile is a surefire way to boost self-confidence and studies have demonstrated that orthodontic treatment can even enhance an adult’s career opportunities and social life. There is also a potential health benefit, as misaligned teeth can be harder to clean, setting the stage for tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening teeth can also make chewing more comfortable. So there are many reasons to consider orthodontic treatment at any age.

Perhaps as many as three quarters of adults have some form of orthodontic problem.

What will determine if you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, then, will not be your age; it will be your current state of periodontal health (“peri” – around; “odont” – tooth), your general health, and what type of problem you are trying to fix. Periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to the loss of tooth-supporting bone, is more prevalent in adults than in adolescents. This is an important consideration because orthodontic treatment works by gently moving teeth within the bone that supports them. And orthodontic treatment in the presence of periodontal disease can aggravate the disease and make it worse. While bone loss does not preclude successful orthodontic treatment, it is essential that any existing periodontal disease be brought under control before treatment begins.

Orthodontists (dentists who have specialized in the diagnosis of and treatment of malocclusion, which includes the study of growth and development of the jaws and teeth) can use a variety of orthodontic treatment options. Braces, the traditional little metal or plastic brackets attached to the teeth, through which wires run, are just one example of the way in which pressure and tension are applied to move teeth slowly and gently in the desired direction. Pressure will cause a portion of the bone next to the root to resorb (be dissolved by the body), while on the opposite (tension) side new bone formation occurs. This new bone builds up in the space the root moved out of, solidifying its new position.

It is essential that any existing periodontal disease be brought under control before orthodontic treatment begins.

There are a few medical conditions that may contra-indicate orthodontic treatment. Examples include severe heart-valve disease, bleeding disorders, leukemia, and severe uncontrolled diabetes. If you have any of these conditions, check with your physician and orthodontist (or dentist if he/she is doing the treatment) to make sure all the implications are understood. Also, some drugs used primarily by adults for arthritis or osteoporosis can make tooth movement more difficult. Other medications have a tendency to dry out the mouth, as does smoking. Mouth dryness may make orthodontic treatment uncomfortable and will increase your risk of tooth decay.

Another consideration is whether the malocclusion is skeletal in nature, meaning that it is related to the way your jaws fit together. In a full-grown adult this might require orthognathic surgery (“ortho” – to straighten; “gnathic” – jaw). However, for most people with less serious orthodontic problems (crowding or improper spacing, for example), the lack of physical growth will have little or no bearing on the treatment or the results.

You will find that a lot has changed since you were a teenager in terms of the orthodontic appliances themselves. Clear or colorless braces can sometimes be used instead of the metal ones, and are a lot less noticeable than they used to be, and some can even be placed on the lingual (tongue) side of the teeth. Virtually invisible clear aligners are also appropriate in many cases.

These newer appliance options no doubt have contributed to the increase in adults seeking treatment, with most reporting that they are very happy with the results. So remember that when it comes to straightening teeth, there is no age cutoff. If a better smile is something you really want, schedule a consultation with your dentist or an orthodontist to discuss your treatment options. As the saying goes, you’re only as old as you feel.

– See more at: http://www.deardoctor.com/inside-the-magazine/issue-21/orthodontics-for-the-older-adult/#sthash.HFxS3avS.dpuf


Looking for an orthodontist in Beaverton, Oregon? Biermann Orthodontics is a cutting-edge orthodontic practice that serves Beaverton and Molalla, OR, and focuses on providing world-class customer service and efficient treatment. We strive to create stunning smiles in the shortest amount of time without ever sacrificing quality.

Visit our Locations page to find a clinic near you, or schedule an initial consultation.

Biermann Orthodontics

503-690-0722
17885 NW Evergreen Parkway, Suite 200
Beaverton, OR 97006

Getting Braces as an Adult

Getting Braces as an Adult

Interested in getting braces? An initial consultation will provide an opportunity to ask questions about orthodontic treatment such as:

  • What are the costs involved in getting braces?
  • How will the braces correct my problem?
  • How long will I need to wear braces?

Contact us for a free consultation and Biermann Orthodontics will set you up with an evaluation!


Less noticeable teeth straightening options are available today. Learn about your options.

by Krisha McCoy, MS on Everyday Health

Many adults with crooked teeth think they missed their opportunity for braces during childhood. But dental professionals now readily use braces to help correct dental problems at any age. In fact, adult braces are more popular today than ever before.

When Adult Braces Can Help

Adult braces can be used to correct a variety of dental problems, including:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Bite abnormalities (for example, an overbite or underbite)
  • Problems with jaw position
  • Jaw joint problems

Read more

Braces Before & After - Biermann Orthodontics

Will my teeth move after I’ve had braces?

After any orthodontic treatment, whether it be Invisalign or conventional braces, you need retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions and keep them straight.

Why wear retainers?

There is a very high likelihood of the movement of teeth after braces are removed or after Invisalign treatment, particularly within the first few months. This is because the gums and bone around your teeth need to readjust and firm up.

Also, as we age, our face matures and our jaws continue to change shape, which may result in tooth movement or crowding of the lower front teeth. Some people even believe the eruption of wisdom teeth can cause the teeth to be “pushed” forward; however, research does not substantiate this theory, as tooth movement can still occur whether you’ve had wisdom teeth removed or not.

Read more

What is Hyperdontia? - Biermann Orthodontics

What is Hyperdontia?

Sometimes children are born with supernumerary, or additional, teeth, which is an oral condition called “hyperdontia.” Extreme cases are very rare, and the majority of cases are limited to only a single tooth. The standard number of primary teeth is 20, and the standard number of permanent teeth is 32. The first set of teeth to erupt in a person’s mouth are the primary teeth. Typically these appear by the age of 3, and are shed by the age of 12. Permanent teeth are usually erupted by the age of 21, and take the place of those primary teeth. If a person develops more than 20 primary teeth, or more than 32 permanent teeth, the condition is known as hyperdontia.

Read more

Too Old for Braces? Think again! - Biermann Orthodontics

Too Old for Braces? You Might be Surprised

Although adolescence is a common time to get braces, there’s no reason for adults of any age to have to deal with crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, or other dental issues. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists notes that demand for orthodontic treatment in adults continues to grow, with adults representing 20% of new patients.

You’re never too old for braces or other orthodontic appliances, but it’s important to consider the following:
Read more

Braces for Adults

Straight Talk About Braces for Adults

By: Cherie Berkley | WebMD Feature

It’s never too late to perfect your smile — just ask the increasing number of adults who are rushing to the orthodontist.

Thinking about getting braces? Experts say it’s never too late. These days, adults make up nearly half of orthodontic patients hoping to finally get the perfect smile they’ve always dreamed about.

Read more