Your Smile Is Ageless
Everyone — old, young, and in-between — deserves a lifetime of smiles. That's why Dr. Knight offers orthodontics for all ages.
See Your Smile in Every Dimension
Anatomage brings your orthodontic treatment to life with 3D imaging so we can fine-tune every detail for your best outcome.
Orthodontics for Children
Dr. Knight embraces a philosophy of comprehensive care. He follows the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists. They advise that you schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit by the age of seven.
During this stage of development, a few permanent teeth have erupted. That’s why it’s an opportune time to detect issues and ascertain whether early treatment will be necessary.
At Knight Orthodontics, we’re here to help you every step of the way and conveniently offer orthodontic services to patients of all ages in our Louisville and Radcliff locations.
Benefits of Early Treatment
The majority of young orthodontic patients don’t need early interceptive treatment and can wait until they’re adolescents before beginning their smile journey.
However, in patients where two-phase treatment is needed, you may enjoy many noteworthy advantages.
Early treatment can:
- Allow for less invasive correction
- Reduce the probability of future tooth extractions
- Improve speech development
- Hold space for permanent teeth
- Encourage optimal jaw growth
- Reduce the need for corrective jaw surgery
- Improve appearance and self-confidence
Early intervention is especially beneficial in cases of severe facial disharmony. For example, treatment with maxillofacial plates can correct bite problems — such as severe overbites and underbites — that may be detrimental to children’s self-confidence.
With this treatment, small plates are anchored directly to the facial bones, and elastics are used to apply pressure to the teeth. This encourages proper orthodontic alignment and harmony among the facial bones as they grow, rather than letting severe bite issues advance until the facial bones have finished growing.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Treatment
Although we recommend scheduling an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven, you can watch for signs that will help determine if your child requires early treatment.
Some indications may include:
- Premature or delayed tooth loss: If primary (baby) teeth are lost either too soon or too late, it can contribute to spacing issues.
- Abnormal occlusion: Teeth that do not fit together or do not touch at all can cause several extensive issues regarding overall dental health.
- Chronic cheek bite: If your child constantly bites the inside of their cheek or the roof of their mouth, there is likely to be an alignment issue.
- Mouth breathing: If your child breathes with their mouth open, it can have a serious negative impact on the development of the maxillofacial bones.
- Thumb or finger sucking: Negative habits such as this can push teeth out of alignment or cause deformity in the developing bone structures.
- Severe crowding: Children who have too many teeth pushed together are at risk for tooth damage and overall wear and tear. Crowding also makes routine brushing and flossing much more challenging.
- Difficulty chewing or biting: If you notice your child has discomfort or difficulty eating, it could mean the teeth are misaligned.
- Jaw issues: When the teeth do not fit together properly, it can put excessive pressure and stress on facial muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
How Two-Phase Treatment Works
Two-phase orthodontic treatment might not be necessary for you or your child. It isn’t a must for everyone. Often, Dr. Knight will simply monitor our young patients until they’re in their pre-teen or early teenage years.
However, Dr. Knight believes in comprehensive care and offers two-phase treatment in our Louisville and Radcliff offices for patients who can benefit from it.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment involves beginning the first phase of treatment when your child is around the age of 8 or 9 and initiating the second stage of treatment around the age of 12 or 13.
Phase-One Treatment
Early interceptive treatment starts before all of the permanent (adult) teeth have erupted. Our goal is to correct any issues with jaw growth or occlusion — the way teeth fit together — and help hold space for the eventual eruption of permanent teeth.
During the developmental years, Dr. Knight can address problems concerning the face and jaws using conservative methods. Once the maxillofacial structures have completed growth, more invasive treatment may be necessary to correct the issues.
The appliances used in phase one treatment will depend on your child’s specific needs and may include:
- Partial braces
- Retainer
- Expander
Resting Phase
After phase one is complete, Dr. Knight may require retainers to maintain progress while allowing the eruption of your child’s remaining permanent teeth.
Dr. Knight will monitor your child’s development and growth during this period and determine the best time to move forward into phase two treatment.
Phase Two Treatment
Phase two is much like traditional orthodontic treatment and typically begins around the age of 12 or 13. This phase of treatment is initiated once the majority of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted.
Orthodontics for Teens
Teen years can feel like a big challenge. One thing that isn’t a challenge at Knight Orthodontics is getting your teen fresh treatments like braces or Invisalign.
Benefits of Teen Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment during the teenage years offers significant benefits beyond just a great smile. By addressing dental alignment early with braces or Invisalign, teens can avoid more severe health issues later in life, potentially saving on future medical expenses.
Braces and Invisalign optimize oral function and durability and ensure teeth are positioned for lifelong health.
Crooked teeth can stress jaw muscles, leading to head, neck, and shoulder pain and increasing the risk of developing TMJ disorders. Both braces and Invisalign effectively reduce these risks by correcting misalignments and improving overall dental structure.
Here are specific advantages for teens undergoing orthodontic treatment:
- Boosted Confidence: A straight, appealing smile enhances self-esteem and can transform a teen's social life and self-image.
- Enhanced Oral Function: Proper alignment improves chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health.
- Reduced Risk of Injury: Aligned teeth are less prone to damage from accidental impacts, which is especially important for active teens.
- Balanced Bite Force: Even distribution of biting forces reduces wear on each tooth, preserving enamel and dental health.
- Guided Dental Development: Braces and Invisalign during the formative years help guide permanent teeth into optimal positions, ensuring better dental outcomes.
- Improved Dental Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean effectively, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease, which is crucial during the teen years.
For teens, choosing orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign isn't just about looks — it's about setting the foundation for a healthier future.
Orthodontics for Adults
Many patients are concerned they may be too old for orthodontic treatment. However, advances in dentistry have paved the way for adult orthodontics, and treatment is easier now than ever!
Is It Too Late?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is over 21. In fact, at Knight Orthodontics, a staggering 45 percent of our patients are adults.
Orthodontic treatment not only helps you achieve the smile of your dreams, but it also improves dental function and helps prevent many more severe health issues.
Dr. Knight proudly serves the Louisville and Radcliff areas and offers the entire family a full range of orthodontic treatments.
Should I Consider Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?
Orthodontic treatment extends far beyond simply straightening teeth. A properly aligned bite ensures that everything functions in harmony. It will reduce excessive wear on the surfaces of your teeth. Plus, a better bite alleviates strain on your muscles, jaw, and TMJD.
Crowded teeth can make proper cleaning difficult, leading to potential decay and periodontal disease if oral hygiene is compromised.
A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation is advisable if you have concerns or questions about improving your smile. Knight Orthodontics welcomes adults with a free consultation to explore treatment options.
Options for Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Whether you aim to correct a functional issue or enhance your smile's appearance, Dr. Knight will assess your dental health and discuss the most effective treatments during your initial consultation.
Diagnostic scans and digital imaging help us craft a precise and personalized plan detailing specific treatments, timelines, and costs. Here's a brief overview of your options:
- Traditional Braces: Made from surgical-grade stainless steel, these braces are more comfortable and less bulky than ever, though visibly metallic.
- Ceramic Braces: A less noticeable alternative, ceramic braces are made from porcelain or ceramic to blend seamlessly with your teeth, though they require careful handling to avoid damage.
- Invisalign: For those seeking a nearly invisible option, Invisalign involves a series of custom-made, removable aligners that gradually adjust teeth. This option is ideal for minor corrections and offers the convenience of removing the aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Timeline
Orthodontic treatment for adults varies in duration based on individual needs, typically six to 24 months. Adult orthodontics requires careful consideration of additional factors like gum recession and bone density.
For comprehensive care, especially if you have missing teeth or are considering implants, Dr. Knight may collaborate with other dental specialists to ensure the best outcome for your treatment plan.