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The 6-7 fad may be fading but at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we’re actually always focused on this age set! That’s because we firmly believe that age 7 is the right time for your kiddo to receive their first orthodontic consultation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) agrees: “Your child should have a check-up with an orthodontist by age 7”. 

Why so early? It’s not actually all that early! This is the perfect time to get a baseline and assess your child’s jaw growth - when a few baby teeth have come out and a few adult teeth have come in. Now is the time we can spot big deal problems while they’re still small and now is the time we can get a jump start on helping your child achieve a confident smile. 

Does an early appointment mean early orthodontic treatment? Not necessarily. Often, Dr. Jeff Loveless will take a quick peek (including 3D scans) and say, “Nope, not yet!” When this happens we add your child to our observation program. We’ll ping you once or twice a year to see if there have been any major changes in their smile, bite or jaw growth. During that time we get to start building a relationship with your child so that when the time comes, they feel confident coming to our office and working with our awesome team. 

What are we looking for? At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, early evaluations allow us to assess: 

● Crowding or spacing issues 

● Crossbites, underbites, overbites 

● Jaw growth discrepancies 

● Prolonged thumb-sucking effects 

● Early or late loss of baby teeth 

● Airway or breathing concerns 

Because Dr. Jeff Loveless combines decades of expertise with advanced 3D digital imaging, we can identify concerns precisely, without guesswork. 

The Confidence Factor. At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we care deeply about confidence. If your child does present with the need for early orthodontics, we will come up with a unique treatment plan and walk you through every step. We want you, as the parent, to feel confident in this treatment plan and we know that early correction can have a number of confidence benefits for your child as well. Like… 

● Improved speech clarity

● Reduced teasing or self-consciousness 

● Helping kids smile more freely 

● Supporting better oral hygiene habits 

When kids feel good about their smile, they carry themselves differently. That confidence compounds over time. Just take a look at some of our social posts to see our happy and confident patients. 

The Prairie Ridge Difference You are in great hands with Prairie Ridge Orthodontics. Our cutting-edge technology allows for efficient treatment and our team can’t be beat. 

Find out if your child is ready for early orthodontics today - click here to schedule a free consultation. You can be confident that with our history, we’ll only recommend what we think will bring them and you the most confident smile for years to come. 

As a parent, you want your child to grow up feeling confident, happy, and secure in who they are. One often overlooked aspect that plays a significant role in shaping their self-esteem is their smile. At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, Dr. Jeff Loveless and our dedicated team are passionate about more than just straightening teeth; we are committed to helping children and teens develop a positive self-image and a brighter future. Here's how orthodontic care can make a profound impact on your child's self-esteem.

Building Confidence, One Smile at a Time

1. Improved Appearance and Self-Perception

A child or teen's smile is one of the first things people notice, and feeling self-conscious about crooked or misaligned teeth can significantly affect their confidence. When children and teens feel good about their smiles, they are more likely to smile frequently, exude positivity, and engage more comfortably in social situations. Orthodontic treatment can transform their smile, making them feel more attractive and self-assured.

2. Encouraging Healthy Habits and Responsibility

Orthodontic care not only improves the aesthetics of a smile but also teaches children the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Wearing braces or aligners requires regular brushing, flossing, and attention to diet. This sense of responsibility can foster a sense of accomplishment and discipline, which contributes to a positive self-image.

3. Boosting Social Confidence

Teens and pre-teens often struggle with fitting in and developing their social identities. Having a smile they are proud of can make a huge difference in their interactions with peers. Whether it's participating in class, joining a sports team, or attending social events, a confident smile helps children and teens feel more secure and assertive in their social environments.

4. Improving Speech and Oral Function

Misaligned teeth and jaw issues can cause difficulties in speech, making children self-conscious about speaking in public or in group settings. Orthodontic treatment can correct these issues, leading to clearer speech and better overall oral function. This not only boosts their confidence but also improves their communication skills, which is essential for academic and social success.

5. #BullyingBites: Reducing Bullying and Negative Peer Pressure

Sadly, children and teens with noticeable dental issues may experience teasing or bullying from their peers. This can have a long-lasting impact on their self-esteem and mental health. Orthodontic care can reduce the risk of such negative experiences by aligning their teeth and jaws, giving them one less thing to worry about as they navigate the challenges of growing up.

A Lifetime of Benefits

Investing in orthodontic care during childhood or adolescence is an investment in a lifetime of benefits. Beyond the immediate boost to self-esteem, a well-aligned smile can prevent future dental problems, making it easier to maintain good oral health as they grow older.

At Prairie Ridge  Orthodontics, we understand the unique challenges that children and teens face. Dr. Jeff Loveless and our team are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care that not only improves dental health but also nurtures the self-esteem and confidence of each patient.

Ready to Transform Your Child's Smile? Choose Prairie Ridge Orthodontics!

If you believe that your child or teen could benefit from orthodontic treatment, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jeff Loveless. Together, we can create a customized treatment plan that will help your child achieve a beautiful, confident smile and the self-assurance to shine brightly in all areas of their life.

Remember, a healthy, confident smile is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Let’s start your child’s journey to self-confidence today at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics!

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION.

Many parents know about Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces. But we’re often asked for more information about Invisalign® Teen.

In short, rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth, a result of precise images we take with the sophisticated iTero Element Scanner. Your teen simply wears these aligners over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners periodically, most often every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place.

Here are the answers to the top five questions we’re asked about Invisalign Teen. We hope you find it helpful!

1. INVISALIGN TEEN CAN BE AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES.

When worn according to the customized plan we set in place, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces. In fact, the chances are very high your teen will be a candidate for Invisalign as it can treat many of the common issues we see. Call us at (507) 451-5993 to set up an appointment to find out for sure.

2. THERE ARE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES.

With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports, musical instruments and eat their favorite foods without the worry that braces will get in the way. Plus, it’s much easier to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene.

3. AN INVISIBLE SOLUTION CAN BOOST CONFIDENCE.

Research shows that parents underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about their smile—and their appearance in general. Wearing braces can often make this lack of confidence even worse. Invisalign Teen removes a potential source of anxiety, giving them more confidence during what can be a challenging time in their lives.

In fact, recent studies found that only 22% of teens feel that wearing braces does/will boost their self-esteem; whereas, nearly half of teens report wearing Invisalign does/will boost their self-esteem (47%). Likewise, 40% of Teens reported that wearing braces would/does negatively impact their self-confidence during treatment; whereas, only 8% of Teens reported the same about wearing Invisalign aligners. After conversations with our Adult patients, we think the findings would be similar.

4. YOUR TEEN HAS TO WEAR THE ALIGNERS MOST OF THE DAY.

Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and changed approximately every two weeks. In fact, Invisalign Teen aligners have blue indicators that fade over time when used as directed so we can track compliance.

5. YOU’LL SPEND LESS TIME AT MY OFFICE THAN WITH TRADITIONAL BRACES.

Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your orthodontist than traditional braces do. There are no adjustments to make, no brackets to re-glue and no broken wires to fix. After the initial appointment, follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. It is a common misconception that adults cannot receive orthodontic treatment like children and teens. Adult orthodontics is becoming more popular today and now it's easier than ever to get started. 

Comfortable, Effective Treatment 

Advances in orthodontic technology have made treatment more comfortable and precise than ever. Modern braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are customized to your exact specifications as outlined by Dr. Jeff Loveless. Combined with our (goop-free!) 3D scanner, you can expect better results, in shorter times, and a more comfortable experience from start to finish. 

Cost-Effective Options

Whether you’re looking for small cosmetic enhancements or comprehensive treatment to improve the health and function of your bite, we offer several treatment tiers. Based on your goals and needs we will match you with the most cost effective treatment tier. 

The Benefits

There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment for adults! Here are some to name a few:

• A confident smile: There is nothing like wanting to show off your smile. Misaligned teeth cause many adults to feel self conscious about their smile
• Healthier gums: Food is more likely to get trapped and cause plaque buildup, which is harder to brush and appropriately floss, increasing the chances of  gum disease (periodontal disease). Crowded teeth can cause redness and swelling of the gums.
• Stronger teeth: Teeth are constantly put under pressure. Crooked teeth can receive more wear and tear and a misaligned bite can mean uneven force on your jaw. Trapped food in misaligned teeth can cause tooth decay.
• Overall Improvement of health: A misaligned bite, worn or missing teeth can make it more difficult to fully chew food, causing gastrointestinal problems. Inflammation of the gums has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Curious about learning more? Click below or call us to schedule a  complimentary consultation:

Click below or call us at (507) 451-5993 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!