Tips to Streamline Multiple Orthodontic Appointments for Your Teen

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Orthodontic appointments for your teen are more than just a disruption to their schedule. From being poked and prodded to having to change their everyday diets, it can be stressful for everyone to have to repeat the process over and over again. Here, we’ll look at tips to give your teen more peace of mind as they move from one stage to the next.

How to Prepare Your Teen

Try this to take a little pressure off:

  • Start early: Ideally, before your teen goes to an orthodontist in Laurel, MD, they’ll have an idea of what could be ahead. You don’t need to list every possible option, but they should know what typical treatments can entail so they’re not blindsided.
  • Encourage participation: Your teen should feel free to ask questions both to you and to the orthodontist, so they feel like they’re shaping their own future. Now is a good time to stress the overall benefits to your teen based on their own motivations. So, if they only care about having a movie-star smile, you might show them mockups of their new smile or even post them on the fridge.
  • Stay realistic: Even the best orthodontic treatments can be disruptive. You’re not looking for smooth sailing at every stage of the way, only to reduce the friction so your teen is less likely to rebel and sabotage their own development.

Early Treatment in Laurel, MD

While every kid is different, a good orthodontist may be able to offset their misalignments with early orthodontic treatments in Laurel, MD. Starting as young as 7, you can work with a teen as their teeth come in rather than after. At Heller Orthodontics, we can tell you more about how it works and what to expect.

Orthodontics Now Can Mean a Lifetime of Good Oral Health

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Straightening teeth does more than create a nice smile—it helps protect your oral health for the long haul. When teeth and jaws are aligned properly, everything functions better. That means less wear, easier cleaning, and fewer problems later. In fact, good-looking teeth can even make a person feel better on the inside, fueling emotional health and confidence.

Healthy Alignment Helps More Than You Think

Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing more difficult, which opens the door to plaque buildup and gum inflammation. When teeth are crooked or the bite is off, you may also see uneven enamel wear, jaw strain, or even headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues before they lead to more serious concerns.

Acting Early Can Prevent Bigger Problems

Starting early orthodontic treatment in Laurel, MD during childhood or the teen years allows orthodontists to work with the natural growth of the jaw. This can make a big difference in long-term outcomes. But adults can benefit too. Aligning the bite and improving spacing often leads to better oral hygiene and fewer restorative treatments down the road.

Cleaner Teeth, Healthier Gums

Straight teeth are easier to care for. Gaps and overlaps tend to trap food and plaque, while aligned teeth make daily cleaning more effective. This lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease—two of the most common dental issues people face over time.

A Strong Investment In Your Future

Choosing orthodontic care now can reduce the need for future dental work and help keep your smile healthier as you age. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, consider what your future self would say. Healthier habits, easier cleanings, and a well-aligned bite can all start with one smart step today. Get in touch with your Laurel, MD orthodontist at Heller Orthodontics today to learn more.

adult braces

4 Great Reasons to Get Adult Orthodontics

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Many people get braces when they’re teenagers, but that doesn’t mean that adults can’t get braces. If you didn’t get braces in your teen years but still think you could benefit from them now, your orthodontist in Bethesda and Laurel, MD can help. The professionals at Heller Orthodontics help adults get the orthodontic care they need to have straight, attractive teeth.

1. Adult Orthodontics Can Straighten Your Smile

One of the main reasons that many adults seek braces is because they want to have straight, beautiful teeth. Braces are an effective tool for straightening adult teeth. This can reduce gaps in your teeth and give your smile an even, attractive appearance.

2. Adult Orthodontics Can Make Your Mouth More Functional

Getting braces is not just about making your teeth more beautiful. Braces can realign your jaw. This is good for the functionality of your mouth.

3. Straight Teeth Are Easier to Maintain

Crowded teeth are difficult to maintain. When your teeth are crowded, there’s not much space for floss, and brushing effectively can be challenging. This can lead to a high risk of cavities and other problems. Braces can reduce crowding in your mouth to make caring for your teeth easier overall.

4. It’s Never Too Late to Get Orthodontics

Some people think they can’t get braces because they’re too old. Not true! It’s never too late to get orthodontics, as long as you have healthy teeth, bones, and gums. There are many great reasons to get adult orthodontics in Bethesda and Laurel, MD. Call Heller Orthodontics today to make an appointment.

Orthodontic Services That Help You Smile

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When considering orthodontics, you may think of the usual suspect: traditional braces. While metal and wires are still a great way to fix a smile, they may not be practical or holistic enough for what you need.

With solutions such as clear aligners and mouthguards becoming increasingly effective, considering your options’s always a good idea.

The talented team at Heller Orthodontics in Bethesda, MD, is proud to serve the local community with quality dental care services, including state-of-the-art orthodontic services. You can rest assured that you have a professional team backing up the health and shine of your new smile.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics involves using braces or clear aligners to move teeth into their proper positions.

This can improve a smile’s appearance and have functional benefits, such as improving a bite and making it easier to chew and speak.

How Can Orthodontics Help Me?

Here are just some of the ways professional orthodontic solutions can help you:

  1. Straighter Teeth: Orthodontics can help straighten your teeth, giving you a more attractive smile.
  2. Improved Bite: A misaligned bite can lead to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even wear and tear on your teeth. Orthodontics can help correct your bite.
  3. Enhanced Confidence: A straighter smile can boost your self-esteem and make you feel more confident.
  4. Better Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

Your Trusted Dental Experts

It’s time to invest in the health of your smile today and see what we can do for you. Just because you may not have had braces as a child doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a healthy and beautiful smile.

We look forward to helping you on your journey towards immaculate oral health in a warm and welcoming environment.

During your next appointment with the trained team at Heller Orthodontics in Bethesda, MD, you can be sure you are receiving the utmost care and quality that you and your family deserve.

 3 Benefits of the Itero Scanner

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The iTero Scanner is an entire digital system that’s used to help dentists fit patients for Invisalign. While it’s certainly not the only methodology, it’s a popular option for orthodontists in Bethesda for a few key reasons. We’ll look at the benefits of this state-of-the-art technology and why you might consider it for yourself or a loved one.

1. It’s More Efficient

The iTero Scanner takes 3D impressions of the mouth, making the images and results alike more accurate. Past versions of intraoral scanners couldn’t take comprehensive pictures of the patient’s teeth and jaw, forcing dental staff to piece together their treatment plans instead of seeing the big picture right off the bat.

2. It’s Less Messy

If an orthodontist wanted the best fit for a clear aligner in the past, they might use clay to take the most accurate impression. This patient would need to wait for it to harden, experiencing discomfort as the orthodontist applied, set, and removed the messy material. With the iTero Scanner, patients don’t have to worry about gagging, and the orthodontist doesn’t have to worry about the accuracy of their impressions.

3. You Can See What You’ll Look Like

Clear aligners are often chosen because they’re more attractive than traditional braces. With the iTero Scanner, you can take your dreams a step further with realistic projections of your future reflection. So, if you’re on the fence about taking the plunge, an iTero Scanner can give you all the data you need to make up your mind.

Invisalign in Bethesda, MD

If you’re looking for Invisalign in Bethesda, you might want to know that the staff at Heller Orthodontics takes your comfort personally. We’ve invested in technology to make your life easier, so you have the best possible experience.