Orthodontics
Exams & Check-Ups
Our expert orthodontic team knows each patient is an individual and has his or her own personal needs. Therefore, we actively work to accommodate patients of all ages - both young and old. Our exams reflect this as they are designed around you and your treatment.
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The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. Why age 7? By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws, which in turn can provide a wealth of information. AAO orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children.
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There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up:
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No treatment is expected to be necessary.
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Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.
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There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.
While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated.
Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are barely visible, discreet, and produce great smile results.
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Ceramic braces consist of clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets attached to the surface of your teeth with similarly colored wires and rubber bands, which provide more discretion.
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Since the amount of time required to fix the problems with your teeth using either ceramic braces or metal braces is the same, the only difference between the two orthodontic devices is the fact that one is metal and the other is ceramic.
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Ceramic Braces Available in our Puyallup Orthodontist Office
Ceramic braces are very effective and offer discretion when getting your teeth straightened. If you are in need of braces, talk to your orthodontist in Puyallup at Light Dental Studios Orthodontics to find out if ceramic braces are right for you.
Ceramic Braces
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Get to Know Us
Invisalign clear aligners fit your life — they don’t interrupt it. And at every stage, you’ll be able to see your progress and enjoy your smile as it transforms.
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Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. Using 3-D computer technology, these aligners are created to move your teeth gradually into place. They're virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know you’re straightening your teeth. The best thing about Invisalign? You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss - so they have a minimal impact on your life!
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You'll wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, as prescribed by your doctor.
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You’ll probably schedule check-ups every six to eight weeks to check your progress and pick up the next batch of aligners. Fewer doctor visits mean more time to enjoy life.
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When you start wearing each new set of aligners, you may feel a little extra pressure or discomfort for the first few days, which is totally normal.