Orthodontics for Teens Oxford, AL

Dr. Patrick Bernardi offers comprehensive orthodontic care for teens. To help them have

a lifetime of healthy, attractive and confident smiles, he starts by assessing their orthodontic concerns. Then he’ll recommend a treatment program based on their individual needs. Your child’s treatment is carefully planned based on Dr. Bernardi’s extensive experience and is delivered using the latest methods and top-quality materials. He provides time-tested solutions for a straight smile:

• Cosmetic clear braces
• Traditional braces with fun-colored rings
• Customized "invisible" aligners
• Night guards
• Mouth guards
• Permanent lower retainers
• Removable retainers

Early Treatment Oxford, AL

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam be scheduled

by age 7. This is when permanent teeth begin to erupt and some children already show signs of orthodontic problems. However, Dr. Bernardi says that just because a child is seen and diagnosed does not mean treatment should begin. He references many studies, including his own research on facial growth that won the coveted Sicher Research Award given annually by the American Association of Orthodontists, that show early orthodontic treatment can interfere with facial growth and development. That’s why Dr. Bernardi suggests young children put off getting braces until age 11 or 12 for girls and 13 or 14 for boys.

Reasons for early intervention.

Just one crooked tooth can throw off the bite and cause functional problems as children grow older. These problems include gum disease, cavities and speech disorders. Dr. Bernardi will conduct a comprehensive exam to check for these and other disorders:

• Overbite & underbite
• Severe teeth crowding
• Finger- or thumb-sucking
• Tongue posture (tongue thrusting)
• Crossbite of front & back teeth
• Eruption problems & space management
• Facial esthetic problems (buck teeth, gap teeth, overbite)

Orthodontic Services Oxford, AL

Early orthodontic intervention is popular these days, but leading experts, including Dr.

Bernardi, believe it is often not necessary. With Dr. Bernardi, you can always count on an honest evaluation. If your child is not a good candidate for early treatment, he’ll encourage you to wait to begin orthodontic treatment at a later date. For most children, this is between the ages of 11 or 12 for girls and ages 13 or 14 for boys.

Treating teens with dignity.

Does your teenager avoid smiling because he or she has crooked teeth or crowded teeth? If so, you should give serious thought to their concerns. Dr. Bernardi offers the full spectrum of orthodontic solutions for teens to help restore their confidence and their smile.

Advanced care for adults.

Orthodontic treatment is not just for children. Teeth straightening as an adult can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. It can also improve your dental health. Dr. Bernardi offers many “grown-up” treatment options to achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile, so make an appointment to discuss your options.

Orthodontist Oxford AL

Dr. Bernardi has been putting smiles on the faces of families just like yours for over three

decades. Today, his practice is known for the same exacting standards and highly personalized care on which it was founded. Please explore this website to learn more. Orthodontic conditions that Dr. Bernardi treats include:

• Crowded teeth
• Gap teeth
• Overbite & underbite
• Buck teeth

Dr. Bernardi serves the communities of Oxford, Anniston, Jacksonville, Weaver and Talladega in Calhoun County, AL and Talladega County, AL. For advanced, experienced orthodontic braces for children and adult braces and for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles, visit Patrick A. Bernardi, DMD, MS, in Oxford, AL. Call (256) 835-5355 or fill out our online Request an Appointment form to schedule your personal appointment with Dr. Bernardi today!