Patient question for Dr. Ginsberg: Are there benefits to early orthodontic treatment?

Our office has been approached by some patients asking about the need for early orthodontic treatment. It is the policy of some orthodontists to start treatment at age 8 or 9 followed by a second stage when the permanent teeth erupt.

The questions have been analyzed by a number of research studies in which the policy of starting treatment at age 8 or 9 and then a second stage when the permanent teeth come in was compared to waiting to begin treatment later with only one stage of treatment. The results of these controlled comparison studies have shown that there was no difference in the final orthodontic results. On the other hand, there have not been any studies showing any benefits from two stage treatment.

The child who started early was in treatment longer, and there were extra costs involved. There has also never been any research showing that expanders placed on children with no crossbites have any effect on whether permanent teeth will require extraction

Of course are some types of problems which should be started early. These include crossbites (when the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth) either the front or side teeth, when the child is being affected socially by other children, or when problem is affecting self image. If you would like to obtain copies of some of these studies we shall be happy to send them.

Also, if you would like to discuss this information information, Dr. Gerald Ginsberg will be happy to talk to you.

Ask Dr. Ginsberg: What’s so special about an orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" Our staff at Gerald Ginsberg DDS hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Dr. Ginsberg started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Ginsberg received his orthodontic certification from the American Association of Orthodontists, and he became a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Today, Dr. Ginsberg remains true to his goals: give his patients a fun, educational, beneficial orthodontic experience, resulting in a smile that they are excited to share! Isn't it nice to know there's an expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

The importance of regular adult checkups, from Dr. Gerald Ginsberg

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit your dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing (and visiting Dr. Ginsberg, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the dentist will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

PS if you have any questions about your treatment at Gerald Ginsberg DDS, please give us a call. Dr. Ginsberg and team would love to hear from you!

Ask Dr. Ginsberg: Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Gerald Ginsberg DDS read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: cosmetics. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gerald Ginsberg can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Ginsberg would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

What are patients saying about Dr. Gerald Ginsberg?

Dr. Gerald Ginsberg and our dedicated team deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment, serving Phoenixville, Plymouth Meeting and surrounding communities here in Montgomery County. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Dr. Ginsberg is a very easy going nice guy. He truly cares about his patients." ~ Julie B.

"He is very good with kids!" ~ Dan L.

"Dr. Ginsberg and his staff are very talented, professional, and accommodating to busy families." ~ Katie G.

"Very impressive. Eloquent - intelligent - well equipped with information - on the ball - knows what he does well - knows his patients and can easily diagnose a problem. My wife and I were very much impressed on our first visit. His assistant was rather good too. Good luck to them and their business." ~ Sherley M.