Optimal Orthodontia
Evaluate Early and Consider Invisalign’s Flexibility
By Amy Morgan
Smile for the picture! Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, and your smile is the first thing they’ll notice. Many people seek orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth, but as much as we focus on the esthetics, improved health – both now, and in the future – is the most important benefit of orthodontia, according to Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., co-owner of 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics.
Mal-aligned teeth can lead to negative consequences, she cautioned. They are harder to keep clean, which can cause cavities when people are young, periodontal and gum disease later in life. Improper jaw development or alignment can put an individual at risk for clenching and grinding their teeth and can even create airway problems or sleep apnea.
Conversely, teeth that are well aligned and work as intended accrue benefits over time. Teeth are less likely to trap food and accumulate plaque when they are straight and even, she added.
The American Orthodontic Society recommends all children have an orthodontic consultation by the age of seven, Dr. Winburn said. “It sounds young because it is,” she acknowledged. “But we’re not starting treatment on the first visit. An expert in facial and dental growth and development will notice potential problems that warrant consideration for later treatment.” Early monitoring allows the dental professionals to plan, sparing more complicated intervention later.
And at 7to7 Dental, a first orthodontic consultation is always at no cost. Parents (or adult patients) can schedule a regular dental cleaning and checkup when one of 7to7 Dental’s three orthodontists is working at their office of choice and complete both appointments in one visit – a boon for busy families!
An orthodontist might notice younger children have adult teeth not oriented favorably to come in, Dr. Winburn added. “It’s very common that one or more of the upper canines is angled in a way it is not likely to push the baby tooth out. There are very simple ways to right the ship to create and maintain space to let the canine drop in that will prevent surgery later in life.”
Another common problem is missing teeth. “Forewarned is forearmed,” Dr. Winburn said. “Braces are an investment in time and money. The sooner you know what to expect the better.”
Dr. Winburn noted she sees more children every year wearing Invisalign rather than traditional braces. While parents voice concern that children will lose or not wear their trays, Dr. Winburn has not noticed that problem.
“I get better compliance from young and older teens than with adult patients,” she said. And because Invisalign trays are removed for eating, there are no dietary restrictions. Orthodontists advise patients with braces not to eat foods known to break off brackets and wires. Popcorn, for instance is prohibited. Invisalign also tends to reduce snacking. You’re less likely to grab a couple of Skittles from a candy dish if you know you have to take out and clean your trays before and after.
Invisalign trays can serve as mouth guards – not just for organized sports, but during the pick-up games and backyard roughhousing that actually cause more tooth injuries. When an Invisalign tray is in place, it serves to splint the teeth together, making them stronger and less likely to break or be lost, Dr. Winburn added.
It's also harder to fit mouth guards over brackets and wires, and a patient can cut their lips and tongue on their braces in an accident. “With Invisalign, there are no such concerns,” Dr. Winburn said. “Invisalign is less intrusive, easier, and, for a lot of people, it’s preferable.”
Dr. Richard Wallach took over as 7to7 Dental’s managing orthodontist in January 2026 when Dr. Michael Roberts retired. He oversees orthodontia for all 11 of 7to7 Dental’s offices in the San Antonio area that serve patients for family dentistry and emergencies, with hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
If you or your child is due for a free initial orthodontic evaluation, reach out to 7to7 Dental to schedule with your cleaning at your convenience.
