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At BauerHite Orthodontic Specialists we are excited to highlight our awesome Scheduling Coordinator, Ashley! You're probably familiar with Ashley as she is the first one to greet you when you walk through the doors. Ashley handles scheduling appointments for all our awesome patients and various financial duties. Ashley loves being able to laugh and have fun with all the wonderful girls in the office, though she equally enjoys working hard and giving her best at all times. Watching Dr. Beth transform smiles one patient at a time is the most rewarding part of work. In Ashley’s personal time you can find her riding side-by-sides, golfing, watching Netflix, or grabbing a bite at Cloud 9 Ranch- it’s her absolute favorite place ever! Ashley is eagerly anticipating her upcoming trip to Colorado!

Ashley and our team hope to see you in our office again soon.

Curious to learn more about orthodontics and what the treatment process involves? In today’s blog, Dr. Hite and our team at Bauerhite Orthodontics dive into everything you need to know!

When patients are searching for orthodontic treatment they should make sure to seek out a board-certified orthodontist.  It’s important to note that many dentists practice orthodontics but only orthodontists have additional schooling that focuses on functional and cosmetic correction. Dr. Beth is Board Certified with the American Association of Orthodontics and a member of the American Dental Association and has her completion of Roth Williams Achieving Functional Goals.

Orthodontic treatment should begin earlier than most parents are apt to assume. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends seeing an orthodontist as early as the age of 7. By visiting an orthodontist early, many more severe issues can be addressed before they become a permanent issue. Some of the most common issues that are treated with orthodontic care are airway and expansion, alignment and straightening, bite issues and jaw joint issues, or TMD. The types of services we provide are traditional braces, Invisalign, Splint Therapy, and Expansion & Airway development.  Dr. Beth has had extensive training in all these areas and keeps up to date on the most modern treatment techniques to give the best overall result possible.

When you choose BauerHite Orthodontic Specialists for your own or your loved one’s orthodontic treatment, there is a noticeable difference in the way we care for our patients compared to our competitors. The difference is the individual attention each patient receives from Dr. Beth at every appointment. Dr. Beth also does her own diagnosing and treatment planning for each patient, so it's specific and unique to their own needs. We are a high patient service practice and every member of our staff will strive to make your visit the best part of your day!

One question we receive frequently is, “How often do I have to be seen for appointments through my treatment with traditional braces?” The brackets and wire system that we use are very long-acting and limit the number of visits needed. Typically, you will only need to come in for appointments every 12 weeks and should be done with treatment and into retention in 18-20 months. The initial visit is a very thorough examination including X-rays and 3D imaging with a full exam from the doctor in a very relaxed and welcoming environment. Your initial exam with us is complimentary.

Orthodontics runs in Dr. Beth’s blood. Her father was an orthodontist, so she learned to love the field at a young age. In high school, Dr. Beth worked in his practice making retainers and is honored to carry on her father's legacy in the orthodontic field.

Let Dr. Beth transform your own or your loved ones smile, begin your journey today. We hope to see you in our office soon!

Sports are great for children for a variety of reasons. Children can develop their motor skills, learn how to solve conflicts and work together, and develop their work ethics. As a parent, you may recognize the benefits of sports, but also naturally worry about your child’s health and safety. Your job goes beyond providing a water bottle and making sure your child follows the rules of the game.

Although you may not think of your child’s teeth first when you think about sports, accidents can happen that affect your children’s teeth. A stray hockey stick, an errant basketball, or a misguided dive after a volleyball are examples of ways a child could lose a tooth. In fact, studies show that young athletes lose more than three million teeth each year.

Becoming a Better Athlete to Protect Teeth

Becoming a better athlete involves refining skills, learning the rules of the game, and being a good sport. These components are not just about winning. They are also about safety. Young athletes who are better ball-handlers and who are careful to avoid fouls and penalties are less likely to have harmful contact with the ball, teammates, or opponents. Children who are better roller-bladers are less likely to take a face plant into the blacktop, and more likely to save their teeth. Being a good sport and avoiding unnecessary contact is one way to protect teeth.

Proper Protective Equipment for Teeth

If your child is in a sport that poses a high threat to teeth, it is essential for your child to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards fit your child’s mouth and consist of soft plastic. Dr. Elizabeth Hite, DMD, MS can custom fit a mouthguard if generic ones are uncomfortable. While children may resist wearing a mouthguard initially, your persistence in insisting that they wear it should be enough to convince them. A helmet or face mask provides additional protection.

While prevention is best, rapid treatment can improve the situation if your child does happen to lose a tooth during sports. Rapid implantation can work in about ten percent of cases. To learn about ways to save a lost tooth, contact our Edwardsville office.

Although adolescence is a common time to get braces, there’s no reason for adults of any age to have to deal with crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, or other dental issues. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists notes that demand for orthodontic treatment in adults continues to grow, with adults representing 20% of new patients.

You’re never too old for braces or other orthodontic appliances, but it’s important to consider the following:

1. Braces don’t have to be as noticeable as the metal brackets of the past. Many adults opt for ceramic or plastic braces, which are bone-colored or clear, respectively. Another option is a lingual appliance, which attaches to the back side of your teeth. These so-called “invisible” braces are much less noticeable than traditional options.
2. By adulthood, bone growth has stopped. This means that certain structural changes can only be achieved by surgery. Although this typically affects people with significant crowding, bite, or jaw problems, Dr. Elizabeth Hite, DMD, MS can provide an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique issues.
3. Treatment may take a bit longer. The length of orthodontic treatment tends to be slightly longer for adults than adolescents. Exact estimates vary by individual, but the average length of time for adult braces wearers is two years, according to the Harvard Medical School.
4. Outcomes are just as good for adults! Many adults worry that it’s too late to treat their orthodontic problems. However, treatment satisfaction tends to be very high, which is a testament to how effective braces can be in middle-aged and older adults.