Offering a Full Spectrum of Pediatric and Adult Orthodontic Treatment including:
- Phase 1 Interceptive Orthodontics
- Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatments
- Mouthguards
- Retainers
- Appliances
- Clear Aligners
- TMJ and Bruxism Therapy
- Emergency Care
Initial Oral Examination
Your first visit at our office is important in establishing your orthodontic baseline. We will perform a complete oral examination which includes an analysis of your malocclusion and a thorough examination of your teeth, oral musculature and possible skeletal deformity. We will also perform a thorough radiographic analysis of panoramic and cephalometric x-rays as well as a photographic analysis. Any etiological factors such as poor oral habits will also be evaluated.
Orthodontics
The goal of orthodontic treatment is not only to create an attractive smile, but to develop a bite which can promote oral health. Straight, uncrowded teeth are a lot easier to keep clean.Crooked, crowded teeth are much more difficult to maintain and can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Teeth may be crowded or crooked or the upper and lower jaws may be out of alignment. Occasionally, even when teeth appear straight, the patient may have a bite which is not even and which may be causing further dental problems.
Malocclusions (bad bite) may be inherited, may be developmental or may be caused by poor oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Orthodontic treatment seeks to address any or all of these problems through physics to slowly move teeth into the proper position.
Ceramic And Metal Braces
A mainstay of orthodontic treatment, we utilize corrective appliances, including braces, both ceramic and metal, and retainers to slowly move teeth into the proper position.Brackets are placed on the teeth using bonding technology. Arch wires are then threaded through these brackets. The tension and tightness of these wires determines the individual movement of each tooth. Orthodontics applies constant pressure on each tooth in a desired direction. By making adjustment to the pressure at follow up visits, our orthodontists control the slow movement of the teeth until the malocclusion is corrected. Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment can last from one to three years or longer depending on the patient’s age and severity of the malocclusion. Retainers are often worn to help ensure teeth remain in their new position after braces have been removed.
Pediatric Orthodontics
Your children’s dental health and confidence is of utmost importance. We can begin to provide certain orthodontic treatments to children as early as age 7 and with a full spectrum of options through the teen years depending on your child’s needs.Historically, most patients did not commence orthodontic treatment until all of their permanent teeth had erupted, around age 12 to 14. Waiting this long often necessitated the extraction of several permanent teeth and the use of headgear and other orthodontic appliances. Teen compliance in wearing such appliances was often problematic.
Now we begin to address certain orthodontic problems between the ages of 7-11. This early intervention and phased treatment can result in fewer extracted teeth and better patient compliance.
Some of the techniques used in this interceptive or Phase 1 orthodontic phase include arch expansion, which allows more room for permanent teeth and orthopedic growth appliances which enhance jaw growth and make Phase 2 orthodontic treatments much simpler, shorter and less extensive than it otherwise would have been.
Adult Orthodontics
For adults with bite issues or crowded or crooked teeth either not corrected in their youth, or in need of additional treatment, our team will create a plan that works for a more mature patient.
Clear Aligners
A less visible, more flexible alternative to braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign or 3M Clarity, are a popular option for correcting teeth alignment issues. Most patients are candidates for clear aligners. This option requires fewer office visits but also relies on patient compliance to achieve optimal results.
Our team will evaluate your needs and offer treatment plans that will achieve the best results for your goals and preferences.
