How Does Treatment Work?
Each patient’s orthodontic condition requires a treatment plan based on a specialized diagnosis of the case. The treatment process involves X-rays, dental impressions and photographs. Braces have one aim: to use gentle pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. Treatment time varies depending on age, patient compliance and the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment lasts for 18-24 months and is facilitated by ideal patient cooperation.
Goals and Benefits of Treatment
Today, orthodontic treatment is simple, convenient and affordable for patients of all ages. And an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Orthodontic treatment results in correctly-aligned teeth that provide ideal jaw function and a great smile! Additionally, your teeth are easier to clean and more resistant to gum disease. Perhaps most importantly, orthodontic treatment almost always provides improved self-confidence.
What's New in Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is more popular than ever. This popularity is due to the overwhelming success of improved treatments and technology. New technology produces better results with fewer visits and shortened treatment times. In some cases, we can eliminate months of treatment time for individuals. One example of recent improvements is nickel-titanium-alloy archwires. These have replaced the traditional stainless steel wires used in braces. This new technology provides our patients with a temperature-sensitive wire that allows for continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. For our patients, this means enhanced comfort, decreased treatment time and fewer trips to the orthodontist.
Cosmetic improvements are also on the forefront of advances in orthodontics. Popular choices of our patients are ceramic braces, a translucent material that camouflages the brackets on your teeth. Today, brackets are smaller, more comfortable and more durable than older-style braces. The smaller brackets bond directly to the teeth. If you are looking for braces without the “metal-mouth” appearance, you may want to consider clear ceramic braces.
The latest in invisible braces is Invisalign®. Invisalign® uses clear, plastic aligners created from sophisticated 3-D computer imaging technology. They are comfortable, removable and invisible! Invisalign® is a popular choice for adults who are ultimately concerned about the appearance of braces during normal daily activities. Invisalign® can offer the flexibility of choosing to wear your braces at more convenient times of the day. Our office is certified to treat patients with Invisalign®.
Early Treatment
When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile - it creates a healthier you.
Adolescent Treatment
The most common time for orthodontics is between the ages of 11-17. All of the permanent teeth are usually in the mouth, and the patient is growing and changing, which allows for easier and virtually painless orthodontic treatment. Our goal is to move all of the teeth into their proper position for long term health and function. We also work very hard to get the upper and lower teeth into an excellent bite. This allows all the teeth to work together throughout your life.
After braces we make special retainers to maintain your wonderful smile. We also give you a back-up set in case you misplace or lose your retainer. It's just another way that we work as a team to make sure your smile is awesome!!
Adult Treatment
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.
Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn at night to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.
During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.
A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.