ORTHODONTICS
Dental Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment comes in many forms. Among them are braces, brackets, aligners, retainers, or other mouth appliances. Proper treatment results in an optimal bite and straight teeth that work more effectively. And good orthodontic treatment can benefit more than simply your bite. Orthodontics also usually help overall self-image.
How Can Crooked Teeth Harm Health?
Jaw problems and crooked teeth can cause problems with your entire mouth and jaw. However much perfectly straight teeth help self-image, avoiding possible health issues is far more necessary.
When Should Orthodontic Treatment Be Done?
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, children’s jaw and teeth should be evaluated by age 7. Because poor teeth can cause such lasting problems, knowing if there’s a problem is important. If needed, make sure to have your children’s teeth straightened for better health and wellness.
With Proper Orthodontic Treatment, You May Avoid:
- Tooth decay from improperly cleaned teeth
- Potential gum disease
- Total tooth loss (in severe cases)
- Difficulty with chewing and digestion
- Possible speech impairments
- Abnormal or irregular tooth surface wear
- Mouth breathing (leading to sleep apnea or snoring)
- Crossbite, underbite, or overbite
If left untreated, poorly aligned teeth and jaw may harm your jaw joints. This can cause lingering headaches or pain in the face and neck.
What Are Modern Orthodontics Like?
Braces used to be massively uncomfortable. Not anymore! Orthodontics have improved dramatically. Now, braces and other corrective appliances are much easier to wear.
WE OFFER CUTTING-EDGE APPLIANCES AND TREATMENTS, INCLUDING:
Metal Braces
Clear & Tooth-Colored Brackets
Heat-Activated Wires That Require Fewer Adjustments
Invisalign – a state-of-the-art teeth-straightening method that uses clear aligners – no braces or wires!
I’M GETTING ORTHODONTICS – WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
1. PLANNING
Most patients undergo:
- A medical and dental history survey
- Teeth castings (molds)
- Computer-generated head/neck imaging to help your orthodontist plan
- Panoramic face and mouth photos
- Teeth/jaw X-rays
Once this planning work is done, your orthodontist will design, create, and apply your braces or another type of custom-made appliance. Then, you’ll move on to ongoing treatment to realign your teeth and jaw.
2. TREATMENT
During treatment, you:
- Receive adjustments
- Follow specific treatment requirements
- Take small steps all the way to fully successful treatment!
3. RETENTION
During this visit we will:
- Remove your orthodontic appliance or braces
- Fit a new retainer to your mouth
Meant to keep your teeth in place, your retainer will help them stabilize in their new position. The retainer will be removable, but should be worn continuously until your teeth are fully fixed in place.
