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Orthodontics
Orthodontics is so much more than "straightening" teeth. The practice of orthodontics encompasses the use a treatment plan that allows one to place the teeth into proper positions so that the patient has a great smile as well as a healthy, functional, and stable dentition. Anyone can "straighten" teeth. The orthodontist must enhance or preserve facial balance and harmony as well as give the patient a dentition that lasts a lifetime without permanent retention. This office prides itself in the fact that every patient is treated with a treatment plan that should allow us, with the patient's help, to achieve these goals.
Interceptive “Early” Orthodontic Care
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.
Advantages of Early Care:
• 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 un-erupted teeth
• Sometimes, reducing the need for tooth removal
Invisalign®
Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing; and you can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth; and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions. Many of our patients had never considered traditional braces but are now happily and comfortably improving their smiles with Invisalign.
Find more about Invisalign by visiting invisalign.com
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Fixed and Functional Appliances
• Fixed metal and clear appliances- “braces”
• Removable functional “growth enhancing” appliances
Find more about appliances by visiting americanortho.com
Orthognathic Surgery “Jaw Surgery”
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.
Using the latest in digital imaging technology www.dolphinimaging.com, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods and the overall efficacy of your surgery. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.
Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you.
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Retainers
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Removable Retainer
Maxillary wrap-around retainers are your upper retainers, which are removable. Similar to Invisalign trays, Essix retainers have no wires and are easy to wear. To clean these retainers, brush them with toothpaste (sometimes with denture cleaner) using warm water.
Your retainers should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. Your retainer should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouth guard or while swimming. After 12 months of full-time wear, we may revise your retention treatment, allowing the retainer to strictly be worn at night.
Your final orthodontic result depends on your wearing your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
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