Early Ortho

 

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 the appropriate time ensures the best results 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.

Adult Orthodontics

 

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be done at any age if your gums and jaw bone structures are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile for you can begin today.

 

Orthodontic treatment at any stage 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 or accelerate gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. Orthodontic therapy can prevent and eliminate a lot of these detrimental side effects of malocclusion.

 

GOOD NEWS! The new techniques, appliances and materials we use in our office 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 design a treatment plan, length of treatment expected and approximate cost that is most suitable for you.

 

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and the most common feedback we hear is, “I’m so glad I got my teeth straightened and got my bite fixed!” They all agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.

 

Surgical Orthodontics

 

Interdisciplinary orthodontic treatment in conjunction with 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, 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 not be necessary if orthodontic treatment alone can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics using temporary skeletal anchorage devices, this is sometimes the case. We will discuss with you all the different options and determine if orthognathic surgery is the recommended treatment option for you.