Our Treatments

Orthodontic Treatment for All Ages

While there is no exact age to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends parents to take their children to the orthodontist around age seven. By this age, they already have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and treat teeth and jaw problems.

Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:

  • Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
  • Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
  • Create more space for crowded teeth
  • Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
  • Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
  • For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment is no longer limited to children or teenagers. Surprisingly, one in five orthodontic patients today is over the age of 21, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Many adults are opting for orthodontic care to prioritize their oral health and enhance their appearance. Adults worldwide are seizing the opportunity to undergo orthodontic treatment, and now you can too.

At our practice, we recognize that adults have unique needs and biological differences compared to children. We understand the importance of providing tailored care and attention to ensure you receive the most suitable treatments. Rest assured, we will work closely with you, respecting your needs and ensuring your comfort throughout your orthodontic journey.

Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Gold braces are similar to traditional metal braces in many ways. They are made of stainless steel but are uniquely coated in gold. The gold coating may be considered a more cosmetic option than traditional metal braces, and the cost of gold braces is surprisingly comparable to most braces.

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Clear aligners, often referred to as invisible aligners, offer a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. These transparent plastic trays, custom-fitted by your orthodontist, snugly cover your teeth. Each tray is subtly adjusted to exert gentle pressure, gradually guiding your teeth into proper alignment. Providing both aesthetic appeal and enhanced comfort, invisible aligners present a sleek and comfortable alternative to conventional metal braces.

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Two-Phase Treatment

During Phase One treatment, our aim is to guide the development of the jaw to accommodate permanent teeth and improve the alignment of the upper and lower jaws. Identifying and addressing early signs of jaw issues in children is crucial, as timely intervention can greatly benefit their oral health. Early treatment may prevent the need for future tooth extraction or surgical procedures to correct jaw alignment.

At the onset of Phase One, orthodontic records are taken and a treatment plan is created based on diagnosis. Appliances may be used in Phase One to address teeth and jaw alignment.

At the conclusion of Phase One, teeth are not yet in their final positions. This will be addressed in Phase Two. Regular recall appointments, typically every six months, are essential for monitoring progress.

In Phase Two, our focus shifts to ensuring each tooth finds its precise place in the mouth, harmonizing with the surrounding oral structures for proper function. This phase often involves comprehensive treatment with upper and lower braces or aligners.

Phase Two commences once all permanent teeth have erupted and typically requires braces on all teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are then worn to maintain the achieved results and preserve your beautiful smile.

Cutting-edge Technology

The i-CAT Cone Beam 3D Imaging System allows our orthodontist to provide quick, comfortable, and effective imaging for the most precise orthodontic diagnosis possible.

Patients can take advantage of a more complete orthodontic treatment with i-CAT imaging. Its innovative features include:

  • One 20-second scan that provides your doctor with enough data for a complete diagnosis
  • A safer diagnosis with less radiation than traditional CT scanners
  • Increased comfort: patients are seated in an open environment with plenty of space

The iTero scanner is a hand-held wand that we use to scan the inside of your mouth. It is painless and only takes around two to three minutes to complete and will provide us with a 3D model of your mouth. As a result, we can better understand your orthodontic needs. No more impressions as we have the latest technology to care for your teeth!

Your SureSmile archwires are customized for your unique treatment plan by applying robotic technology to wires made from Shape Memory Alloy. Because these highly accurate wires are custom- designed for you, your teeth move more precisely into place and fewer wire changes and appointments are needed. The precision of SureSmile wires can reduce your treatment time by 33% on average.

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