Orthodontics
Teeth that are crooked, crowded or spaced may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can straighten and reposition your teeth, so that they look and work better. Straight teeth improve the esthetics of your smile, are easier to clean, and are less likely to get tooth decay or injured. Orthodontics can also improve the way your top and bottom teeth bite together. If your top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly, it may be harder to chew certain foods, may cause some teeth to prematurely wear down, and could cause facial muscle tension and pain.
If you are a candidate for orthodontics, a diagnosis and customized treatment plan will be made using information from X-rays, virtual models, photographs and specialized computer software. Treatment time varies depending on age, patient compliance and the severity of the condition. There is no age limit to orthodontic treatment; children, teens and adults can all potentially benefit.
Our office can provide different orthodontic treatment choices: Braces, Invisalign, Short-Term Orthodontics, and orthodontic appliances. All services are provided by a general dentist:
- Braces are brackets (or bands) placed on the teeth, with a thin wire running through them. The wire applies gentle pressure on the brackets, and guides the teeth into proper position. Traditional metal braces are still generally the most reliable and efficient treatment choice. Braces can also be tooth colored, using white ceramic brackets.
- Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of clear, plastic trays (aligners) to move teeth. Aligners are removable and are worn 20-22 hours per day, which allows the patient to eat and brush their teeth normally. Each Invisalign tray is worn in sequence for 2 weeks, until the series is complete.
- Short-term orthodontics is a treatment option for adult patients who have crowded or spaced front teeth and would like to straighten them in a short period of time (typically six to nine months). Orthodontic brackets and nickel-titanium wires are used to move teeth into alignment. This method would be considered an alternative to cosmetic veneers, and does not comprehensively fix bite issues related to improperly positioned jaws or back teeth.
- Our office will also use traditional orthodontic appliances (such as headgear, palatal expanders, etc) to help improve the orthodontic condition of our patients when needed.
