Information

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school, to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

A more attractive smile Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years Better function of the teeth Possible increase in self-confidence Increased ability to clean the teeth Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth Better long-term health of teeth and gums Guides permanent teeth into more favorable positions Reduces the risk of injury to protruded front teeth Aids in optimizing

Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked Upper font teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite) Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite) The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite) Crowded or overlapped teeth, the center of

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a

Phase 1, or early interceptive treatment is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from two to three years.Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance; maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Yes. You should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.

What can you eat? Let’s talk about what you shouldn’t eat! If you’ve been wanting to drop a few pounds, the first week of wearing braces is just your chance! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you’ll be able to bite a cucumber again, but you’ll

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don’t worry! It’s normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new “corrected” positions.

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Take your retainers out when eating and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.) Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent or

Turn your expansion screws as instructed. Insert the key into the hole and turn towards the arrow. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, stop turning the expander.

No braces. All smiles. Clarity Aligners are a clear solution for straightening your teeth. The clear aligner system is custom fi t for your smile—offering a treatment experience that is nearly invisible, convenient, and comfortable. How they work: Clear aligners gradually move your teeth—but without any metal wires or braces. Clarity Aligners treatment uses a system of removable, nearly invisible

Change your smile without changing your lifestyle. 3M™ Clarity™ Advanced Clear Braces are small in size and virtually unnoticeable. Translucent braces blend in with the natural color of your teeth. Live free and clear. 3M™ Clarity™ Advanced Clear Braces stay in place, so your treatment is always advancing. Eat and drink whenever you want, with no trays to keep track of.