How Does Treatment Work?
Each patient’s orthodontic condition requires a treatment plan based on a specialized diagnosis of the case. The treatment process involves X-rays, dental impressions and photographs. Braces have one aim: to use gentle pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. Treatment time varies depending on age, patient compliance and the severity of the condition. Generally, treatment lasts for 24 months and is facilitated by ideal patient cooperation.
Common Problems
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.
Overbite
The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
Openbite
Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting.
Other Problems
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.
Spacing
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue.
Dental midlines not matched
This type of problem is caused when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately, which may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.
What's New in Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is more popular than ever. This popularity is due to the overwhelming success of improved treatments and technology. New technology produces better results with fewer visits and shortened treatment times. In some cases, we can eliminate months of treatment time for individuals. One example of recent improvements is nickel-titanium-alloy archwires. These have replaced the traditional stainless steel wires used in braces. This new technology provides our patients with a temperature-sensitive wire that allows for continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. For our patients, this means enhanced comfort, decreased treatment time and fewer trips to the orthodontist.
Cosmetic improvements are also on the forefront of advances in orthodontics. Popular choices of our patients are ceramic braces, a translucent material that camouflages the brackets on your teeth. Today, brackets are smaller, more comfortable and more durable than older-style braces. The smaller brackets bond directly to the teeth. If you are looking for braces without the “metal-mouth” appearance, you may want to consider clear ceramic braces.
The latest in invisible braces is Invisalign®. Invisalign® uses clear, plastic aligners created from sophisticated 3-D computer imaging technology. They are comfortable, removable and invisible! Invisalign® is a popular choice for adults who are ultimately concerned about the appearance of braces during normal daily activities. Invisalign® can offer the flexibility of choosing to wear your braces at more convenient times of the day. Our office is certified to treat patients with Invisalign®.
