What is Orthodontics?

When describing orthodontics, most people just refer to braces. While the majority of orthodontic cases involve braces, there are alternatives that may be used for younger children. Arch expanders and training appliances for younger children can minimize or eliminate the need for braces when problems are treated early enough.

What are the Benefits of Orthodontics?

• Reduce the risk of injury - prominent teeth are more prone to trauma
• Reduce the risk of decay - crooked teeth are harder to clean
• Reduce the risk of developing TMJ problems
• Eliminate the excessive wear on your teeth that can be caused by a poorly aligned bite
• Correcting abnormal tooth alignment can help prevent certain speech problems
• Straight teeth provide a healthier, more attractive smile
• A beautiful smile increases confidence and self-esteem

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What is an Orthodontic Evaluation?

Orthodontic treatment with braces begins with an evaluation appointment. Our orthodontist will first visually determine if your child is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, or if another treatment would be more appropriate. If your child is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, we will take impressions of your child's teeth, special x-rays of their jaw joint, head and teeth, and very important measurements of their teeth and mouth.

Next is a consulting appointment to discuss the treatment plan. The treatment plan is based on the records taken at the evaluation. The consult includes:

• Specific treatment recommendation
• Expected length of treatment
• Expected cost of treatment

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When should My Child be Evaluated?

If your child develops an "open bite", sucks their thumb, has a noticable tongue thrust, or you are otherwise concerned about the development of your child's teeth, no matter what the age, contact us right away for a consultation with our orthodontist. Otherwise, children should be evaluated by the age of 6 for orthodontic treatment. In the past, a child was 11 or 12 before brackets were actually placed on the teeth to straighten them. This may still hold true in most cases, but there are new techniques that can correct problems early, while a child is still growing. This may eliminate the need for braces in the future, or if the child does still need braces, the treatment will be less complicated, usually shortening the period of time in braces.

What is an Arch Expander?

An Arch Expander is one example of orthodontic treatment available for younger patients. Many times an arch expander can be used to create a proper alignment of the arches so permanent teeth have room to erupt in a natural position. The use of an arch expander will generally minimize or eliminate the need for braces when the patient gets older.

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What are Braces?

Braces are retainers, bonded brackets, arch wires and elastic bands that move crowded or spaced teeth into a "normal" position for appearance, prevention and function. Patients with poorly aligned teeth tend to have much more tooth decay, gum disease and jaw joint problems. Recently invented brackets and new techniques make orthodontic treatment faster and more comfortable than ever.

metal brackets	white brackets	colored bands

How do Braces work?

Over a period of time, teeth will shift if constant, gentle pressure is applied. Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and wires are attached to the brackets with elastic bands. The slight tension on the wire is gently transferred to the bracket through the elastic band.

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Before	After

What are Retainers?

Once the teeth have been moved into proper position, a retainer is sometimes used to keep the teeth in place until they have "settled". Retainers can be fixed (bonded to the teeth) or removable.

Fixed retainer: Small, thin wire bonded to tongue side of teeth	"Invisible" retainer: Covers teeth. Virtually invisible when in place.

The Latest Trend in Orthodontics is No Braces at All!

Adult "invisible braces" (which are not really braces at all, but clear plastic retainers) are a new technique for adults to obtain the results of braces without wearing braces! This technique, which is effective only for mild to moderate crowding, utilizes a series of retainers (computer generated or lab constructed) that are worn sequentially until the desired correction is achieved.

She's wearing "invisible braces" in one of these two photos. Can you tell which one? It's difficult to tell, isn't it? That's the whole point!

Visit the Invisalign® web site and learn more!