The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. While orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, timely treatment ensures maximum dental health. If treatment is necessary, we’ll educate you about the best option for you or your child. 

Crooked teeth or jaw problems can cause poor cleaning of teeth, which leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Untreated orthodontic issues can cause chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. Prolonged and excessive strain on gum tissue and supporting bones can affect jaw joints and lead to issues such as headaches or face and neck pain.

Recent advancements in orthodontics make wearing braces easier than ever. State-of-the-art appliances and treatments – from traditional metal braces to tooth-colored brackets to NASA-type wires that are heat activated and subject to fewer adjustments are available.

Some patients are eligible for treatment with Invisalign, a revolutionary way to straighten teeth using clear, retainer-type aligners that require no braces or wires. 

Reasons to Pursue Orthodontic Treatment

Some compelling reasons for adults and children to pursue orthodontic treatment (braces) include:

• Breathing or swallowing problems – mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea 

• Crossbite – one or more upper teeth bites inside the lower teeth (toward the tongue) 

• Crowding – extra teeth or malpositioned teeth 

• Deep overbite – the lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue of the upper teeth 

• Disfiguring of the face and mouth – affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth 

• Jaw and jaw joint pain 

• Missing or extra teeth – due to tooth decay, injuries, or inherited problems 

• Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – upper teeth that protrude excessively, usually associated with a short lower jaw 

• Self-image – an attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence 

• Spacing issues between teeth – teeth are missing or may be too small or too large 

• Speech, chewing, or biting problems 

• Underbite (lower jaw protrusion) – lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw 

The Braces Process

Orthodontic treatment involves 3 phases.

During the planning phase, initial visits to the orthodontist may include: 

• An evaluation of the patient’s medical and dental history 

• The making of castings or “molds” of your teeth

• A computer-generated photo of the head and neck to aid in treatment planning 

• Photos of your face and mouth

• X-rays of the teeth and jaws

With careful planning, your orthodontist will design and apply braces or fabricate custom-made appliances for you.

The active phase involves visiting the orthodontist on a regular basis for adjustments and adhering to specific treatment requirements to ensure positive results.

When treatment is completed, it’s time for the retention phase. This is when the braces and / or appliances are removed and a new appliance – typically a set of retainers – is made. Retainers are removable and help maintain the changes made to your teeth. Retainers must be worn continuously until the teeth and bones are stabilized in their new positions.

Treatment and retention times vary depending on the patient. We’ll work with you to achieve a successful outcome that lasts a lifetime.