Treatment
Information
EARLY TREATMENT
When is the best time to begin Orthodontics?
Though an Orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial Orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of Orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, Orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early Orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When Orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an Orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an Orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
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Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth.
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Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth.
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Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
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Preserving space for unerupted teeth.
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Reducing the need for tooth removal.
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Reducing treatment time with braces.
ADULT TREATMENT
Are braces also for adults?
Braces aren’t just for children and young people anymore Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.
Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include silver and gold stainless steel braces and ceramic cosmetic braces. They are recommended to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.
During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.
Many of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.
ORTHOGNATIC SURGERY
What is Orthognatic Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery (Orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with Orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.
Using the latest in digital imaging technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods and the overall efficacy of your surgery. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength
When is Orthognatic Surgery necessary?
Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if Orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if Orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you.
ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTIONS
Brushing Instructions
Brush your teeth after meals and snacks
Brush in a circular motion above and below the braces to remove any food stuck on the braces.
Turn your toothbrush in a
Turn your toothbrush the opposite direction, between and under the braces.
Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Brush the tongue side of your teeth until they are sparkling clean.
Flossing Instructions
Floss daily at least once a day before you go to bed.
Use a floss threader with waxed floss.
Insert the floss into the threader.
Insert the floss threader under the archwire.
Gently floss the sides of your teeth and under gums up and down.
Repeat for all of your teeth.
FOODS TO ENJOY AND FOODS TO AVOID WITH BRACES

Enjoy These Foods
Enjoy soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes & gravy and yogurt.
Enjoy cut up fruits and vegetable to bite size pieces.
Enjoy corn cut off the cob.
Enjoy cut up meat away from the bone.
Enjoy cut up burgers and sandwiches and bite on your back teeth.

Avoid These Foods
Avoid anything that is sticky like gum, caramel, and taffy.
Avoid anything crunchy and hard like peanuts, corn nuts, popcorn, and jerky.
Avoid anything that has carbonation like sodas, carbonated water, beer, and champagne.
Avoid chewing on ice, pens or pencils, and picking on your braces.
Limit eating sugary and starchy foods like cake, cookies, and ice cream.
Limit acidic foods like oranges, lime, coffee, and tea.
RETENTION
What happens after we remove your braces?
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Retainers support your teeth in their correct positions and guide the teeth into a more natural position after braces. Your retainers must be worn as directed. If any problems develop, call for an
In most cases, retainers are worn 12- 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the first year that your braces are removed. Then you gradually cut back to nights only. Failure to wear retainers as directed, even for a short period of time, may cause a rapid change in your teeth positioning. Please follow
At first, you may notice a “plastic taste”. This will disappear in a day or two. You may also experience some difficulty in speech for the first two to three days. Your speech will return to normal if you read aloud to yourself.
How to care for your retainer?
DO’s | DONT’s |
Wear your retainer at all time as instructed. | Boil or place retainers in |
Brush your retainers after meal or snack. If not possible at least rinse them out. | Flip out with your tongue or bite down on them to place on. |
Be gentle when removing and wearing. | Leave retainers in direct sunlight |
Keep your retainers in the case provided when not in use. | Leave retainers where small children or pets can get them. |
Always bring |
Wrap retainer in napkins or tissue. |
Call as soon as any problems arise. | Eat, brush, and drink anything hot with |
Clean your retainers with a separate hard bristle brush and a |
Adjust your own retainers. |
Soak retainers into anything. |