Orthodontic Treatment

    

Orthodontics is a kind of dentistry involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental irregularities. The technical term for crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth is “malocclusion” which means “bad bite.” The practice of orthodontics involves treating and correcting these “bad bites” to achieve the most stable and healthy bite possible. In addition, a person’s self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment creates a more pleasing smile.

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces or Invisalign® will greatly improve the way you look and feel. Correcting your bite will also help improve  your oral hygiene and dental health. 

Orthodontic treatment is different from many other types of heath care services in that we have the opportunity to work with our patients on a regular basis over an extended period of time. This allows us to get to know you as an individual and to give you the special attention we feel you deserve.

How Orthodontics Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire into the brackets. Wires are less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient’s jaws and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion differs from individual to individual. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The patient’s diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands (elastics) or appliances is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment.