Orthodontic Care for All Ages
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities by repositioning teeth into proper alignment. Treatment can include managing facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics, and in cases of significant skeletal discrepancies, may involve orthognathic surgery. Orthodontic care is often sought for both aesthetic improvements and functional benefits, such as enhancing bite efficiency.
Common treatments include fixed multibracket appliances, where wires and elastics move teeth, and removable devices like clear aligners for minor adjustments. After active treatment, retainers are typically worn to maintain tooth position while surrounding bone stabilizes. Long-term retainer use is often recommended to prevent teeth from shifting with age.
Adults
Our initial assessment offers a thorough insight into your orthodontic needs. This includes a detailed examination of your bite and alignment, setting the stage for a customized plan that paves the way to a beautiful smile.
Children
Early Treatment for children is recommended when children have skeletal discrepancies such as anterior and posterior cross bites, and severe overbites. These treatments may begin as early as age 6-8. Palatal expanders, Herbst appliances and facemasks are often used in these patients.
We also recommend early treatment for finger and thumb habits. In these patients a habit appliance is used to deter the habit.
Pre-Teens
The majority of orthodontic patients are teens. These patients are treated with traditional appliances, ceramic appliances or Clear aligners, like Invisalign®. Patients with severe overbites are treated with Herbst appliances to correct their abnormal growth patterns during adolescence. Some children also require orthognathic surgery in combination with their orthodontics. The surgery is usually not performed until growth is complete in these patients.
FAQs
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has graduated from an accredited 4 year dental school and then completed 2-3 years of additional training in an orthodontic residency program. Orthodontic specialists limit their practices to orthodontics and only an orthodontist can be a member of the AAO, American Association of Orthodontists. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatments focus on the repositioning of the teeth into proper alignment. Treatments include braces, aligners, and other appliances to improve dental and facial harmony.
What is the best age to see an orthodontist?
The majority of orthodontic patients are adolescents. These patients are treated with traditional appliances, ceramic appliances or Clear aligner therapy. Patients with severe overbites are treated with Herbst appliances to correct their abnormal growth patterns during adolescence.
Early Treatment for children is recommended when children have skeletal discrepancies such as anterior and posterior cross bites, and severe overbites. These treatments may begin as early as age 6-8. Palatal expanders, Herbst appliances and facemasks are often used in these patients.
We also recommend early treatment for finger and thumb habits. In these patients a habit appliance is used to deter the habit.
What types of braces are available?
We offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. The best option depends on your individual needs and treatment goals.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration varies based on the complexity of the case, but most patients complete their treatment within 12 to 24 months.
