Treatment Types

More than one million adults in the United States are currently in braces, according to the association, and adults now account for one of every five orthodontic patients.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Many adults look in the mirror and wish they had their teeth straightened or bite fixed when they were younger. With modern orthodontics and different kinds of appliance systems, we are now able customize your care to your specific goals and lifestyle with greater comfort and esthetics than ever before!

We can straighten teeth, correct irregular bites, bring teeth and lips into proper alignment, and close gaps between teeth. When your teeth are straight and aligned properly, they can be cleaned more thoroughly and chewing is easier. And you feel great about the way you look!

As safe and successful as adult orthodontic treatment is, there are special considerations that must be made. Adults are more likely to have gum disease and other issues that may require attention during treatment. Preparation for orthodontic treatment also improves overall dental health by targeting problem areas. The overall result is straighter, more functional teeth and a new sense of self-confidence about your smile.

Orthognathic surgery is a term that describes surgical procedures performed to place the teeth, jaw bones, and other hard and soft tissue structures into improved positions. This may be necessary as a result of abnormal growth, developmental disturbances, or trauma.

Correction of these abnormalities generally results in improvement in function such as chewing, speaking and breathing and often enhances facial esthetics.

There are several reasons why correction of a jaw abnormality through orthodontics and surgery may be beneficial. Some of these reasons are listed here:

• When orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct a problem. There are times when skeletal problems have resulted in a jaw position that prevents conventional orthodontics from achieving a satisfactory functional and esthetic result.
• To improve jaw function. Correcting a malocclusion (“bad bite”) frequently helps many people chew food more effectively and efficiently.
• Change in facial appearance. Placement of jaws in the proper position may often result in a more pleasing facial harmony.
• To enhance the long term orthodontic result (stability). Many times, orthodontic treatment alone can result in improved function and esthetics in patients with surgical needs. However, when an underlying jaw abnormality is responsible for the bite problem, orthodontic movement by itself can result in long-term instability. Surgery can often improve the long term result and stability in these cases.
• Reduction in overall treatment time. In some cases there are several options for treatment including orthodontics alone or braces followed by jaw surgery. Combining orthodontic care with surgical repositioning can result in a shorter duration of treatment since movement of the jaw bone to a better anatomical position may decrease the amount of orthodontic movement that is necessary.
• Improved breathing. Occasionally when surgery is performed on the jaw, the ability to breathe improves. This type of surgery can be of great help to those suffering from sleep apnea.
• Improved speech. Correction of poorly positioned jaws or teeth may have a positive impact on abnormal speech. Jaw surgery can, when acting alongside speech therapy, can help to correct speech abnormalities.

Cross-bites are a common reason to initiate early or interceptive orthodontic care, and an uncorrected cross-bite can cause abnormal wear of the teeth and can contribute to asymmetrical facial growth.

Habits such as finger sucking and tongue thrusting also call for early intervention as they can adversely affect the position of teeth and even the shape of the jaw.

Space maintaining or regaining: Baby teeth act as space holders for adult teeth. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, adjacent teeth will shift and may block the permanent teeth from reaching their proper position. We can prevent this or even regain the space that was lost with early treatment.

Growth modification (Dentofacial Orthopedics): The development of the jaws vary depending on genetic and environmental factors. Sometimes too much, and other times, not enough jaw growth occurs. We can recognize this early and affect this development to a certain extent with special appliances.

Wear your retainers full time for the first six months after treatment and every night for the second six months until the doctor instructs otherwise. This is to ensure that maximum stability of the final result is achieved and that the teeth remain aligned.

Retainers are for a lifetime!

To ensure that the alignment of the teeth lasts a lifetime, retainers must always be worn (although not necessarily during the daytime and not every night) indefinitely. We emphasize consistent wear right after appliance removal because that is when teeth are least-stable. Over time wear can be tapered but retainers should always be worn so that they fit loosely. Retainers are the only insurance that straight teeth will remain that way over time!

Take your retainers out when eating…and always put retainers in their case! We often use the catch-phrase, “When they are not in your face, they are in your case!” for a reason. Remember and stick to this catchy reminder.

Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Retainer-Brite or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.

Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.

Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. Do not attempt to adjust them yourself. Do not put them in hot water or use industrial detergents to clean them. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.

Remember.

• Always bring your retainers to your retention visits.
• Retainer replacement is expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!

If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Never try to adjust them yourself

Incognito™ combines the power and flexibility of traditional braces and wires with excellent aesthetics, requiring minimal adjustments by the orthodontist. Clear braces and invisalign are less visible

Incognito™ are invisible in that they are on the tongue-side of the teeth rather than where the lips are located.