Orthodontists receive an additional 2-3 years of specialized education, beyond dental school, to learn the proper way to straighten and align teeth. Orthodontists practice orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics exclusively.
Children should be evaluated early (age 7) to determine the best time to start treatment. If treatment is prescribed for a later time, the child should be periodically evaluated in a pre-orthodontic guidance program. These patients should have periodic visits to check on tooth eruption and jaw relationships.
Orthodontic treatment is possible at any age, but there is an ideal time when the most conservative techniques will produce the best results. The orthodontic specialist is specifically trained to determine this ideal time. Skeletal (jaw size) discrepancy treatment must be initiated while there is enough growth remaining. Otherwise, compromises and compensations will be needed.
Most orthodontists offer free examinations for new patients so that you and your family can get the expert advice about treatment needs, treatment options and the timing of treatment before making this important investment.
Orthodontics is not just for kids! In fact 20% of orthodontic patients in the United States are adults. Many adults are finding out how a healthy and attractive smile is important to their health and the way they feel about themselves. Others choose to avoid a lifetime of crooked teeth for health concerns or problems with their bite.
Orthodontics isn't what it used to be. New modalities have recently been added that can reduce treatment time by almost 50%. Invisalign© itself has changed orthodontics and made it much more available to adults who are seeking a more aesthetic treatment.
The most important part to achieving a straight smile is keeping it that way. Included with our fee is a removable upper retainer with a discreet permanent retainer on the lower teeth.
Some discomfort can be anticipated with braces. Adjustments for poking wires and loose appliances are typically provided free of charge. Damaged or broken appliances due to non-compliance with dietary restrictions may result in repair charges, however. Please do your best to avoid breaking your braces. Broken braces can result in delayed treatment and compromised results.
