Traditional braces have significantly improved over the decades to become smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive than ever before! Braces are the most effective way to treat the most complex cases. Braces consist of tiny metal brackets that are glued into specific positions on individual teeth and connected together with a wire that provides slow, constant pressure to move teeth. This wire is tightened periodically as the orthodontist guides teeth into their proper positions over a period of several months to several years, depending on the severity of misalignment.

Clear braces are ceramic tooth-colored braces that work just the same as traditional braces. Some patients select clear ceramic braces as a traditional braces alternative because clear braces tend to blend in more naturally with teeth, thereby making orthodontic treatment less obvious. These types of braces are placed on the upper front teeth, with metal elsewhere.

Clear aligners consist of a series of clear molded plastic that fit over the teeth and are custom made for individual patients. The most popular brand names include SPARK™, Invisalign®, and ClearCorrect™. The doctor uses software to plan teeth movements on the computer. Each successive clear aligner is slightly different from the last, and this is how tooth movement is accomplished. Clear aligners have the advantage of making brushing, flossing, and eating easier than it is with braces. However, clear aligners are not a good choice for every patient since they only work for those with mild-to-moderate orthodontic problems, and only work for those people who are disciplined enough to wear them 22+ hours per day to achieve the gentle and constant pressure required to move teeth.

Some children have problems with skeleton harmony in the face and teeth that sometimes warrants an early phase of orthodontic treatment, often termed Phase 1 of 2. This is most commonly accomplished between ages 7-11. This phase of treatment can include any combination of braces, expander, headgear, habit appliance, space maintainers, etc. Those patients with diagnoses that are severe enough to warrant Phase 1 will usually need a follow-up Phase 2 of 2. Phase 2 happens once all of the permanent teeth are in, beginning sometime around age 12-13. Some orthodontic problems need to be corrected early and others can wait, which is why early evaluation is so important. Schedule a free consultation today to get a tailored expert opinion!

Retainers are meant to maintain ~90-95% of the orthodontic alignment that was achieved during treatment. Teeth will move imperceptibly slow over time when they are not maintained in position with a retainer. By the time a patient notices the movement it is often too late: the retainer no longer fits, as the retainer was intended to maintain alignment and not actively move teeth. Retainer types include clear plastic, traditional metal/acrylic, and nightguards. While retainers are meant to be long-lasting, they eventually wear out and need to be replaced. It is recommended that retainers be worn periodically throughout life if you wish to maintain alignment.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) can develop from jaws that fail to grow properly, an improper tongue position, and/or enlarged tonsils and adenoids. These anatomical and functional problems may block airways during sleep and may cause temporary disruptive breathing pauses during sleep. Breathing issues negatively impacts overall health and can affect teeth and jaw development. An airway orthodontist can help identify and eliminate some of these problems by adjusting and harmonizing the position and size of the jaws with expanders, headgear, or habit appliances to reduce or eliminate habits and promote nasal breathing. Other options include referring to myofunctional therapy to develop muscles in the face and mouth or otorhinolaryngology (EENT) for lymph tissue evaluation.

Did you know that we offer in-office Philips Zoom teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits? We recommend patients avoid whitening toothpastes since these have abrasives in them that will scratch and wear away teeth, yielding a fleeting whiter appearance until the more yellow inner portion is all that remains. Instead, Philips Zoom whitening is a more gentle and appropriate way to provide our smile with the bright sparkle it deserves. Schedule your whitening appointment today!