Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Clear Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns and tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable plastic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Clear aligners are removable, meaning you can eat and drink what you want during treatment, and brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. Additionally, clear aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Benefits of Orthodontics
Improve Aesthetic Appearance
- Straighten misaligned teeth and close gaps for a more beautiful smile.
- Fix overbite, underbite, crossbite, and openbite for greater facial symmetry.
- Boost self-esteem and confidence.
Improve Oral Health
- Fix overlapping teeth, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fix protruding teeth making them less susceptible to chipping, fracturing, or being knocked out.
Alleviate Pain
- Fix misalignment in the teeth and jaws to reduce stress on the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles, reducing the risk of tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders.
Aid in Correcting Common Speech Problems
- Fix jaw misalignment allowing the tongue to make a solid connection to the roof of the mouth and enable speech to flow properly.
Dentist vs. Orthodontist
Board-Certified Orthodontist
Within the orthodontic specialty, there are two classes of orthodontists: board-certified and non-board-certified. A board-certified orthodontist is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and has been voluntarily examined by his or her peers based on knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in Orthodontics.
Common Issues
Before
AfterCrowding
Crowding happens when there is a lack of space for teeth to fit normally within the jaws. If left untreated, crowding can cause:
- Crooked or displaced teeth
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- An increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease
Before
AfterOpen bite
An openbite is when the top teeth and bottom teeth do not come together or bite in the correct position. If left untreated, an openbite can cause:
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Speech issues such as lisps or slurs
- TMJ disorders
Before
AfterDeepbite
A deepbite is when the top teeth overlap significantly with the bottom teeth while the mouth is closed. If left untreated, a deepbite can cause:
- Crooked or cramped teeth
- Excessive wear on lower teeth
- Gum recession
- Sores or ulcers that develop on the roof of the mouth
- Speech issues such as lisps or slurs
- Jaw pain and headaches
- TMJ disorders
Before
AfterMissing lateral incisors
Missing lateral incisors are commonly caused by a condition called hypodontia, in which someone is congenitally born with missing teeth. If left untreated, missing lateral incisors can cause:
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Bone and tissue loss
- Drifting of adjacent teeth
- Speech issues such as lisps or slurs
Before
AfterUnderbite
An underbite occurs when your bottom teeth extend beyond your top front teeth. If left untreated, an underbite can cause:
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Speech issues such as lisps or slurs
- Sleep apnea and snoring
- Jaw pain and headaches
- TMJ disorders
Before
AfterGaps
Gaps occur when the teeth are too small to fill up the space in the jawbone. If left untreated, gaps can cause:
- Food impaction
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Loose or missing teeth
Before
AfterOverjet
An overjet is when the upper front teeth protrude outward. This condition is commonly referred to as “buck teeth.” If left untreated, overjet can cause:
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Increased risk of dental trauma
- Discomfort or pain while eating
- TMJ disorders
- Speech issues such as lisps or slurs
- Inability to close lips
Before
AfterEarly Intervention
Early Intervention or Phase I treatment is a form of orthodontic intervention that is recommended for children who have certain orthodontic issues that can benefit from early orthodontic treatment.