An early evaluation by a certified orthodontist will allow any potential problems to be caught promptly, monitored, and treated at the optimum time. Intervention at the correct time will serve to guide growth and development as a way to prevent serious problems later in life. When early intervention is not required, an evaluation still serves the purpose of beginning a monitoring program to keep an eye on growth and development to identify any problems that may arise.

An orthodontist can treat your smile at any age, however, there is an optimal window to begin treatment. Starting treatment during the optimal window allows for the best possible result with the least amount of time and monetary investment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening at the first sign of a problem or around the age of 7. If a problem is spotted during the screening, it doesn’t necessarily mean your child will begin treatment right away, instead, your orthodontist may recommend continued monitoring until the optimal time to begin treatment is reached.

The answer is simple, by this age, the first adult molars erupt and establish the back bite. The presence of the first adult molars will allow the orthodontist to evaluate the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. At this time, your orthodontist will be able to detect the presence of erupting incisors which be a sign of a possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Receiving a timely screening will increase the chances of achieving a dreamy smile with the least amount of treatment time and money.

The most obvious advantages of interceptive treatment include:

• Creating the appropriate amount of room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through guiding jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Reserving space for unerupted teeth
• Reducing or even eliminating the need for permanent tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces or aligners

Yes! Orthodontic treatment includes much more than just improving the look of your smile. Orthodontic treatment also treats bad bites (malocclusions). Tooth or jaw misalignment is the cause for malocclusions that can negatively affect many aspects of your life ranging from your smile to the way you chew, clean your teeth, or even the way you feel about yourself.

If left untreated, malocclusions can lead to a variety of more complex problems. Tooth decay and gum disease are more common when malocclusions are present because crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss properly. Protruding teeth also present a serious problem, due to their positioning, these types of teeth are more likely to suffer trauma. Crossbites cause uneven growth and tooth wear. Open bites encourage tongue-thrusting habits and can lead to speech impediments. At the end of the day, orthodontics is a pathway to a healthier mouth in addition to a pretty smile.

This stage begins with the diagnosis which will determine what needs to be corrected and how it may be accomplished. During your first visits, you will likely experience some of the evaluations below.

Medical and dental evaluations – Dental and physical problems tend to be linked. Problems in the oral cavity can lead to (or be caused by) medical problems. The objective of this evaluation is to establish that any pre-existing medical and/or dental issues are under control before treatment begins. During this phase of treatment, the patient will also visit their family dentist to receive a thorough cleaning before treatment officially begins.

For some patients, the doctor may require a study model also known as castings or bite impressions. These patients will be asked to bite into a dental tray filled with a gel substance that hardens around the teeth. This cast will then be used to create a model of your teeth. Study models allow the doctor the unique opportunity to investigate the position of each tooth and how it relates to the rest of the teeth.

Panoramic X-rays or a 3D image – X-rays allow the doctor to identify potential complications or any pre-existing damage to the jaw joint. X-rays will also allow the doctor to evaluate the exact position of your teeth and roots within the mouth.

Computer-generated images – This technological advance allow the doctor to design a precise treatment plan while being able to preview how different movements may affect the shape of the face and the overall symmetry of the jaw.

Photographs – Photographs are an important tool to track the advances made by the treatment.

The planning stage was all about using diagnostic tools to outline a treatment plan for the patient. During the active phase, the treatment plan will be implemented. The doctor will use one or more orthodontic appliances to shift your teeth and/or jaw into proper alignment. The orthodontic appliance(s) used can be fixed or removable. The most common and most recognized appliance consists of individual metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient, the brackets are then connected by an archwire.

Your treatment plan may also include removable devices such as a headgear, a face mask, or a rapid palatal expander. To achieve the best results, these appliances should be worn for the prescribed amount of hours each day.

While there is a wide range of orthodontic appliances, they all work similarly, your doctor will adjust your appliance regularly and constant continual pressure will be applied to your teeth to shift them to their optimal position gradually. To guarantee the success of your treatment plan, it is important that you attend your progress-check and adjustment appointments as prescribed and that you call us immediately if your appliance suffers any damage.

Once you have completed the active phase treatment and your teeth are perfectly aligned, the hardest part of your treatment plan is over. You can now trade-in your fixed braces and removable appliances for a custom retainer. The retainer will keep your teeth in their newly assigned positions long enough for the jawbone to harden around the newly aligned teeth. Be sure to wear your retainer for the required number of daily hours to prevent your teeth from reverting and all of your hard work to be wasted.

We are committed to proving each of our patients with exceptional care to improve the aesthetics, function, and general health of your smile.

We encourage you to call us with any questions or concerns you may have. Schedule an appointment with us today to start your journey to the brilliantly beautiful smile you deserve.