Orthodontics

The goal of orthodontics is to correct a malocclusion – a bad bite. Teeth may be crowded or crooked or the upper and lower jaws may be out of alignment. Occasionally, even when teeth appear straight, the patient may have a bite which is not even and which may be causing further dental problems.
Malocclusions may be inherited familialy, may be developmental or may be caused by poor oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Orthodontic treatment seeks to address any or all of these problems. The goal of orthodontic treatment is not only to create an attractive smile, but to develop a bite which can promote oral health. Straight, uncrowded teeth are a lot easier to keep clean. Crooked, crowded teeth are much more difficult to maintain and can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Orthodontics utilizes physics to slowly move teeth into the proper position. This is performed by using corrective appliances, including braces and retainers. Brackets are placed on the teeth using bonding technology. Arch wires are then threaded through these brackets . The tension and tightness of these wires determines the individual movement of each tooth. Orthodontics applies constant pressure on each tooth in a desired direction. By making adjustment to the pressure at follow up visits, our orthodontists control the slow movement of the teeth until the malocclusion is corrected. Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment can last from one to three years or longer depending on the patient's age and severity of the malocclusion. Retainers are often worn to help ensure teeth remain in their new position after braces have been removed.

Invisalign® Invisible Braces

Invisalign ® is a form of orthodontic treatment that works to correct many different types of malocclusions through the use of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners. Invisalign® was developed to eliminate the use of unsightly metal brackets and wires and allow orthodontic treatment to occur almost "invisibly".

How Does Invisalign® Work?

After an evaluation visit to determine whether a patient is a candidate for invisalign®, the orthodontist will take dental impressions, radiographs and pictures. Using these, invisalign® will use its unique computer imaging system to create a series of invisalign® aligners, which are clear and which will replace the standard bracket and wires of conventional orthodontics. The first in the series of clear retainers will fit the patient's teeth as they exist at the beginning of treatment. Each successive retainer will exert forces which will move teeth to the position where the next retainer can take over.
The patient must wear each removable retainer for approximately two weeks. They must be worn at all times – 24 hours a day - except during meals.

The number of aligners will vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of the malocclusion. The overall length of treatment generally approximates the time needed for standard orthodontics.