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Treatment Instructions

 

 

 

Early Treatment

 

When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment

 

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
 

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics are not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
 

Interceptive Treatment

Heredity, habits, growth development, tooth size and eruption patterns, etc., may affect not only the relationship of the jaws but the position of the teeth.  Obviously, your child's appearance, smile, ability to chew, swallow  and speak properly will also be affected. Children grow rapidly so with the parent's awareness and early evaluation by your dentist, interceptive treatment can result in balancing the relationship of the jaws and guide the erupting permanent teeth.

 

 


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Adult Treatment

 

You can have a beautiful, healthy smile at any age!  More and more adults are seeking Comprehensive Orthodontic Care for many reasons:

  • A beautiful smile that says "I'm worth it!"

  • Improved shape of face and profile

  • Straight teeth

  • Freedom from jaw joint pain (TMJ)

  • Improved chewing, digestion and speech

  • Improved clean-ability of teeth to avoid decay and gum disease

  • Establish healthy foundation for replacement of missing teeth or other restorative dental care

Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment on adults may range from simple tooth movement to a more complex treatment plan.  Coordinating your evaluation with your general dentist and perhaps other specialists is essential to provide you with the most appropriate and successful treatment.

 

For you to inquire about Orthodontic Care is a thoughtful decision.  We respect that. We also understand you ay have questions and concerns.  Please feel free to call us for a complimentary consultation today.

 

 


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Type of Braces

   

 

The Invisalign system is becoming a very popular method of orthodontic treatment for adults who are candidates. They consist of a series of clear orthodontic appliances called aligners, that allow you to straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional braces. Each set of custom-made aligners is worn for about two weeks and moves the teeth in small steps to the desired final position. For more information about Invisalign, please give our office a call to make an appointment for a complimentary exam to see if you are a candidate for this exciting new system.

 

Healthier Gums:

Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced too far apart.

Properly aligned teeth can help gums "fit" tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.

 

Easier Cleaning:

With maintenance of good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease can be reduced.

 

Improve Chewing and Speech:

In some instances, speech problems may result from poorly positioned teeth and jaws.  Correction of the bite can help improve chewing and speech.

 

Decreased Risk of Dental Trauma and Abnormal Wear:

Properly aligned teeth are less stressful on the supporting bone and jaw joints.

 

More Beautiful Smile:

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign will  make you feel less self-conscious and more confident.

 

 


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Damon System

Damon System

Damon self-ligating system

Damon System braces use a unique slide mechanism that reduces pressure on your teeth and allows them to move more comfortably to their correct position..  The days of having braces tightened are over. This revolutionary new approach to orthodontics ensures greater comfort throughout treatment.

 

With the Damon System we can treat most cases without extractions.  No one likes to have teeth removed, and a smile with a full display of teeth often produces a broader, natural smile and a nicer profile.

 

 


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Bio-Adaptive Therapy:

 

A Breakthrough in Orthodontic Treatment

 

There is a new treatment approach I have implemented that vastly improves patient care and diagnosis.  I am excited to share with you a truly revolutionary advancement in the clinical treatment of our patients.  Is is called bio-adaptive therapy.

 

This innovative treatment approach combines cutting-edge materials and techniques that are designed to virtually eliminate the friction seen in conventional appliances.  Without friction, we can now move teeth faster and with remarkably light forces that preserve blood flow.

 

Also, the bracket that we use with this technique are more patient friendly.  Aside from being more comfortable, they are aesthetically pleasing.  They are half metal and half ceramic.  This makes them appear smaller and the ceramic make the edges smoother.  They are self-ligating, so they don't require the "ties" to hold the wire.  This makes it much easier to keep them clean.

 

What does this mean for you as a patient?  We can give  beautiful smiles and faces, with fewer appointments and far less discomfort.  Another advantage is that often we can do this without extractions, RPEs, or surgery.  Please contact me if you would like to set up your complimentary consultation.

 

 


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Treatment Planning

Face Driven Treatment Planning

Recently, there has been a shift from merely looking at the teeth, to looking at the whole face and determining the effect that orthodontics will have on it.  We are now treatment planning so that we will obtain the best facial aesthetics not only now but also forty years down the road.  It is well documented that as people age, their lip support decreases and their profiles flatten.  The upper lip becomes longer and the upper incisor display decreases.  In patients with flat profiles as teenagers, extracting teeth can flatten the profile even more.  This will then prematurely age the face.  On the other hand, patients with extremely protrusive facial profiles and very little crowding may need extractions to balance the face and put the muscles in harmony with the underlying alveolar bone.  All of this is what we term facial driven treatment planning.

 


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The MARA Appliance

The Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance

The MARA appliance was a joint creation in 1991 by Dr. Douglas Toll of Germany and Dr. Jim Eckhart from California. The MARA was similar to the Herbst appliance, but low in bulk, easily tolerated by patients and has reduced breakage issues.
     As demand for the MARA has increased over the years, the appliance has been modified, simplifying an already simple alternative to the Herbst. The appliance now comes in a variety of designs enhancing patient comfort and advancement capabilities as well as accommodating expansion in the upper and/or lower arches.
     As the orthodontist becomes comfortable in their command of the appliance, the simplicity of design becomes more appreciated because there is little to master.

Benefits of MARA Appliance

  • The patient's profile immediately looks better after the appliance has been inserted.

  • Class II malocclusions are treated more efficiently, making treatment much easier on the orthodontist, staff, patients, and parents.

  • The MARA gives an immediate distal movement to the upper first molars and a simultaneous mesial to buccal rotation. (At the appropriate time, these movements will need to be stopped.)

  • Stainless steel crowns are easy to fit and have more retention than bands.

  • There are no removable parts, so cooperation is not an issue and treatment time is more predictable.

  • Breakage is minimal and hygiene is not a problem.

  • Orthodontic appliances can be worn in conjunction with the MARA.


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 Implants for orthodontic anchorage

Many different types of implants are being applied today to assist in moving teeth.  These include palatal implants, retromolar implants and mini-screws.  Different versions can be used to treat Class11 and Class111 problems, adult dentitions with missing teeth or collapsed dentitions and congenitally missing teeth.  Implants are being used to treat cases that we previously had to treat with orthognathic surgery.  They can also be used to reduce treatment times.  The side picture is a palatal implant attached to an appliance used to distalized the upper molars.  This patient was an adult with a Class 11 malocclusion.  The alternative was extraction of the upper bicuspids or orthognathic surgery.  Now we can use the implant for absolute anchorage and distalize the upper arch without compromising facial esthetics.

 


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Headgear

Orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment for some patients. Headgear creates forces that guide the growth of the face and jaws. It also is used to move teeth into better positions or to prevent teeth from moving.

Maintaining constant use of your headgear will achieve the best results. If instructions on usage are not followed, treatment will take longer and our treatment plan may have to change.

Your teeth may be tender for the first few days of wearing your headgear. This tenderness will disappear as you adjust to the new pressures.

Let us know if you continue to be uncomfortable for more than a few days. Wearing headgear is necessary for your treatment. Follow the instructions exactly, and you will complete your treatment without any changes in your treatment plan.


Bring your headgear with you to every appointment.

  • Always be careful when removing your headgear. If the headgear is removed carelessly, the part that fits in your mouth and attaches to your teeth could injure your lips, cheeks, face and possibly your eyes.

  • Never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected.

  • Never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected.

  • Never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected.

 


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Retainers

Once the active period of treatment is completed, your braces are removed. The next step is called retention. Retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. You must wear your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost.

We will determine how long you need to wear your retainer. Time varies with each patient. Some people may need retainers for an extended period of time in order to eliminate shifting of the teeth. In some cases, permanent retention may be necessary.

The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!


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