Orthodontics

Why Straighten Teeth?
Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, even headaches and sometimes jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Teeth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults.

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image—important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life.

There are psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about.

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 the vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

Early Warning Signs Indicating it is Time for an Orthodontic Exam

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty in chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Today's Orthodontic Treatment
A study of mothers, conducted on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) finds 86 percent of mothers reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children's experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them feel good about their orthodontic treatment, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

• creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• preserving space for unerupted teeth
• reducing the need for tooth removal
• reducing treatment time with braces

Mothers Report Braces One of the Best Investments
While the perceptions and attitudes surrounding braces have changed over the years, the goal of orthodontic treatment remains the same - to help each patient achieve a beautiful smile. In fact, 78 percent of mothers who had braces as a child believe braces are one of the best investments their parents made for them.

More Comfortable and a Better Experience
A perception of orthodontic treatment is that it seems to be easier than ever and more enjoyable for today's patients. A majority of mothers reported that while wearing braces used to be a less comfortable and a lengthier process, new technologies and orthodontic options are making their children's experience more enjoyable. Most also described the experience of visiting the orthodontist office as fun, and 81 percent rated their child's experience of visiting the orthodontist as positive or extremely positive. Don’t let old perceptions taint your new experience with the way orthodontics can build your beautiful smile in comfort and style.