Ultimately, the orthodontic treatment you obtain will depend on your specific situation and the condition of your teeth. Fortunately, with the appropriate orthodontic and dental care, there is never a smile that can’t be saved. Braces are commonly used to fix a multitude of problems. They can help to provide adequate space between teeth when they are crowded together. This occurs commonly when there is inadequate space in the jaw to hold the teeth, which can result in many additional problems. Braces may also be used to fix overbites, underbites, teeth that are spaced too far apart, and many other issues.

In certain situations, additional appliances may be required in order to completely resolve an existing issue. For example, an appliance that is designed to retrain the tongue may be necessary to fix an open bite. Retainers are often implemented following orthodontic treatment to solidify the new placement of the teeth and ensure that they do not regress to their previous state. Bridges and implants can be used to replace teeth that are missing in the mouth, which can protect the smile from issues like jawbone deterioration and shifting of the teeth. Invisalign is another alternative that may be used in place of braces in specific situations. In extreme situations, surgical orthodontics may be implemented to restore the smile to a healthy, beautiful appearance.

Many people forego orthodontic treatment that they need due to the prospect of having very visible braces on their teeth for a prolonged period of time. Fortunately, new innovations in orthodontic technology have allowed Invisalign to be a viable alternative for straightening teeth without the use of braces. Invisalign implements a series of clear aligners placed over the teeth. Each aligner is worn for 2 weeks. They should be removed only to clean the teeth and to eat or drink. Invisalign use requires an appointment with us every 6 weeks, which means that you’ll spend less time in our office than you would with braces.

There are multiple benefits to using Invisalign as your teeth straightening method. Invisalign doesn’t put any restrictions on what you are allowed to eat or drink, as the aligners are removable. This feature also makes it much easier to keep your teeth clean, as there are no special tools required to clean underneath their surfaces. They tend to be much more comfortable than braces, as well, because there are no metals or wires that can irritate the inside lining of the mouth. Each Invisalign aligner is created with advanced 3D computer imaging technology, which allows them to be completely customized to your smile!

Orthognathic surgery is used in severe cases to help restore the smile and jaw to a healthy, functioning condition. This type of treatment is often used to help restore bad bites and jawbone abnormalities. It is generally only undertaken as a treatment method for adults, because their jaws have stopped growing. It is impractical to undergo orthognathic surgery when the jaw may very well grow into alignment. Growth of the jaw may also undo progress made with orthognathic surgery, so it is only recommended for use after the jawbone has stopped growing. 

Orthognathic surgery may become necessary when there is improper alignment in the jaws and alignment can’t be achieved through the use of orthodontic appliances alone. In these situations, we work closely with expert surgeons to craft the superior treatment plan to provide you with a beautiful, healthy smile. Orthognathic surgery is often followed with the use of braces and retainers to ensure that the teeth can be straightened properly and don’t regress to their prior condition.

Conventional methods for taking impressions of the teeth have never been particularly comfortable for patients. These methods use trays and an unpleasant, goopy mixture that must remain in the mouth for several minutes to harden and form an impression. In addition, these methods often require multiple rounds to provide an effective, accurate impression of the teeth and soft tissues structures within the mouth. To enhance the experience of our patients, we use an iTero scanner to take digital impressions of the mouth. 

The digital impressions created by our iTero scanner are more accurate, which allows us to provide more effective treatment for our patients. This method is also much more comfortable. The iTero scanner works by using a radiation-free laser to scan the inside of the mouth. This process takes roughly 2 or 3 minutes to create a 3D impression of soft tissue structures and teeth. Despite the availability of flavored mixtures to take your conventional impression, having a convention impression taken has never been pleasant. The days of trays and goopy substances are over. ITero digital impression methods ensure that your visit will be as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Many people think only of traditional braces when they consider the concept of braces, but there are many additional types of braces that can also be implemented to effectively straighten the teeth. The ideal type of braces will depend on your teeth and what orthodontic treatment is required. Traditional braces use metal brackets and archwires to guide the teeth into place. This method uses elastics, which requires orthodontic visits on a monthly basis. Self-litigating braces, on the other hand, don’t require the use of elastics. The use a specialized clip to ensure that the metal components stay in place. This helps to reduce pressure on the teeth, while still gently straightening them. 

Clear braces are created from ceramic materials. These braces are precisely what they sound like; braces that are created from clear materials. This makes them far less noticeable, which is why these braces are used most often for those who are concerned about the appearance of braces on their teeth. They are larger and more brittle than alternative braces, so they do require special attention and care. Another method for virtually invisible teeth straightening is with the use of clear aligners, such as Invisalign. These clear aligners don’t require any restrictions to food and drink, as they can be removed for these processes. This also makes it easier to effectively clean the teeth while they are being straightened.

Emergencies when it comes to orthodontic treatment are uncommon, but they can occur. Most types of orthodontic treatment require appliances to be installed into the mouth, so appliance malfunctions are the most common reason for emergency orthodontic care. These issues may occur due to a wire sliding out of place, loose pieces on the appliances, or pieces that are poking into the cheeks or gum. You should contact our office immediately if you are experiencing severe pain or have an orthodontic appliance problem that you are unable to resolve on your own. 

Soreness in the days following the installation of braces is extremely common and nothing to worry about. Braces also often cause irritation to the inside of the mouth. The soreness should subside within a few days and the irritation will go away once the mouth has had the chance to adjust to the new surface over the teeth. However, if a wire has come loose from your braces, you may be able to use tweezers to maneuver it back into place. Orthodontic wax can be implemented to cover pieces that are cutting into the inside of your cheeks or gums. As a final method for relieving pain, you may be able to use fingernail clippers to cut off an offending piece of wire. Even if you have found a way to resolve the pain, you should contact our office immediately to ensure that we can fix any existing issues with your orthodontic appliance.