Orthodontics


Orthodontics do more than straighten teeth. Today's orthodontics (also called dentofacial orthopedics) can help you have a more attractive profile and healthier jaw joints, teeth and gums. While treatment may take longer for adults than for teenagers, today's braces are less noticeable and more comfortable than ever. This will help your dentist explain your orthodontic problem and your individualized treatment plan.




Why Orthodontics?


If you have an uneven profile or crowded teeth, you may be self-conscious about your smile. Orthodontics helps you have straight, even teeth that are healthier, easier to clean and more likely to stay with you throughout life. You'll also have less chance of gum disease, tempromandibular Joint Dysfunction (T.M.J) , and can chew and swallow better for proper digestion.




Your Evaluation


Before recommending treatment, your dentist examines your profile, teeth and jaws, and watches how you bite and swallow. Your medical and dental history is reviewed. If you're seeking cosmetic changes in your smile or profile, you'll be asked about the specific changes you have in mind.


Orthodontic treatment is indicated for many different reasons, such as:


Esthetics (excessive spaces between teeth, overlapped and crowded teeth, teeth that are crooked).


Periodontal health (overlapped or crowded teeth are harder to keep clean and act as plaque traps). Orthodontics may be indicated to prevent advancement of gum disease.


Restoring proper occlusion (improving the relationship of how teeth function and come together).


Improving patient's profile (if teeth meet better, they function better and support the facial form better).


Gaining proper space necessary for restorative procedures.


If teeth adjacent to previous extractions have been allowed to rotate or tilt, they will often require up-righting prior to placing implants or bridges.


Exposing and tracking teeth into proper position (teeth that were impacted and never erupted into the mouth).


There are many other indications for orthodontic treatment which must be evaluated by the doctor for one's specific needs. We provide, upon patient's request, tooth color or conventional metal braces. The duration and cost of the treatment varies from one individual to another, depending on classification of the case.