Your family dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw and tooth alignment. Mal positioned teeth are more difficult to clean and maintain and can lead to tooth decay, worsen gum disease, and premature tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can lead to abnormal tooth wear, inefficient function, abnormal tooth wear, and excessive stress on the masticatory system. In the long run orthodontic treatment may be less expensive than extensive dental care that may be required in the future. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from two to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.

Results

We strive to provide the best orthodontic results possible. Because of several limiting factors, an ideal textbook result may not always be attainable. Variations in tooth form, size, and color as well as differences in jaw size and form, functional issues, uncorrectable habits, and abnormal growth patterns may require a compromise result.