An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional 2-3 years of training in the specialty of orthodontics. They are the most well qualified experts in dentistry for managing tooth movement and guiding facial development.

According to the American Board of Orthodontics, a board certified orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an American Dental Association accredited graduate program in the specialty of orthodontics and continues to qualify his/her credentials by successfully completing a rigorous certification process. Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence. Learn more here →

Orthodontic treatment can start at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7; however, more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve the way their teeth look and function. 20-25% of orthodontic patients today are adults.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later stage shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing. Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:

• guide jaw growth
• lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• correct harmful oral habits
• improve appearance
• guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
• improve the way lips meet

Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

If the teeth are severely crowded, unerupted permanent teeth may remain impacted or erupt in undesirable positions. Along with orthodontic treatment, sequential removal of baby teeth and possibly permanent teeth can improve a severe crowding problem.

If a growing child has a severe jaw length discrepancy (lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw), orthodontic appliances (coupled with the child’s growth) can be implemented to help the growth of the lower jaw catch up to the growth of the upper jaw. Early treatment while the child is still growing can reduce the chances of needing surgery to correct the discrepancy.

Yes. Extra care should be given when participating in sports or physical activity during orthodontic treatment. Wearing a mouth guard is strongly recommended to protect your smile.

Yes. An initial period of adjustment and adaptation may be required.

Treatment times vary and depend on the individual patient. It is influenced by the growth rate of the child, severity of the correction necessary, patient compliance/cooperation, oral hygiene, and maintenance of appointments. Average treatment time is 18-24 months.

Braces usually do not hurt. You may feel some discomfort and soreness for several days as your teeth, cheeks and gums get used to your new braces. Any standard pain medication can help during the adjustment period but is not necessary thereafter.

Braces are prescribed and designed according to the problem being treated. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position.

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. The goal of Phase I treatment is to help guide the jaw in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and to improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Examples of this treatment are: making more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Early treatment can avoid the need to extract permanent teeth or surgical intervention later.

Phase II, or comprehensive treatment, involves full braces when all the permanent teeth have erupted. The goal of Phase II treatment is to guide teeth to its ideal position in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position. Retainers are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions. They are necessary to ensure your smile remains beautiful.

True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they do occur we are available to help you. Please contact the office if you have any questions or concerns. Prompt repairs will help ensure that treatment stays on schedule. The following are situations that may arise:

1. Loose bracket or band: Placing wax on the loose appliance may relieve any discomfort it may cause.
2. Loose tie wire or elastic tie: Placing wax on the loose appliance may relieve any discomfort it may cause. You may also attempt to put the wire back into place with tweezers.
3. Soreness from braces: When you get your braces, you may feel general soreness for three to five days. This can be relieved with salt water rinses. If the discomfort is severe, any standard pain medication can help during this period.
4. Wire out of tube: Placing wax on the wire may relieve any discomfort it may cause. You may also attempt to put the wire back into place with tweezers.
5. Poking wire tie: Placing wax on the offending wire may relieve any discomfort it may cause. You may also attempt to push the wire back into place with a pencil eraser.