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Braces
Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion (teeth that are crowded or crooked). In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumb-sucking. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including:
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Tooth decay
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Gum disease
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Tooth loss
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Affected speech and/or chewing
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Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
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Jaw problems
Since abnormal bites usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, orthodontic treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. That doesn’t mean that adults can’t have braces; healthy teeth can be orthodontically treated at any age. Treatment plans will vary based on your situation, but most people are in treatment from one to three years. This is followed by a period of wearing a retainer that holds teeth in their new positions. Today’s braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments. While you have braces it’s important to maintain a balanced diet for the health of your teeth. Of course, a healthy diet is always important, but eating too many sugary foods with braces can lead to plaque build-up around your brackets that could permanently stain or damage your teeth. Avoiding foods like popcorn, corn on the cob, chewing gum, whole apples,and other sticky foods is also a good idea. Ask your dentist about foods to avoid while you are in treatment. Not all of us are born with beautiful smiles, but with a good oral hygiene routine, and a little help from orthodontics, you can have a beautiful and healthy smile.
Invisaligns
Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth.The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your dentist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and recommended to be worn 21 hours per day, only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually — week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before If you want to learn more about Invisalign and how it works, please visit the Invisalign Homepage. To ensure the best possible results, only a dentist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only a dentist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, contact us to make an appointment.
TMJ Treatment
If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines it may be due to TMJ. When your temporomandibular joint is not in proper alignment, this can lead to aches and pains involving the head, jaw, neck, shoulders, and back. Headaches are one of the most common symptoms reported by those who suffer from TMJ disorders. When there are problems with your temporomandibular joint, it also affects the surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood flow. This can lead to a variety of symptoms involving discomfort and pain. When your TMJ is out of alignment, it puts a constant tension on the muscles surrounding the joint. Whenever you talk, chew, eat, yawn, breathe, or move your jaw even slightly and for any reason, it puts additional strain on your jaw muscles. They never get a chance to relax, even when you are sleeping. Those who suffer with TMJ disorders often clench their teeth, especially during the night. This adds even more tension to jaw muscles and can lead to the development of TMJ related headaches. Treatment for TMJ related headaches involves more than just treating the pain symptoms of headache. Once the issue creating the misalignment of the TMJ is treated, your headaches should go away. If you experience chronic, or frequent, headaches, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Our Doctors have the experience you need to diagnose and treat your TMJ disorders.
Orthodontics & Other Dentistry
