Treatments
Treatment Types
Invisalign
Traditional Braces
Ceramic (clear) Braces
Champagne Braces
SPARK Aligners
Invisalign is one of our most popular treatment options amongst our patients. This system uses state-of-the-art technology to move your teeth precisely, using a sequential series of clear plastic trays. Invisalign aligners are designed from an initial mold of your teeth and incorporate the unique treatment goals specific to your case. Once your 3D animated treatment plan is finalized, the Invisalign lab will then custom create a series of clear aligners. Each tray is designed to move teeth slightly over time. Each set of clear aligners will be worn for 1-2 weeks depending on your prescription before you move on to the next set until all of the aligners in the series have been worn and your smile goals have been achieved. Invisalign aligners are an aesthetic option because they are virtually invisible. The aligners are fabricated from smooth plastic and are comfortable to wear. They are removable and can be removed for up to two hours a day. This means that you can remove your aligners to consume your favorite foods and drinks you crave without worrying about anything getting caught in your appliances. You will also be able to brush and floss your teeth normally. Invisalign treatment is ideal for your busy schedule since you will only need to visit our office every 8 weeks.
Traditional metal braces are typically composed of high grade stainless steel. Metal braces remain the most common type of fixed orthodontic appliances used today to straighten teeth. Compared to their old counterparts, today’s metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. They continue to be one of the most effective and economical alternatives for straightening teeth. Metal braces include bands that fit circumferentially around molars in the back, and compact metal brackets that are cemented to all the other teeth in the mouth. These work in conjunction with orthodontic archwires to straighter teeth and guide them into proper alignment. Metal braces offer patients the option to customize their look with colorful elastic ties – which many patients enjoy.
For patients seeking a discrete option for straightening their teeth, ceramic or clear braces are a popular treatment option. These braces are made of clear materials which makes them less visible than metal braces. However, these braces require more attention to oral hygiene and are generally larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces are typically used on the upper rather than lower teeth. Ceramic braces are recommended for use in adults and older teens who have cosmetic concerns but are also willing to take on the additional responsibility of providing extra care for their appliances.
Another aesthetic option popular amongst our adult and teen patients alike is champagne colored braces. These braces are made of stainless steel but are champagne-colored to mix better with the natural color of your smile. These braces are typically combined with clear ligatures to contribute to the camouflage effect. Champagne colored braces offer the best of both worlds – the strength and durability of a stainless steel metal bracket and the aesthetics of champagne gold. These braces are easy to place, offer a comfortable fit, and are effective at treating the vast majority of orthodontic conditions.
We are happy to introduce a new clear aligner treatment option: Spark® Clear Aligner System! Spark® Clear Aligner System is considered the “next generation” of aligners. Spark® aligners are made with TruGEN™ and TruGEN XR™ – one of the latest innovations in orthodontic clear aligner materials. TruGEN™ and TruGEN XR™ technology allow for greater contact area between the aligner and tooth, and hence better force retention and more effective force application to facilitate orthodontic movement. Spark® aligners are also clearer, more flexible and stain less than many other aligner systems. Thanks to the scalloped, smooth edges and their inherent flexibility our patients find these aligners very comfortable and easy to wear! Give us a call or schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation today to learn more about how this new innovative aligner system can enhance your smile and correct your bite!
Treatments
Two Phase Treatment
Phase I Treatment
Phase II Treatment
Comprehensive Treatment
In some cases, it is in the patient’s best interest to divide treatment into two phases.The goal of Two Phase treatment is to develop a healthy, aesthetic, stable and functional bite that will last a lifetime. Phase I treatment would begin when the patient is a child in a mixed dentition stage. The second phase would take place following a resting phase in between the first and second phases. Some orthodontic modifications can only be achieved in patients whose jaw bones have not stopped growing yet. Receiving Phase I treatment, when indicated, can be tremendously beneficial because it can help prevent the removal of permanent teeth and also may prevent the need for more invasive procedures later in life. Phase I treatment can include making room for all the permanent teeth to erupt and also improvement of the way the jaws fit together. Some of the treatments used in phase one include palatal expanders, habit appliances, partial braces, protraction facemask and functional appliances. During phase II treatment, a full set of upper and lower braces (or aligners) are typically used to move the teeth into their precise and exact positions in the mouth to fine-tune your smile and bite.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receives a comprehensive orthodontic examination by age 7. This enables your orthodontist to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your child at the most appropriate time. By this age, the child should have a mix of permanent and baby teeth that will allow the doctor to diagnose any orthodontic issues and evaluate the patient’s individual treatment needs. Some orthodontic problems are addressed best when treated early because they allow your orthodontist to take advantage of predictable stages of dental development and physical growth. Early Treatment can be thought of as the ‘Macro’ Phase – to harmonize the dental development and create a solid and stable foundation for additional dental growth and development. The goals of this phase of treatment include:
Patients who receive early treatment usually have a more predictable and simpler Phase II treatment of full braces or Invisalign aligners. Frequently, Phase I treatment enables patients to avoid more invasive treatments such as extractions and corrective jaw surgery.
Not every child needs early treatment but those who are candidates for early treatment and receive it benefit greatly.
- Harmonizing growth and development of the jaws, and promoting the desired growth of the jaws
- Regaining space in severely crowded cases to facilitate eruption of permanent teeth
- Correcting underbite or posterior crossbites
- Improve the position of the procumbent upper front teeth to reduce the risk of fracture or damage
- Correction of deleterious habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
Patients who receive early treatment usually have a more predictable and simpler Phase II treatment of full braces or Invisalign aligners. Frequently, Phase I treatment enables patients to avoid more invasive treatments such as extractions and corrective jaw surgery.
Not every child needs early treatment but those who are candidates for early treatment and receive it benefit greatly.
Phase II treatment frequently follows a ‘resting period’ upon completion of Phase I treatment. During the resting period you will be seen by your orthodontist periodically to monitor dental growth and development. The Phase II treatment can be thought of as the ‘Micro’ Phase – to move the teeth into their ideal positions in the mouth and to fine-tune the dental alignment upon the eruption of all of the permanent teeth. During phase II treatment, a full set of upper and lower braces (or aligners) are typically used to move the teeth into their precise and exact positions in the mouth to fine-tune your smile and bite. Frequently the Phase II treatment is much more straightforward and shorter in duration after the completion of Phase I treatment.
Comprehensive treatment is completed in just one phase and is also known as conventional orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive treatment typically takes 18-24 months to complete and has the same treatment goals as a two-phase treatment: correct jaw alignment and position of the teeth as needed. It typically starts upon the eruption of all permanent teeth or later. During Comprehensive orthodontic treatment we aim to develop a healthy, aesthetic, stable and functional bite that will last a lifetime. Some of the treatments used in comprehensive treatment include metal braces, ceramic braces, champagne colored braces, Invisalign aligners, and orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
Orthodontic Appliances
An orthodontic appliance is a dental device that is manufactured specifically for the treatment of a dental condition. There are many different types of orthodontic appliances, and they are used to treat issues such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, jaw irregularities, habits, and crossbites.
Removable
Fixed
Can be either fixed or removable. It holds straightened teeth in their new positions. Examples of fixed retainers include nance button or a lower lingual holding arch retainer. These two fixed retainers are commonly used after completion of early or phase I orthodontic treatment.
Metal, ceramic or champagne colored brackets cemented to individual teeth and used in conjunction with archwires to straighten and re-align teeth.
Fixed functional appliance that works by positioning the lower jaw in a more forward position; it is considered a jaw-correcting appliance.
Fixed appliance that widens or expands the upper jaw; it is frequently used for severe crowding cases, impactions and to correct crossbites.
Typically fixed appliances by design, and used to correct habits such as tongue thrusting or finger sucking. These habits can be detrimental to the alignment of the teeth and the development of the jaws if not discontinued by the age 5-6 years old.
Can be either fixed or removable. It holds straightened teeth in their new positions. Examples of removable retainers include hawley or a clear essix retainer. Removable retainers are common after completion of comprehensive treatment or phase II treatment.
Sequential series of clear plastic trays used to move teeth into their proper position.
Rubber bands that are used to fine-tune the fit of a patient’s upper teeth to lower teeth. Elastics wear is unique to each bite, and they work best when worn as prescribed by your orthodontist.
Small rubber bands that are placed between teeth in order to gain the space necessary to fit the bands around the back molar teeth at the next appointment visit. These are temporary and are usually only placed for 1-2 weeks.
An extraoral appliance worn frequently with Palatal Expander to stimulate the growth and development of the upper jaw. It is commonly used as part Early (Phase I) Treatment for underbite cases that are caused by underdeveloped upper jaw.
A customized appliance made out of plastic and worn at nights to safeguard the teeth and jaws against the adverse effects of clenching and grinding. It can help alleviate Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder symptoms.
Innovative clear aligner system fabricated with TruGEN™ and TruGEN XR™ technology. Spark is a series of clear plastic aligners (or trays) designed to sequentially move teeth into their proper position.
Retention
Once you have reached your smile goals, you have to work to maintain your teeth in their newly aligned positions. Retainers are necessary to keep your teeth in their newly corrected and straight positions indefinitely. Our goal is for your beautiful new smile to be healthy and stable – and to last a lifetime! After your braces have been removed or you have completed your Invisalign treatment, you will receive your custom retainers. There are many different types of retainers including removable and fixed options. Our doctor will review your options and make a recommendation on what retainers are best for you. Wearing your retainers as directed is crucial to safeguard your beautiful new smile, and protect your teeth against relapse or shifting from their optimally aligned positions in the mouth. During the retention phase of your treatment, we will follow your progress in retainers for 24 months at routine intervals to support and guide you during this last stage of your smile journey.