Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are one of the most common types of appliances or devices used to make these corrections.

An orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has completed two to three years of additional training after graduating from dental school. An orthodontist not only straightens teeth but is also interested in the bite, facial profile, oral growth, and overall health of the patient’s mouth.

Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. At times your braces may seem like they’re not doing much, but in fact, they are helping to continue your progress down the path of your treatment plan, to help you get the smile of your dreams. In order to create this gentle pressure mentioned above, we bend the arch wire to create your ideal bite and ideal tooth position. The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jawbone. With pressure on one side from the arch wire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves and new bone grows in behind it. Thanks to new materials and procedures, this process now happens faster than ever before!

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisable plastic that you simply wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you’ve always wanted. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth!

In accordance with the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), we recommend that you bring your child in for an initial orthodontic evaluation before the age of 7 years old.  At this time, the orthodontist will evaluate your child to make sure that their teeth are growing in normally and that there will be enough room for their permanent teeth.  If the doctor believes that the patient will need some treatment to correct an emerging orthodontic problem, he will then determine what type of treatment is necessary, and recommend the appropriate steps needed to help avoid a more lengthy and involved treatment in the future.

No. If the bone and gum tissue around the teeth are healthy, age is not a factor. About 40% of our orthodontic patients are adults. Adults can be treated successfully at any age. In fact, a study conducted by the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) in 2013, determined that adults are now seeking orthodontic treatment in record numbers! As more adults seek orthodontic treatment, so do their friends and family who see the noticeable changes in both the confidence, personal and professional success of their friends post-orthodontic treatment. For many adults, it is not until later in life that they finally feel they are able to treat themselves to the smile they’ve always wanted, and/or to treat orthodontic problems that have worsened over time. No matter your age, investing in orthodontic treatment is one of the best investments you can make in your overall health and wellness. According to the AAO, 92% of adults surveyed said they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults!

No. The space available for the front teeth does not increase after the permanent 6-year molars erupt. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with increasing age.

Usually, it is just the opposite. With time, orthodontic problems almost always get worse.

We inherit mouth and jaw features from our parents. Other factors such as finger sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma, or premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite.

Yes. If all the permanent teeth are erupted, utilizing Invisalign is sometimes an option. Another possibility involves using active removable retainers to align the teeth.