Welcome to our office.

What is Orthodontics? What are braces?

Orthodontics is a specialty in which one must first attend dental school followed by years of specialized training in field of Orthodontics. Conventional braces are appliances that are generally placed on the front surface of the teeth. They are fabricated of either metal, ceramic or gold. We also offer the newest trend of Orthodontics known as Invisalign. These appliances are different than conventional braces in that they are removable and invisible. Conventional braces are applied to the teeth using a dental bonding adhesive. A thin metal wire is then placed into each bracket secured by molar bands attached to the top and bottom of the rear molar teeth. The skill of the orthodontist is to position each bracket and secure the wire in order to achieve the desired Orthodontic result.

How do I know I need braces?

Usually your General Dentist will mention the need for Orthodontics to you during one of your routine visits. Whether or not your General Dentist suggests the need, you may be able to look in the mirror and tell. If your teeth overlap, one on top of or behind another, if they are crowded and there seems to be too many teeth pushing together, or if there are spaces or gaps between your teeth, you are probably a good candidate for braces. If you have teeth that protrude (stick out ) or seem too far back, if you can't seem to clean well between your teeth or if you experience a "clicking or popping" sound when you chew, you may be a candidate for Orthodontic treatment.

Will it hurt?

Moving teeth is what Orthodontics is all about. This may sound worse than it actually feels! There may be some slight pressure as teeth move from their misaligned (crooked) position to their new position. Generally, your typical over-the-counter pain relief medication is all you would need to ease any discomfort. In Orthodontics, there are no needles, no anesthesia and no invasive procedures are required.

How old is too old?

You're never too old! The age for Orthodontics is usually ten to sixty years! There are some orthodontic patients younger than 10 and older than 60 years of age! As long as the teeth and gums are sound, you're never too old.

How Long will it take?

The length of Orthodontics treatment depends upon many variables. Severity of each individual case is one determining factor. Each person responds to treatment differently. You may progress rapidly or your treatment may take more time. Patient cooperation is also a factor in the length of treatment; keeping regular monthly appointments, taking care of appliances by following your suggested food guidelines (for example, no nuts, hard, sticky or chewy foods and no eating ice) and keeping your teeth and gums clean are all factors in determining your length of treatment.

Smile with confidence !!