Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school, to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

"Malocclusion" literally means "bad bite."

Some people need braces more than others. There are dental problems like crowding and rotations that are not so serious. There are skeletal problems (a problem in the growth of one or both jaws), alone or in combination with dental problems, which can be complicated to treat. Braces are elective, but people seldom grow out of orthodontic problems, in fact, most orthodontic problems get worse with age.

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Better function of the teeth
• Possible increase in self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums by making it easier for you to clean your t
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
• Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth

Orthodontic treatment can be started 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 and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Usually not. The jaws grow in the back to allow for the eruption of 12-year molars and wisdom teeth, but not in the front. In most children, the available space decreases as larger permanent teeth erupt.

Either in a child or an adult, when left untreated, orthodontic problems usually become worse. Treatment by an orthodontist to correct bite problems is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop later in life.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to three years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

The actual cost of orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the severity of the problem. We will discuss fees with your before treatment begins at your complimentary initial exam. Many employer-provided insurance benefit plans now include orthodontics. This helps many patients offset the cost of treatment.

Our office offers convenient financing in which monthly installments can be arranged interest free.

We currently offer online bill pay, automatic draft, or automatic credit card payments. We also offer more traditional options when necessary to meet the needs of our patients.

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients are seen on a 4-10 week schedule though most of their treatment. There are some situations that require more frequent monitoring and will be scheduled accordingly.

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help make the most of your time. We do request that you check in with our patient manager before dropping off and again when you pick up your child to make sure that we have a chance to communicate your child's progress.

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day—after each meal and before going to bed. We will also show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces.

Brushing with braces is more difficult! - Proper oral hygiene is even more important than ever. Poor brushing can leave your teeth with ugly discolorations, stains, or even cavities around the braces!

Toothbrushes - A regular toothbrush used properly will work just fine even with braces. We will show you how to brush. Electric toothbrushes can help you do a good job but they won't do all the work for you. Water-piks will also help, but they only remove large food particles- you still have to brush!!!

Toothpaste - Any type will do but make sure your toothpaste has fluoride. It is careful, active brushing that cleans the teeth (not the toothpaste), so take your time and brush well.

Brushing Method - Brush as you normally would (after every meal) but make sure to get above and below the brace on each tooth. It is especially important to clean between the braces and the gums.

Flossing - Last, but not least! Yes, you can and must floss with braces. Again, we will show you how. As with brushing, this also takes a bit longer to do but is very important.

No! Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

Yes. There is no reason to have to miss school after an orthodontic appointment.

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Many patients describe the discomfort as an "ache" or a "bruise". Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth. Please see the emergency care section for helpful hints on how to adjust to these times.

The good news is that new techniques and materials used by orthodontists today have decreased the discomfort of wearing braces and have also decreased the frequency of visits and overall treatment time

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups. Your dentist is an important part of our team in keeping your smile healthy and beautiful.

Retainers do exactly what their name says: they retain your teeth from moving out of alignment, usually after braces have been removed. Some retainers are fixed in place but can also be removable. Some removable appliances are specially designed to move teeth or align jaws and probably should not be called "retainers" although for convenience, they often are.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Give clear, tooth-colored braces(ceramic braces)a try. We have the latest in tooth-colored brackets if you prefer the ultimate in cosmetics. They cost a little bit more than the metal brackets, but some people prefer them. Our metal brackets are low profile and very small, so they are very cosmetic as well!

Rubber bands or elastics contribute a lot to straighter teeth. They are marvels of physics. Attached to your braces, elastics exert the force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth in the directions that the braces alone can't. It's important to wear your elastics as prescribed and change them several times throughout the day, so the force is constant, which the teeth like. A lack of consistency in wearing rubber bands can bring treatment to a standstill.

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12 to 21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goals of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One is called the "resting period", during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.