Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper occlusal foundation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontist by the time they reach age 7 for early detection of any potential problems. By the age of 7, some of the permanent teeth have erupted, so that most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. At this stage of mixed dentition, we can spot potential orthodontic problems related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth. Some growth-related orthodontic problems are easier to correct when they are identified early…while the facial bones are still growing.

As orthodontists, we are uniquely trained and qualified to diagnose early problems and treat them before more significant issues occur. Early treatment is perhaps the most important treatment to our patients. Growth and development can be guided to give our patients a balanced and harmonious structural base (bone) on which their teeth can then be made to fit perfectly.

An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child’s particular jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for the optimal results. Early treatment, or phase one therapy, may be needed to create a better environment to idealize the occlusion for the patient or possibly create an environment to avoid treatment forever. An early orthodontic examination does not always result in immediate treatment. After evaluating your child, we may simply want to monitor your child periodically while the permanent teeth erupt and the jaws and face continue to develop.

Most orthodontic problems are ideally treated during this time. Usually, all or most permanent teeth are erupted and patients are at one of their most active phases of growth. This is a great time to correct most problems, as the jaws are actively growing and their growth can be easily modified during this time. In order to minimize patient involvement during the treatment process, we work very hard to maximize ideal treatment goals with our adolescent patients.

Adolescence is the time of our lives when other people’s opinions about us and how we look are of prime importance. Self-esteem and assurance are critical in how we develop into adulthood. Having straight teeth and a beautiful smile increases our confidence and how others perceive us. Contact us to learn more!

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it is never too late to improve your smile. Our team works with our adult patients to address all of their individual concerns.

Most adults seeking orthodontic care either had braces when they were younger and did not wear their retainers or were unable to afford treatment at the time. Either way, adults understand the value of straightening their teeth for aesthetic reasons and also a health perspective.

Retainers – Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear them may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.

Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely.

Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures are hot. The retainers should be cleaned before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.

Fast – Shortens overall treatment time by up to four months as it treats Class II correction at the beginning of the orthodontic treatment when there are no competing forces in the mouth caused by brackets or other appliances.

Gentle – The low force of the Motion 3D Class II Appliance is gentle on our patients, and its low-profile design is very comfortable to wear. By treating the Class II platform first, it simplifies the entire treatment for you, and provides greater comfort.

Natural – Mimicking a human hip ball-socket joint, the Motion 3D Class II Appliance allows the first molar to rotate and upright in its natural and correct finishing position, producing a continuous, natural, and uniform force for distal molar movement with controlled rotation and tipping correction. Built-in stops engineered in the appliance prevent the molars from over-rotating and the crowns from distal tipping. The Motion 3DClass II Appliance’s low forces are biologically compatible during treatment.