We offer clear as well as metallic braces for adults and adolescents
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. With these you have the option of adding colored elastics for a more unique and colorful smile.
The ceramic braces are made of a clear material and are consequently less visible on your teeth. For this reason ceramic braces are placed more often on adults and patients who have cosmetic concerns; They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts so they are mainly placed on the upper front teeth rather than on the lowers.
Early Treatment
It has been recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that a child be seen at the first sign of an orthodontic problem or no later than 7 years of age. At this initial visit it may be that nothing is required, but a thorough examination can determine the optimal time to begin treatment. Because at this age the adult first molars and incisors have erupted and the front to back and side to side relationships of the teeth and jaws can be properly evaluated.
There are many advantages to early treatment:
- Room can be established for crowded un-erupted teeth
- Facial symmetry can be established by enhancing jaw growth
- Crossbites are eliminated
- The risk of trauma to protruding teeth is reduced
- Future permanent teeth extractions are avoided
- Treatment time with braces is reduced
Why should a malocclusion be treated?
- Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss which may result in tooth decay and/or gum disease
- Crossbites can result in future TMJ problems
- Protruding teeth are much more susceptible to accidental trauma
- Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting and speech impediments
Adolescent Treatment
The most common time for orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 11 and 15. At this time the child normally has all his permanent teeth and the full impact of the malocclusion is evident. The timing is good because many negative associations of braces are not present. Since so many friends and classmates are wearing braces also, they feel that they fit in. Also at this age, children are undergoing growth spurts, and the orthodontist can take advantage of their rapid growth to shape the bite and jaw relationships correctly. A healthy bite and beautiful smile can work wonders to help develop the self esteem of a child.
Adult Treatment
Braces are not just for kids anymore. Twenty percent of orthodontic patients are adults. Age is not a factor as long as the underlying bone and gum tissue are healthy. Many parents feel that they have fulfilled their obligation in taking care of their children and now it is their turn. We offer ceramic braces made from a clear material when cosmetics is a concern. Adults agree it is never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.
TMJ – Temporo -Mandibular Joint
There are approximately 34 million Americans who suffer from TMJ dysfunction. These people will experience clicking and popping and/or pain in the joints in front of their ears. Sometimes the jaw will lock so that there is restriction in opening the mouth at all. This disorder can also cause “referred pain” to other parts of the body such as earaches, temporal headaches possibly radiating down the neck to the back and shoulders. The cause may be a poor relationship between your upper and lower jaws or teeth, or it could be due to trauma from an automobile or bike accident, or from a fall. This problem is often treated very successfully with a simple mouthpiece that hardly shows and is custom fitted.