Crooked teeth

Aligner Excellence

February 23rd, 2022

Aligners are an integral tool of orthodontics. Like any tool, when handled properly, it can deliver fantastic results but unlike a hammer, not every patient is a nail. In other words, every patient is different and requires individual and unique treatment planning in order to be successful.

This nice lady provided an example of effective treatment planning to give her a great smile without negatively impacting her fragile gingival health. By using a combination of staged tooth movement. (i.e., moving specific teeth at specific times to avoid excessive expansion and well-designed IPR (interproximal Reduction), we were able to align her teeth for maximum health and esthetics.

IPR is where small amounts of enamel are removed from the sides of the teeth to develop space for alignment to avoid excessive expansion which can compromise the health of the gums.

Her treatment required 8 visits over 14 months

Experience and understanding of the mechanics of the tooth movement are keys to the success with any orthodontics treatment. Let us help.

Why Teeth Are Crowded?

September 9th, 2021

 

                                         HOW DID WE GET HERE?

                   

One of the most common issues we see in orthodontics is crowded teeth. Have you ever wondered why the teeth are crowded? The simple reason, besides genetics, is there is not enough space because the teeth are too big but the most often cause is the upper and the lower jaws are not big enough to accommodate the teeth. In other words, the jaws are not skeletally wide enough, if that is the case, then in most patients you would want to skeletally widen the jaws to accommodate the crowded teeth. The best time to get stabile skeletal correction with the greatest amount of ease is between 7 and 10 years old. At this age, the bones are malleable and easy to manipulate.

In this issue we show before and after photos of two 8 year olds. Both had the upper and lower jaws expanded. The things to notice are the width increase in the jaws and the natural alignment of the teeth which occurs spontaneously as the jaws are widened. This natural alignment creates stabile healthy teeth and gums, the process takes 8-10 months with 6 months of stabilization.

                          Before                                                 After

                 

               

               

                 

 

CALL TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATIONS FOR YOUR EVALUATION!

 

Increased Overbite (Class II)

July 7th, 2021

HOW DID WE GET HERE

    

The most common treatment in Orthodontics is for an increased overbite (Class II). It is also the most unpredictable because of the need for increased patient cooperation, (i.e. wearing rubber bands) the above patient had a unilateral Class II which we used braces and a TAD (Temporary Anchorage Device) to correct. The TAD takes the unpredictability out of the treatment because of the patient cooperation and the direct mechanics

Placing a TAD requires topical anesthetics. We can place one in 3 to 5 minutes. TAD’s are the way to go for predictable Class II treatment.

Also, we did some enamelplasty to smooth the rough edges on the upper front teeth (Centrals) and enamel reduction between these teeth to resolve the “black triangle.

Braces? At My Age?

September 18th, 2012

WebMD Feature By Peter Jaret Reviewed By Alfred D. Wyatt Jr., DMD

Feel a little self conscious about your crooked teeth? You aren’t alone. Thankfully, braces aren't just for kids any more. Today, adults make up nearly 20% of brace wearers, says Michael B. Rogers, DDS, president of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Although there are many reasons for adults to consider braces, most people simply want to look and feel their best. Here are a few leading reasons to make a trip to the orthodontist:

 A straighter smile. It’s no surprise that many people want to perfect their pearly whites to achieve a winning smile. And, those smiles pay off. A recent study compared people's reactions to photos that were manipulated to show either straight or crooked teeth. People with straight teeth rated higher on scores of leadership, popularity, and sports ability. (The only score that didn't change was intelligence.)

Shifting teeth. Just because you had braces as a kid doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. "Teeth tend to move a little throughout your life," Rogers says. "Your teeth may shift a little back toward their original positions."

Better oral health. It’s no surprise that straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. So -- if you’re doing your part -- expect less decay and healthier gums, says Pamela K. McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Antibacterial mouth rinses can also help keep your teeth and gums free of plaque-causing bacteria that can lead to gingivitis, an early, mild form of gum disease.

Braces can help people manage some more serious issues, too, like bite problems that cause jaw pain. In some cases, braces are necessary to change the position of neighboring teeth for a new bridge, crown, or implant.

New Options

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days when kids were called "Brace Face." Today’s options are barely noticeable. They include:

  • Ceramic braces made of a clear material that is much less obvious than traditional metal braces.
  • Customized plastic aligners that fit like tooth guards over teeth, gently moving them into a new position.

 What to Expect

How long you'll need to wear braces depends on what you have done. Most treatments range from 6 to 20 months. Once teeth are in the desired position, you are likely to need to wear a retainer. Many orthodontists now recommend permanent retainers that are fitted and attached to the back of teeth.