Your First Visit The initial examination is our evaluation and fact finding stage of treatment. At this appointment we will introduce you to our staff, provide you with a tour of our office and introduce you to the doctor who will be treating you. We will then gather the necessary personal information and preliminary clinical information required for us to make a clinical recommendation. We will explain the orthodontic process, present you with a demonstration of the various steps of the evaluation and record taking and will take what is referred to as study records. The study records are needed prior to treatment in order to prepare a case analysis and a comprehensive treatment plan. These records consist of impressions for models, photographs, and x-rays of your teeth. During this case presentation, we will be discussing all future treatment objectives and the orthodontics method by which these goals will be accomplished. Both the patient and parent of our younger patients should be present at this time, since the responsibilities of all parties involved will be discussed

Right Age For TreatmentYoung children:

We recommend that a child receive his or her first orthodontics examination no later than age 7. Early diagnosis and treatment can correct small problems before they become big problems. Typical signs of the need for an orthodontic exam may include, but are not limited to the early or late loss of teeth, difficulty in chewing, mouth-breathing, finger sucking, crowded teeth, jaw dysfunction, a sunken or protruding jaw or misaligned teeth. Signs of potential orthodontic problems may not be obvious. Our initial exams are no-charge and are the most sensible means to assure proper oral health.

Early diagnosis and treatment in many cases can help to avoid more extensive treatment in the future years after the jaw and face have developed. Multi-phase, early interception treatment is not always necessary but will be recommended when early treatment can benefit your child.

Adolescents:

A healthy smile is a confident smile, and we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to smile with confidence. Orthodontic treatment can provide your teenager with the opportunity to feel good about themselves and smile with confidence.

Orthodontics is more than straightening crooked teeth. An overbite, under bite, a dysfunctional smile and a sunken or protruding chin, are problems that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth and jaw alignment are critical to achieving long-term oral health.

Adults:

Today's general public is typically very well informed, especially when it comes to proper oral health. What adults may not know is that it is never too late to realize a perfect and healthy smile for themselves. Adult orthodontic treatment is becoming more and more popular every day. Advances in technology now provide for more discriminate treatment and quicker results.

First Days With Braces The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth sets rapidly initially, but takes 24-hours to completely cure. You can eat any time after leaving our office however, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods that may be harmful to the braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.

Will Braces cause discomfort?

Initially the braces feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have "toughened", you may find it helpful to use a small piece of wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation.

Invisalign Invisalign's® invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners will give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. And best of all, no one can tell you're wearing them. Invisalign is great for adults and teenagers.

What is Invisalign®?

• Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.
• Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
• Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide

How Does Invisalign® Work?

• You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the their final position.
• You'll visit us about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
• Total treatment time averages 9 - 15 months and the average number of aligners during treatment is between 18 - 30, but both will vary from case to case.

How Are Aligners Made? You'd Be Amazed...

• The aligners are made through a combination of our expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology.

Visit the Invisalign® website