About Orthodontics

Why Braces?

For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. At our office, we strongly believe that the key to self-confidence is feeling good about yourself. Your smile can reflect your confidence, but more importantly, it can build your confidence. A person who is happy with their smile will smile more, creating a positive image. It's no coincidence that the people we like to be around the most are happy and confident people. Orthodontics is the key to an attractive smile and self-confidence.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.