Early Treatment
Early
treatment refers to orthodontic care for patients with at least a few
baby teeth remaining, or normally, under 12 years old. Early treatment
constitutes a paradox of benefits and abuse because it is both a
valuable and occasionally essential service but also, in today’s
orthodontic market, a very over employed and over done treatment option
with far too many very young people in braces. Consequently, many
parents find their children in braces for way too long and spend much
more than they planned or was really needed.
We provide early
treatment options, but always within an honest and no pressure strategy
that advises against over treatment. We will not place braces on a
child until it is clearly in their best interest and within a long term
plan that is understood by and the intention of the parents.
Braces
Braces,
or what we call fixed orthodontic appliances or just appliances for
short, are a conglomeration of materials that work in unison. But in
simple terms, they can have a neutral metal look, a colorful look
(selected each appointment) or a nearly clear look to them. We will
help you select the best option for you.
Treatment with braces
is divided into full treatment, generally lasting 20 to 30 months and
limited treatment, generally lasting 6 to 18 months in duration. Teeth
will move at about the same rate in all people and this rate or speed
of movement is determined by a person’s body (a biological and
physiological process) and not by the doctor, the patient or the
appliance. Offices that advertise “six month braces” or any kind of
super quick treatment are simply going to deliver 6 months of tooth
movement but imply that it is a 24 month result, which of course, it is
not. So, don’t be fooled.
Invisalign
Invisalign
is the most common brand name of clear aligners (trays) that are worn
something like bleaching trays. They are indeed perfectly clear, are
removable and do work. They do not however, work for the typical full
treatment orthodontic case. They are best suited for limited treatment
(simple and short cases) and therefore, are not for everyone. But,
they are a great option for the right case and the right person. We
are certified Invilalign providers and only such trained and approved
providers can utilize Invisalign.
There is a wide variety of
other appliances that are used in orthodontics, too many to enumerate,
but please call us with any questions that you have about something
that you have heard of or had recommended to you.
Other Services
Other
services include occlusal equilibration of the bite, cosmetic shaping
of the teeth, occlusal guards (night guards), bleaching of the teeth,
treatment for harmful habits (eg: thumb sucking) and behavior
modification therapy for the fearful child.
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