The Orthodontic Process
Dr. Ania now offers digital impressions for orthodontics. Digital impressions have grown in popularity as a result of them being both a more accurate and more comfortable way of getting a dental impression.
Digital impressions offer increased patient comfort by eliminating the goop and gagging that comes with traditional impressions. The 3D digital model they create captures the contours of tooth and gingival structures in great detail, producing an accurate digital orthodontic scan in just minutes.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process combining teeth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal aesthetic and functional results that will remain stable throughout your entire life.
Planning now can save your child time, money, and unnecessary pain later in life: receiving early treatment as a child may prevent the removal of permanent teeth as an adult, or the need for painful surgical procedures to realign the jaws.
Phase One: Your foundation for a beautiful smile
Phase One (early treatment) typically begins around age eight or nine.
The goal of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Oftentimes, children show early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop that Phase One treatment can correct.
Signs your child may need early orthodontic treatment
– Early or late loss of baby teeth (children typically start losing teeth around age five, and should have all their permanent teeth by age 13)
– Difficulty chewing
– Your child continues to suck their thumb after age five
– Speech impediments
– Protruding teeth
– Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes their mouth
– Crowded front teeth
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows any of the above signs, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.
Resting Period
After Phase One early treatment, there will be a resting period before the start of Phase Two. During this break, a child’s remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt.
Monitoring your progress: at the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not yet in their final positions. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic appointments for observation are typically necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
Phase Two: Perfecting your smile
The second phase begins when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires wearing braces for an average of two years. After the braces are removed, a retainer is typically worn for several years to ensure you retain your perfect smile!
Phase Two usually begins around age 11 or older.
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this positioning is established, the teeth will function together properly, allowing for a perfect smile. Phase Two usually involves full upper and lower braces.
It’s Never Too Late: Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too. If you are interested in exploring your options for orthodontic treatment as an adult, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
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Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for children and teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists cites that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment, but today there are many options for adults besides traditional metal braces, including ceramic, invisible, and lingual (behind the tooth) braces. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment later in life because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and want to feel better about their appearance.
Invisalign Braces
A brilliant smile radiates joy, good health and vitality. Are you considering orthodontics/braces? You may have another option. Let us design a smile for you that is natural and beautiful, one that will bring out your confidence. Using the Invisalign alignment system, Dr. Ania can straighten your smile using custom fit clear trays to gradually shift your teeth into place.
