Orthodontics is the process of using appliances to align teeth over a period of time. The teeth shift due to the gentle, controlled forces placed on them with braces or clear aligners to guide them to their ideal positions over a period of time.
The reason tooth movement happens is that bone tissue is broken down and rebuilt over time. When teeth have moved into the desired location, active treatment ends. This is when most patients will wear retainers. These devices give the new bone structure a chance to harden and support the newly aligned teeth.
Metal braces are a highly versatile method of orthodontic correction used to correct a wide range of issues, including problems with jaw position, bite, and severely crooked teeth.
Using a wire and bracket system, pressure is exerted on the teeth to move them towards the proper position over time. Due to their flexibility and versatility, metal braces are usually recommended for more serious orthodontic cases.
AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that every child be seen by an orthodontist by age 7 for screening to determine proper growth and development of teeth and facial structures.
Our patients range in age from first grade children well into adulthood. Before beginning orthodontic treatment, most (but not all) patients have their permanent teeth in place. There is no upper age limit for orthodontics, and our practice treats individuals into their 80s. Contact us to schedule an evaluation to determine the best timing for orthodontic treatment.
At your 1st complimentary consultation visit, we provide comprehensive records including photographs, digital scan of the teeth and bite, and X-rays to help with the consultation. Dr. (name) will meet you, listen to your concerns, examine you, provide explanation of the diagnosis and thoroughly review the customized treatment plan options. Upon agreement on a plan, you will be scheduled to start your treatment either the same day or on a convenient day that works for you.
The clear, plastic aligners of the Invisalign system are nearly invisible to the naked eye. A common tell of Invisalign is that speech can be affected until the wearer gets used to the aligners, but it usually only takes about a week to acclimate to the device. This means that no one will need to know that you’re straightening your teeth, unless you want them to!
However, it’s important to care for your aligners in order to keep them clear. Drinking any beverage beside water while wearing your aligners can stain them, especially coffee, tea and wine. You should also clean your aligners every night to prevent them from becoming stained or yellowed.
Each case is unique and the cost is dependent on the length and complexity of the treatment. After the initial evaluation, our staff will provide pricing information and establish a payment plan that works for your budget. During that time, we’ll provide information about how to maximize insurance benefits, discuss flex spending accounts, and highlight our financing options for braces and Invisalign. We are committed to transparency and ensuring you know what to expect before beginning treatment. Because Dr. (name) is a top 1% Invisalign Diamond Plus provider, his experience and expertise allow him to complete cases earlier at a more affordable value to patients.
Our orthodontist conducts a full assessment to determine the best course of treatment for each patient based on their orthodontic needs and preferences. Because of Dr. (name) vast experience, he is able to treat most cases with Invisalign. Invisalign offers several benefits for patients:
In most cases, the cost between the Invisalign and metal braces at Airport Dent is the same (with exception to insurance fees). The decision is made in consideration of patient preferences.
For Invisalign, once every 8-12 weeks and metal braces once every 6-8 weeks.
The treatment length is dependent on the objectives, patients’ preferences and complexity of the case. Most Invisalign cases can be completed between 12-18 months, and some milder cases require only 6 months of treatment. For patients with braces, treatment takes between 16 and 24 months. Each case is unique: your orthodontist will be able to determine the precise length of your specific treatment, whether it’s braces or Invisalign.
At the completion of your treatment, we offer complimentary retainers and retainers checks. Enjoy your smile!
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