ortho
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Benefits of Orthodontics
1. Increased Confidence
An attractive smile increases self-esteem, confidence, and overall appearance. Helping people experience a beautifully straight smile gives them the freedom to share their smile often.
2. Lifelong Oral Health
Orthodontically corrected teeth and bites lead to better lifelong oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean and less prone to chipping and tooth wear. This can help with reducing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease as well as we age.
Common Reasons for Orthodontic Care
- Teeth crowding
- Jaw misalignment (open bite, overbite, underbite)
- Missing teeth
- Spacing issues
- Protruding front teeth
Two-Phase Treatment
At our practice, we offer Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment—a specialized approach designed to guide proper jaw development and ensure the best long-term results for your child’s smile. This method involves two distinct stages of care, typically beginning in childhood and continuing into the early teen years.
Two-Phase Treatment is not necessary for every child, but for those with developing bite or jaw issues, it can help:
- Prevent more severe problems later
- Reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery
- Improve facial balance and oral function
- Create a more stable, lasting result
Phase One:
Early Intervention (Ages 6-10)
The first phase focuses on jaw growth and alignment, helping to ensure there’s enough space for incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment may help correct bite issues (such as crossbites or underbites), reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, and address harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking. Common appliances during this stage include expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers.
Phase Two:
Final Alignment (Ages 11-13+)
Once most or all of the permanent teeth have grown in, Phase Two begins. This stage is focused on perfecting the bite and aligning all teeth for optimal function and aesthetics. Full braces or clear aligners are typically used to fine-tune the smile and ensure lasting results.
Resting Period
After Phase One, we enter a monitoring phase—no active treatment is needed, but your child’s growth and dental development will be carefully observed. This period allows permanent teeth to finish erupting naturally.
Why Choose Two-Phase Treatment?
Two-Phase Treatment is not necessary for every child, but for those with developing bite or jaw issues, it can help:
- Prevent more severe problems later
- Reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery
- Improve facial balance and oral function
- Create a more stable, lasting result
Early Interceptive Treatment
Early interceptive orthodontic treatment helps maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.
ORTHO FOR ALL
At our practice, we provide personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages—because a healthy, confident smile is possible at any stage of life. Here's how treatment differs for children, teens, and adults:
Child Orthodontics (Ages 6–10)
Early orthodontic care, also known as Phase 1 treatment, focuses on guiding proper jaw growth, correcting bite issues, and creating space for incoming permanent teeth. Starting treatment during this developmental window can help prevent more serious problems later on. Children may benefit from appliances like expanders, space maintainers, or partial braces. This phase is ideal for addressing habits such as thumb-sucking or mouth breathing, and for improving how the teeth and jaws develop.
Teen Orthodontics (Ages 11–17)
The teenage years are the most common time for orthodontic treatment. By this age, most or all permanent teeth have come in, and the jaw is still actively growing—making it an ideal time to correct misaligned teeth and bite issues. Teens often receive full braces or clear aligners like Invisalign Teen. Treatment is typically faster and more effective during this stage thanks to natural growth and high bone responsiveness.
Adult Orthodontics (Ages 18+)
It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Adult orthodontics focuses on improving aesthetics, function, and long-term oral health. Modern options such as clear aligners and ceramic braces make it easier than ever to straighten teeth discreetly. We also work closely with general dentists and specialists in the area to coordinate care for patients needing restorations or dental implants, as well as those with gum concerns or complex dental needs.
Phase One
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.
Phase two
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 equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly. Phase two usually involves full upper and lower braces.
Early treatment gives our team the opportunity to:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve the function and health of your child's bite
- Protruding front teeth