Orthodontic Treatment
We specialize in Orthodontics. Braces are used to assist in aligning and straightening teeth in order to not only improve appearance, but improve a person’s bite. Having braces isn’t just about improving your smile; it’s also about improving your overall dental health. Orthodontics may be used to correct malocclusion, overbite, underbites, cross bites, deep bites, crooked teeth and other flaws of the teeth and jaws. Braces may be used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help with making corrections to a person’s bite.
Dental technology has improved over the years to include new options to help correct the above issues, and there are a number of techniques and products available that were not available just a few short years ago. The patient experience has improved and today’s options are less conspicuous than the full braces that were common in the past.
Traditional metal braces are still the most popular types of braces as they produce high quality results. Clear Ceramic braces are popular with adults and teenagers who want the results of braces without the look of metal. Your visit will begin with a consultation with Dr. Shems to go over the best alternatives for your orthodontic care. Dr. Shems will address any questions you may have regarding your treatment and will provide a plan for orthodontic therapy.
Types of Braces
We use 3D Digital Indirect Bonding to place brackets, ensuring precise and quick placement. We place several different types of brackets in our office, including clear brackets, Iconix, and WildSmiles.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® uses an advanced digital modeling system for the making of custom trays that will guide the patient’s teeth into a beautiful smile.
Accelerated Orthodontics
Accelerated Orthodontics uses a specialized and collaborative treatment plan that allows patients to complete treatment 30-50% faster. This treatment will combine visits to our office with visits to a periodontist to facilitate tooth movement.
iTero Digital Scanner
In addition to being much more comfortable for the patient, using the scanner allows us to be more efficient and accurate, which can result in a reduced number of visits to the office, saving the patient time.
Palatal Expander
Palatal expansion combines jaw expansion and tooth movement. It works by expanding the two halves of the upper palate which is joined together by the suture at the roof of the mouth. The expander is attached to the molars and gently eases the suture apart, therefore widening the palate. New bone will then fill in between the two halves of the palate. Depending on the patient, the expander may be fixed or removable and expansion may take between 2-4 months. We use the slimline palate expander which is a low profile expander with a mini-screw that is more comfortable and less bulky for our patients. Dr. Shems and her team will review detailed instructions on care, appliance activation and length of treatment with the palate expander.
The slimline RPE is a low-profile expander. This streamlined design provides all the same stability and expansion as traditional versions, but in a compact form that is more comfortable for patients. Activation is completed by manually turning the screw with an included key. Available in 8mm or 12mm expansion.
Retainers
Preserving Your Beautiful Smile: Once you have completed your orthodontic treatment, it is imperative that you maintain your beautiful smile forever by wearing retainers. Teeth often want to return to their original positions. Your retainers will prevent your teeth from doing so and ensure the long-term success of your treatment. Our office prides ourselves in having the most comprehensive post-treatment care available. As you near the end of your treatment, Dr. Shems and her team will discuss which type of retainer is best for you, and all of the dos and don’ts of retainer wear. We will continue to keep a careful watch over your teeth afterward to ensure your absolute satisfaction. Retainers are the most important part of your treatment so please remember our motto…NIGHTTIME, LIFETIME!