Patient Education:
Orthodontics
We are a state-of-the-art office providing a full range of orthodontic services -including early orthodontic treatment, braces, adult orthodontic treatment. Our office is fully computerized and uses digital-imaging technology to provide patients with the best diagnostic equipment available. We use nickel-titanium alloy orthodontic wires for gentle yet efficient tooth movement. This "NiTi" material, developed by NASA, allows our patients to finish braces in a shorter time and with fewer appointments than ever before.
Why do dental and facial problems occur?
Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth and a wide variety of other irregularities ofthe jaws and face. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, the airway being restricted by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease, or premature loss of primary or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many ofthese problems affect not only alignment ofthe teeth but facial appearance as well.
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
Everyone wants a beautiful smile-and everyone should have a healthy one. The orthodontic goal is to achieve both for the patient. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints with resultant chronic headaches or pain in the face and neck. When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. The importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self-confidence. A person's self esteem often improves as treatment brings. teeth, lips, and face into harmony. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success as well as improves one's general attitude toward life.