Orthodontic treatment can help improve the appearance and function of your teeth and jaw. With so many options available, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. We will cover the orthodontic treatments at Orthodontic Specialists to help you make an informed decision.
Traditional Braces.
Traditional braces are the most common and well-known orthodontic treatment option, and they are more comfortable today than ever before. They consist of metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth and are adjusted over time to shift them into the desired position gradually. While they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, they are effective and can treat a wide range of dental issues. Plus, they come in fun colors and designs for those who want to add a little personality to their smile.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces.
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces, but the brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored materials, making them less noticeable. They are an excellent option for those who want the effectiveness of traditional braces without the metal look. However, they may be more fragile and require more care than traditional braces. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Personalized Clear Aligners
Imagine a braces treatment that doesn’t use wires or metal brackets, a virtually pain-free treatment that doesn’t require you to change your current lifestyle. With our Personalized Clear Aligners, you can straighten your teeth and experience the benefits of a great smile without dealing with a mouth full of metal! Personalized Aligners are a series of clear, removable, comfortable aligners that straighten teeth in less time than traditional braces. Additionally, the complete process for making your aligners is done IN-HOUSE!
Dentofacial Orthopedics
What is dentofacial orthopedics? Many patients wonder what it means when their orthodontist specializes in dentofacial orthopedics. This specialization means that your doctor has training and experience in managing tooth movement (orthodontics) and guiding facial growth and development (dentofacial orthopedics), which usually occurs during childhood. Dental orthopedics concentrates on improving the position and dimensions of the facial bones and jaw.
Being skilled in both orthodontics and dental orthopedics, Dr. Erickson can diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw and the facial structure and devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.
TMJ/TMD Treatments
According to the NIH (National Institute of Health), “Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. ‘TMDs’ refers to the disorders, and ‘TMJ’ refers only to the temporomandibular joint. People have two TMJs, one on each side of the jaw. You can feel them by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth.
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic face and neck pains as well as recurring headaches. These can all be signs of a TMD/TMJ condition that may require treatment.
Surgical Orthodontics
Orthodontics is designed to reposition and straighten teeth, but surgical orthodontics may sometimes be needed to correct more severe jaw irregularities. Dr. Erickson uses surgical orthodontics to straighten the jaw into alignment, often improving a patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe. Braces are often worn in conjunction with orthodontic surgery to ensure the teeth stay in the proper position.
Which treatment is best?
The orthodontic treatment that will work best depends on each individual’s orthodontic needs and wants and the treatment that will perform the best resolution for each person’s case. We are passionate about creating confident smiles and will consult with you about your or your child’s treatment options so that you can make an informed decision, and we know you will be happy and satisfied with the results. Please contact us today.
Your Friendly Team
Orthodontic Specialists
