For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. For others, a more correct bite will allow your mouth to function more efficiently. In either event, when your braces come off, your beautiful new smile will you feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to be as comfortable as possible.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets adhered to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. Now you can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. And you can make your treatment more fun by choosing the color(s) of the plastic ties that hold the wire into the brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and the latest techniques move teeth faster and with less discomfort to patients than ever before. In many instances, high tech invisible Invisalign appliances may minimize or totally eliminate the need for brackets and wires altogether and can be used for treatment of both teens and adult patients.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to complete treatment may differ from the original estimate. We strive to make treatment times as short as possible (often 15 to 18 months or less), but diligent cooperation from the patient with regard to prescribed elastic wear, consistent attendance at scheduled appointments, and excellent oral hygiene as well as proper care of the appliances are absolutely essential to make this happen. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months. At the initial examination we will discuss your specific needs and how long we anticipate your treatment will require.