An orthodontist is a specialist within field of dentistry. They attend 2-3 years of advanced training after dental school, focusing on tooth movement and facial development.

A beautiful smile
Better functionality of your bite
Improved self confidence
Reduced wearing on your teeth
Guidance of permanent teeth into ideal position
Improved health of teeth and gums
Easier to clean your teeth by flossing & brushing

Excessive spaces in between teeth, particularly in the front
Excessive crowding of teeth, causing teeth to rotate
Upper teeth protruding excessively over lower teeth
Lower teeth protruding past the upper teeth
Upper teeth covering the majority of lower teeth when biting
Center of upper teeth do not align with center of lower teeth
Difficulty chewing foods
Excessive or uneven tooth wear

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven. Many orthodontic problems can be solved more easily at a younger age, before jaw growth slows, to avoid the need for more complicated procedures. That being said, treatment can be sought out at any age, and there are many attractive treatment options available to adults today that ensure an efficient, aesthetic, and comfortable orthodontic experience.

Treatment duration is dependent on the severity of the case and the compliance of the patient. A patient who maintains good oral hygiene, keeps appointments, and follows instructions throughout treatment will complete their treatment on or ahead of schedule. The average treatment time is typically one to two years.

Most of our patients tell us that their teeth are sore for the first few days. Simple, over-the-counter pain medication usually alleviates this. In addition, we provide soft wax and silicone to place on any rough areas of your braces to minimize mouth irritations. Warm, salty water is also a good home remedy for oral discomfort.

We average 6-8 weeks between visits, though it depends on the case and treatment plan. In the beginning of treatment, some patients need to be seen more frequently, while others have long (10-12 weeks) intervals between appointments. As we get closer to finishing your treatment, appointments become more frequent. When we factor all visits together, we average about 6 weeks between appointments.