Orthodontics is a form of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. Its focus is on bringing teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment to create a balanced facial profile.
Early intervention can help with certain habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting as well as skeletal problems which will benefit from care at a younger age. Other signs that a child may need orthodontic care include crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps in the mouth, and retrusive front top teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment corrects misaligned teeth and jaws (known as malocclusions). It involves the use of fixed or removable appliances to retrain muscles, slow or guide the growth of the jaws, and straighten the teeth. A good orthodontist tallahassee fl will be able to advise on the best time to undertake orthodontic treatment based on the patient’s individual situation.
Children should be seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7 to check that their teeth and jaw are developing as they should. This will help ensure that any issues, such as crowding, are addressed early before the permanent teeth erupt and cause problems.
Patients should be aware that the wearing of braces can affect oral hygiene, so it is important to maintain good brushing and flossing techniques and to attend regular dental appointments. Failure to do so can lead to tooth decay and other problems, which may require the orthodontist tallahassee fl to carry out additional work, increasing the length of the treatment and cost.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires. It is a great alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens who want a discreet way to straighten their smiles. Invisalign treatment typically takes less time than traditional braces to achieve straight teeth, and it is very effective at correcting crowded teeth, gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
We use the state-of-the-art iTero digital scanner to create a 3D image of your tooth structure, which is then used to generate a personalized treatment plan for you. This unique process ensures that your clear aligners will fit perfectly and eliminates the need for many visits, which reduces overall treatment time.
Most dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of Invisalign treatment. Plus, you can use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account to pay for your Invisalign treatment. Contact us today for more information about Invisalign or to schedule your consultation!
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery (or jaw surgery) treats abnormalities of the jaw and facial bones that cause problems with chewing, swallowing, breathing and the esthetic appearance of the face. These problems may be present at birth or develop during growth and development as a result of trauma, disease, genetic conditions such as cleft lip and palate, hemifacial microsomia, Pierre Robin syndrome, craniosynostosis, and other anomalies.
During surgery, the upper and lower jaws are cut then re-aligned in a more favorable position using screws and plates. This repositioning of the jaw improves bite problems and often resolves more serious health issues such as sleep apnea and TMJ disorders.
Orthognathic surgeons are specially trained in repositioning the jaw bone. They work closely with orthodontists to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address severe bite and skeletal imbalances as well as facial disharmonies and asymmetries. They provide expert care, before, during and after the procedure. This unique multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive coordinated care from both specialists.
Adult Treatment
While many people associate orthodontic treatment with adolescents, it’s never too late for adults to benefit from a healthier smile. More and more adults are seeking braces to correct crooked teeth and misaligned jaw structure, not only improving their appearance but also their dental health. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Orthodontic care can fix crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps between teeth, buck teeth, and the forward or backward shifting of the upper and lower jaw. It can also help relieve temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can cause headaches, facial pain, and jaw clicking or popping.
Orthodontic treatment for adults may require a longer duration than treatment for adolescents, typically lasting 18 months to three years. During this time, it’s important that patients wear their removable appliances and elastics as instructed to minimize problems and ensure the best results. Our orthodontist tallahassee fl will monitor each patient closely to reduce the risk of complications and achieve a healthy, stunning smile.