True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but when they occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our office when you experience severe pain or have a painful appliance problem you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to solve many problems yourself temporarily until you can get to our office. If there is a loose piece that you can remove, put it in a plastic bag or envelope and bring it with you to your next

What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment? Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. What if treatment is put off? Putting off treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child’s smile. Early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results. Phase One A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles The goal of

Orthodontics for Children While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery. Early treatment allows your orthodontist to: Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches Create more space for crowded teeth Avoid the need for

Choosing an orthodontic practice to trust with the beauty of your smile or your child’s smile is an important decision. Orthodontic treatment has the potential to be a long process, so you’ll want to make sure you or your child are comfortable with the doctor and staff. Your orthodontic experience is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life, so make sure it’s something to smile about. Ask someone you trust for a recommendation. Selecting an orthodontist may seem like a daunting task for someone who has never been through it, so it’s a great idea to ask for a

Crowding of the teeth Before After Patient started treatment at age 11 and wore braces for 26 months. He loves his new smile. Open bite – Front teeth don’t touch Before After Patient sucked her thumb as a young child. She started treatment at age 13. She had braces and a special appliance — called a crib — to retrain the tongue, for 28 months. Now she can bite the lettuce out of a sandwich. Deep overbite – Lower front teeth bite into palate Before After This adult patient, age 25, required braces and jaw surgery to correct his severe overbite,