Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry concerned with the alignment of teeth and to improve appearance.
Orthodontics is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your lifetime.
Although patients of any age can benefit from orthodontic braces, they tend to work much quicker on pre-teens and teenagers since they are still experiencing jaw growth. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children should first see an orthodontist around the age of seven years-old. An orthodontic examination may be beneficial before age seven if facial or oral irregularities are noted.
Today, an increasing number of adults are choosing to wear clear braces to straighten their teeth and correct malocclusions (bad bites).
Clear braces are a great alternative to metal braces. They are less noticeable than metal braces and are perfect for teens and adults who don't want metal to mar their smiles.
Clear braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.
Poorly aligned teeth often cause problems speaking, biting and chewing. Most irregularities are genetic or occur as a result of developmental issues. Conversely, some irregularities are acquired or greatly exacerbated by certain habits and behaviors such as:
Orthodontic braces, clear and metal braces are predictable, versatile and incredibly successful at realigning the teeth. Braces work in the same way regardless of the age of the patient, but the treatment time is greatly reduced in patients who are still experiencing jaw growth and have not been affected by gum disease. In short, an adult can experience the same beautiful end results as a teenager, but treatment often takes longer.
Braces consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today's braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past.
We usually recommend braces to improve the patient's:
When children and teenagers are treated, we plan the final outcome to be one of great stability. Many of our patients undergo treatment without the need of extractions, providing a beautiful smile, versus one that is collapsed as seen in treatments done in past decades. This allows for their jaw to have great balance and avoids locking of their jaw. This, in the long run, avoids the occurrence of TMJ problems.
Orthodontics can do so much more than just straighten your teeth. It can help in the treatment of headaches and TMJ problems. Both of these are mainly due to bite irregularities and severe wear, causing many of the muscles of the head to overwork themselves. The consequence is the onset of headache symptoms. Many patients contact us as a last resort to address their problems. As the patient’s bite is reorganized into the right position, muscle strain is alleviated, therefore correcting the source of the headaches.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our office if your are considering braces.
Don't hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspect of your dental health - we don't charge for giving advice!
Love the entire crew @ 5th and Olive Dental! They treat you like family.
A wonderful and caring team! You are in good hands with 5th and Olive Dental.
I have wonderful experiences with my dental visits at 5th & Olive. The staff are very friendly, polite and accommodating. I am completely satisfied with the work that has been done and I will continue to come back for excellent treatment!
Love this dental office! The location is so convenient for me. The staff is very friendly and I'm so glad I found an amazing hygienist that made my appointment fly right by.
I was visiting from out of town and I had a tooth ache. I was referred to this office from a close friend of mine living in that area.
Wow, what an experience I had there!!!!!
Ali, front staff, was AWESOME! She was able to accommodate me and get me in last minute for me to receive proper service I needed.
Once again THANK YOU!
Dr. Kim kindly explained to me what was wrong with my tooth and guided me with all options available for me to fix it. Left the office understanding completely of my conditions and options for the first time in my life.
I didn't know dentist could be that nice! LOL
The technology and service was amazing and Dr. Kim and staffs were awesome. Definitely was worth the visit.
It sucks the met this dentistry on my vacation, but I would LOVE to visit when I can! Definitely place to GO!!! Recommend 100%
I LOVE the team, with my fear of dental I am always skeptical but from second one, I felt comfortable! Dr. Kim is Smart, Kind and Amazing and the work is top-notch quality, very affordable and works with my insurance. Thank you from the front to the back you all ROCK!
They are so nice. I normally have really sensitive gums but they are not bad at all when I get my teeth cleaned. They give me really good advice and answer any questions I have about my teeth. Our family comes here. Also great with kids.
Came for a cleaning and the cleaning was very good, felt like my teeth were separated from how clean they cleaned it. The inside is super pretty also!
Always a pleasant experience- love the staff so friendly!! My mouth never felt better!
I had not been to the dentist in a long time, and decided to make an appointment here for an exam/cleaning. I heard back from them right away and it was easy to make an appointment. It's clean and welcoming. Everyone made me feel comfortable and did a thorough job. They communicated well throughout the appointment and afterwards. Couldn't ask for more.
