Invisible Braces

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Clear Braces

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Metal Braces

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Post-orthodontic tooth whitening

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Retainer Treatment

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Early Intervention

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Adult Orthodontic Treatment

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A new system available for adults for orthodontic correction of some bite problems. The ClearCorrect™ System is a series of clear overlay aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth.

Clear braces are a translucent tooth colored material. They are most popular with the adult patients. They are difficult to see on the teeth unless you are very close to the patient. The only draw back to the bracket is that they are more fragile and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.

Orthodontics is more popular than ever. This popularity is due to the overwhelming success of improved treatments and technology. New technology produces better results with fewer visits and shortened treatment times. In some cases, we can eliminate months of treatment time for individuals. One example of recent improvements is nickel-titanium-alloy archwires. This new technology provides patients with a temperature-sensitive wire that allows for continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. For our patients, this means enhanced comfort, decreased treatment time and fewer trips to the orthodontist.

Cosmetic improvements are also on the forefront of advances in orthodontics. Popular choices of our patients are ceramic braces, a translucent material that camouflages the brackets on your teeth. Today, brackets are smaller, more comfortable and more durable than older-style braces. The smaller brackets bond directly to the teeth. If you are looking for braces without the “metal-mouth” appearance, you may want to consider clear ceramic braces.

Invisable braces use clear, plastic aligners created from sophisticated 3-D computer imaging technology. They are comfortable, removable and invisible! Invisable braces are a popular choice for adults who are ultimately concerned about the appearance of braces during normal daily activities. Invisable braces can offer the flexibility of choosing to wear your braces at more convenient times of the day.

Metal braces are the most common. They are made of high grade stainless steel. Today’s braces are much smaller and more comfortable. Therefore they are much more attractive. Most of the patients like to dress up the braces with different color elastics that can be changed at each appointment. Multiple colors are available.

Retainers can either move teeth, to correct minor orthodontic problems, or hold teeth that have been moved by orthodontic treatment. They are used between Phase I and Phase II treatment. Retainers can be clear like the Invisalign retainers, have colored acrylic of the patients choosing or can be bonded to the tongue side of the teeth. The Doctor will discuss with you and help decide what type of retainer is best for the situation. After full orthodontic treatment is completed, Dr. Calef will monitor you for a year to give advice on how much wear time is required to maintain your beautiful smile, and to see how the retainers are holding up. One year after treatment is completed, the patient is graduated from treatment. You may come back and see us at any time for retainer adjustments, repairs, or concerns. There may be an additional charge for the visits after our one year graduation from full treatment. Retainers are necessary for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

Do I need, or should I wait for a referral from my dentist, in order to have an orthodontic evaluation?
It is not required by insurance companies, nor is it necessary to have a referral from you dentist in order to be evaluated by an orthodontist. In fact, Dr. Calef offers a FREE, complimentary first visit to give you or your child an overview of any potential concerns and will suggest the best timing of treatment, if any is needed. Any parent with a concern about a child’s teeth or bite should bring their child in for an evaluation, for peace of mind.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for unerupted teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems:

• Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
• Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
• Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
• Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn at night to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.

A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.