Why Braces?
Quite simply, braces work. For people with crooked or misaligned teeth, braces provide gentle pressure to the teeth in order to give them a straighter appearance. This not only leads to a more beautiful smile, but can give you more self-confidence about the way you look.
Crooked, crowded teeth are hard to clean and can result in tooth decay, gum disease or lead to tooth loss. Other problems include abnormal wear of tooth surfaces and poor chewing function.
Untreated orthodontic problems often lead to more expensive dental procedures that could have been avoided. Dr. Cox and your general dentist want you to have the benefits of healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment.
For most people a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. Improved self confidence and long term dental health are also direct results of your treatment.
Invisalign, Braces, Retainers, Oh My!!
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
We believe that knowledge is power and informed patients make the best decisions for themselves. We strive to include our patients as active participants in their orthodontic experience.
Adults
One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Most adult cases can be treated in a straight forward fashion. Some adults, however, may require Dr. Cox to develop a treatment plan which includes their general dentist and/or periodontist as part of their process. Every patient is different. New techniques and appliances afford several options of treatment. Some adults only need appliances or traditional metal and clear braces, chosen by Dr. Cox for their comfort, performance and aesthetics while others are candidates for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign, a popular alternative, is a series of clear retainers that move your teeth step by step to their straight finish!
While some dentists only use case development provided by Invisalign technicians to prepare your treatment, Dr. Cox uses Invisalign technology plus his orthodontic training and experience to design your personalized treatment himself.
Our adult patients agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.
Stages of Treatment for Teens and Children
There can be two or more stages of orthodontic treatment. Most patients will benefit from an active, corrective stage followed by retention. Some children will benefit from two treatment stages which would include an early treatment we call Phase One. The goals of each stage should be discussed with the doctor to best understand any limitations of treatment.
Children
Children should see an Orthodontist by age 7 according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile! By this age, the adult first molars have normally erupted, allowing Dr. Cox to evaluate tooth relationships and esthetic concerns. An orthodontist is trained to determine when and if treatment is required and the best time for that to begin.
If a Phase One Treatment is indicated it means your child will benefit from it in a substantial way enabling Dr. Cox to guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months or last as long as 18 months.
Teens
Today’s young patients have an amazing choice of exciting options to make their orthodontic experience fun. Colored elastics which define their personalities, retainer designs to set their moods or Invisalign for teens so they can keep their transformation secret! Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients. Whatever we offer at our office, our young teens find a way to express themselves through their treatment. Orthodontics is now teen friendly.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances are either removable or brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
Visit this link for more information about braces:
American Assocation of Orthodontists.
