Orthodontics Specialist

Are braces solely a cosmetic treatment?

While braces are generally recommended to improve a patient’s appearance, there are health benefits, as well. Left untreated, problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites and improper jaw position can lead to issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, earaches and difficulty with chewing and speaking.

What is the proper age to have orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be provided at any age as long as your teeth are strong enough to withstand the gentle pressures associated with moving the teeth into proper alignment. Dr. Nathanson can help you decide if orthodontic treatment is a good choice for you. The American Academy of Orthodontists advises children should be evaluated for orthodontic care by the time they're seven years old. That's because some alignment issues are easier to correct while a child's jaw is still forming. That doesn't mean they'll have braces at that age, but having an evaluation can help you and the doctor determine when orthodontic care would be appropriate.

What are the advantages of Invisalign® and how does it work?  

Invisalign, while costlier than traditional braces, offers many advantages for the right candidate. The Invisalign system uses a series of removable, transparent aligner trays that gradually reposition teeth. Aligners are made out of a smooth plastic material and are virtually invisible. It is difficult to tell when someone is wearing Invisalign. Patients usually receive a new set of aligners every 2-3 weeks. Each aligner set is designed to move teeth a fraction of a millimeter. How long the entire process takes to complete depends on the amount of movement required to achieve the desired outcome. Invisalign can treat patients with mild or moderate crowding, or minor spacing issues. These include:

• Gaps
• Overbites
• Under bites
• Open bites
• Crowded teeth
• Cross bites
• Protruding teeth

The complexity of each case determines how long the process takes. It can range from several months to several years.