Common Treatments

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, combines orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery. This comprehensive approach is recommended when jaw abnormalities are too severe to be corrected with braces or aligners alone.

The process typically involves pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth, followed by surgery to reposition the jaw bones, and post-surgical orthodontics for final refinement. This treatment can dramatically improve facial balance, breathing, and bite function, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits that last a lifetime.

Specialized orthodontic care for patients with craniofacial conditions, including cleft lip and palate, requires a multidisciplinary approach. We work closely with surgeons, speech therapists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

Treatment planning begins early in life and continues through adulthood, with orthodontic intervention timed to coincide with growth spurts and surgical procedures. Our goal is to optimize both function and aesthetics while supporting the patient through each stage of their journey.

Clear ceramic braces offer an excellent aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces. Made from tooth-colored or translucent materials, they blend naturally with your teeth while providing the same effective treatment as metal brackets.

Modern ceramic brackets are highly durable and resistant to staining. They work with the same mechanics as metal braces, making them suitable for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues. Many adult patients prefer clear braces for their professional appearance during treatment.

Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth.

Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed.

A palatal expander is a custom-fitted device that gradually widens the upper jaw to create more space for teeth and improve bite alignment. It works by applying gentle pressure to the palatal bones, which are still flexible in growing children.

Treatment typically takes several months, with daily adjustments made at home using a special key. The expansion creates space for crowded teeth, corrects crossbites, and can even improve breathing by widening the nasal passages. Best results are achieved when treatment begins during childhood.

Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective and versatile orthodontic treatments available. Modern metal braces are significantly smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than those from previous generations.

Metal braces can treat virtually any orthodontic issue, from simple spacing problems to complex bite corrections. Patients can personalize their treatment with colorful elastic bands, making braces a fun way for kids and teens to express their personality while achieving a beautiful smile.

Self-ligating braces use a specialized clip mechanism instead of elastic bands to hold the archwire in place. This innovative design reduces friction between the bracket and wire, potentially allowing teeth to move more freely.

Benefits may include shorter appointment times (no elastic bands to change), easier cleaning due to fewer components, and potentially reduced treatment duration. Self-ligating systems are available in both metal and clear ceramic options to suit patient preferences.

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a series of custom-made, virtually invisible plastic trays that gradually move teeth into their desired positions. They offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces for many orthodontic cases.

Aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss without restrictions. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before progressing to the next set. Advanced 3D imaging technology allows patients to preview their expected results before treatment begins.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are small titanium screws temporarily placed in the jawbone to serve as fixed anchor points for tooth movement. They enable precise control over tooth positioning that was previously difficult or impossible to achieve.

TADs are placed using local anesthesia in a quick, minimally invasive procedure. They allow orthodontists to move specific teeth without affecting others, close extraction spaces efficiently, and correct complex bite issues. Once treatment is complete, TADs are easily removed.

The Powerscope Class II Corrector is an alternative to headgear that promotes jaw growth and corrects overbites in adolescents.

It helps eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and may help prevent the need for jaw surgery. The device works with your braces to move the lower jaw forward.

Headgear is used to treat overbites (upper jaw forward) or underbites (lower jaw forward).

Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw, helping improve bite alignment.

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after treatment.

Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and how long to wear it. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression.

Separators are little rubber doughnuts placed between teeth to create space for orthodontic bands.

They gently push teeth apart so bands can be placed at your next appointment, then are removed before band placement. Avoid sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss while separators are in.