Treatments

Braces

Metal Braces
Clear Braces
Gold Braces
Life with Braces
Life After Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, these braces straighten your teeth by connecting with metal archwires. With metal braces, you have the awesome option of adding colored ties (rubber rings that circle the braces) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Clear braces are tooth colored ceramic and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. Although they are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns, these braces have been used more recently by the younger children who feel the colored ties “pop” when placed on clear braces. While they are less visible than metal, they do require more attention to food selection, as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on front teeth than on the back chewing teeth.
The newest addition to our braces collection, the gold braces are more like a champagne color and tend to blend in with the color of teeth and gums. A very cool addition to this look is the gold archwires we use with these braces instead of the silver steel. Although color ties can be mixed in with these braces, most patients choose gold ties to hold in the wires.
Braces do take some time getting used to. Initially they will feel a bit sharp and intrusive to the surrounding tissues of the mouth. Teeth will also feel sore for the first few days, but will improve within a week’s time. The best advice is to use wax (given out at the first visit) around the braces to buffer the soft tissues and prevent irritation. If necessary, mild pain medication can be used, the same products and strength that are normally used for a headache. Although uncommon, a brace can become loose or a rubber tie can fall off. If this happens, just call the office to see what your next step should be. If the office is closed and the problem is painful or irritating, please call the office and follow the prompts to reach the doctor on call for further advice.
Yay!! Your braces have been removed and your smile is beautiful. However, your orthodontic journey isn't quite complete. You see, teeth move throughout your lifetime with or without orthodontic treatment… It’s called the aging process. The good news is that we have a way to keep your smile looking its best or close to it. We have two types of retainers in our practice that we use based on the original position of your teeth. We call them FIXED and REMOVABLE retainers. Fixed retainers are “glued” to the inside surface of your front teeth and are non-removable while removable retainers are usually worn during sleep hours. While fixed retainers generally last three to five years, care must be taken not to bite on hard foods with the front teeth or the retainer may break or become loose. We recommend removable retainers be worn “night time for lifetime”!

Invisalign

Imagine orthodontic treatment that doesn't use wires or metal brackets, has less discomfort, and doesn't require you to largely change your current lifestyle. With Invisalign, we can straighten your teeth and align your bite all without having to deal with a mouth full of braces! Invisalign uses a series of removable clear plastic retainers (aligners) that straighten teeth often faster and more efficiently than traditional braces. As a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, we have more experience with Invisalign than 99% of practitioners to help you achieve the smile you deserve.
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BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN

NEARLY INVISABLE
With clear plastic aligners custom fit to your teeth, you can straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing you're in treatment.
FEWER APPOINTMENTS NEEDED
Without the need to adjust traditional brackets and wites, you'll need to be seen less often, usually every 3 months. Don't let straightening your smile get in the way of your busy life.
IMPROVE ORAL HYGIENE
Braces can make it difficult to clean food and plaque off of your teeth. The ability to remove your aligners to brush will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
NO FOOD RESTRICTIONS
Certain goods can cause braces and wires to come loose of break. Aligners are removed when eating and there are no braces or wires to damage.

LIFE WITH INVISALIGN

Your adventure begins with a 3D scan of your teeth that allows the doctors to develop a customized treatment plan. Tooth-colored buttons are then attached to certain teeth to help execute proper tooth movement, and you are given your series of removable aligners to straighten your teeth.

Aligners must be worn 22 or more hours per day to work effectively. To avoid cavities or stains on the teeth, it is important to remove the aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Generally, patients change aligners every 1-2 weeks and come back into the office periodically to check progress.

After each series of aligners is completed, tooth and bite alignment are evaluated and if not ideal, a new scan is taken to fabricate new aligners to continue movement. Once the teeth and bite are properly aligned, attachments are removed and retainers are placed to help maintain your new smile.

Invisalign Teen

In our practice, both teens and pre-teens can now use the Invisalign technique. Both groups have issues that adults do not, and Invisalign now has the technology to deal with and effectively treat these unique situations. Here are some common questions asked about kids and invisalign.
Are teens responsible enough to wear removable invisalign aligners?
Yes! We have treated hundreds of child and teen patients with invisalign and have found that they can even be more compliant than their adult counterparts.
My child still has baby teeth. Will invisalign work?
Invisalign can now treat patients with baby teeth, unerupted teeth, and growing jaws. Specific attachments have been constructed for baby teeth, since these teeth are shorter and more difficult to grab.
Does invisalign work well for children and teens involved in many activities?
Invisalign is excellent for teens involved with sports, who play a musical instrument, or are just concerned with the esthetic appearance of braces. Invisalign is an equally effective treatment option without the constraints of traditional braces or the need for as many in office appointments that can get in the way of a child’s (and their parent’s) active schedule.
Does invisalign take longer than braces?
If trays are worn 22 hours/day as instructed, invisalign treatment takes the same amount of time, and sometimes less time, than braces
Does invisalign cost more than braces?
While many offices charge an additional fee to provide you with the benefits of invisalign, we offer this revolutionary technique to all ages for the same cost as braces.
What if my child starts with invisalign but then wants to switch to braces?
Most of our patients do amazing with wearing their aligners. For the few that do not, we offer the chance for children and teens to switch over to braces in the first 6 months of treatment for no charge.

Treatments for all ages

Kids
Teens
adults
It is important for children to see an orthodontist by the time they are 7 years old. By this point they have a mix of adult and baby teeth. Possible problems with jaw growth can be diagnosed and are most effectively treated while the bones are still developing. This can prevent a more serious problem from occurring later on. Early treatment might be indicated if the back bite is not fitting together properly, there is an underbite of the front teeth, or permanent teeth are blocked from coming in. Habits such as thumb sucking and tongue positioning can be addressed at this early age so they do not disrupt the eruption and position of the permanent teeth. Premature loss of baby teeth may also require orthodontic treatment to make sure that the adult teeth can still come in properly. Most other problems are better treated once a child is older and has all of their permanent teeth. If it is determined that no early treatment is indicated but future treatment might be necessary, we will continue to monitor the child’s growth and development of teeth until all secondary teeth have erupted, and then determine if treatment is indicated.
We know that deciding the ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment for your teen can be stressful. That's why we are happy to provide as much information as possible for you to make an informed decision about your teen’s treatment. Most teens start treatment between the ages of 11 and 15. By this age, most of the permanent teeth have erupted so crooked teeth, spaces, and misaligned bites can be diagnosed. This is also a time when the jaws are growing and we can use this growth to our advantage to correct certain bite problems. Aligning teeth and creating a proper bite carry a number of benefits. Teeth will be less prone to wear, chipping, and trauma. Jaw joints will be healthier with ideal bite alignment. Straight teeth also helps teens clean teeth easier, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

There are more options for teens now than there ever have been. Traditional metal braces are slimmer and more comfortable. Teens now have the option to use tooth-colored ceramic braces, and for those looking for something a little different we offer gold braces. Teens can also use Invisalign to improve their smile as well. With the ability to remove aligners to brush and floss, Invisalign makes it easier for teens to maintain proper oral hygiene. This is an excellent option for teens that play sports or a musical instrument, as they find it more comfortable. There are also less food restrictions, fewer emergency visits, and less appointment time needed. Drs. Morrone, Kaye, and Yucha are always available to answer questions or address concerns you may have about each of these treatment options for your teen. Stop in or call to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more.
You are never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. About 25% of all orthodontic patients are now adults, due mostly to the advent of Invisalign technology. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. If you have never had treatment as a child, or you went through braces years ago and your teeth have shifted, now is the perfect time to align your teeth and bite. For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Invisalign has made it possible for so many adults to get the smile they desire without having to deal with the esthetic concerns of braces. Invisalign can even be used successfully in adults with missing teeth or extensive dental work. Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect.