Orthodontics means more than a beautiful smile: it means a healthy smile, too.  Also as dentofacial orthopedics, orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with correctly positioned teeth, jaw, bones, jaw joints, and chewing muscles.  Now people of all ages can enjoy healthier teeth and gums and a better bite for normal chewing, swallowing and breathing. With today’s evaluation and treatment techniques, a healthy smile can be yours.

Your Orthodontic Evaluation
Before planning treatment your orthodontist examines your teeth, jaws, jaw joints, face, and profile, and studies how you bite and swallow.  Your dental and medical histories are taken.  If you’re looking for cosmetic changes in your smile or face, you’ll be asked about your specific goals for orthodontics.

• X-rays and precise measurements traces over them show how your bite can be corrected.
• Models of your bite, used to help prepare your appliances, show how your teeth and jaws fit together.
• Photos give you and your orthodontist a record of your profile, face, and teeth before treatment.

Your Orthodontic Diagnosis
After a thorough evaluation, your orthodontist diagnoses your bite problem (also called a malocclusion or “bad bite”).  Your diagnosis helps your orthodontist plan which appliances (devices) will best correct your bite.

Types of Malocclusions

• Class I.
   Your Jaws line up correctly, but your teeth are crowded, crooked and too far apart.
• Class II.
   Your upper jaw bites too far in front, or your lower jaw bites too far back.
• Class III.
   Your lower jaw bites too far in front, or your upper jaw bites too far back.

Other Orthodontic Problems

• Open bite.
   When your molars bite, your front teeth stay open.
• Close bite.
   When your molars bite, your upper teeth cover your lower teeth.
• Cross bite
   When your molars bite, some teeth may be either inside or outside their opposing counterparts.

Length of Your Treatment
The length of your treatment depends on your bite problem, age, response to treatment, and cooperation with wearing your appliances as advised.  The cost of your treatment may be based on how long you need to wear your appliances.  Dental insurance may help cover the cost of your orthodontics.
 
Your Winning Smile Team
A winning smile takes teamwork, with you as a key player.  Your orthodontist, office staff, and dentist offer years of specialized training, experience, and the latest technology.  With your cooperation, they can help you achieve the best possible smile and appearance you can have.