Braces
BRACES
Braces are dental appliances used to correct teeth alignment problems. They help improve the function and aesthetics of the patient’s smile.
The kind of orthodontic treatment you have will depend on the technique used and the materials with which the braces are made. Dr. Morine will know how to guide you to choose the treatment that best suits your case and budget.
Among these options we have:
- Traditional braces
- Low-visibility braces
- Invisible Aligners – Clear Braces (Multiple Mouth Guards Used for Teeth Alignment)
BRACES PROCEDURE
Initial Consult: Dr. Morine will conduct a full examination of the face, teeth and jaws to determine what treatment plan is best for the patient.” Costs will be discussed and any questions you have will be answered.
When the patient decides to proceed with the proposed treatment plan you will be provided with a contract outlining initial deposit amount, monthly payment plan, and expected care and maintenance instructions during the treatment.
- Dr. Morine will conduct a full exam of your face, teeth, and jaws.
- After a previous dental analysis and diagnosis, a treatment plan will be customized for you.
- On your next visit to the dental office, the braces and the arch wire will be placed. The arch wire is the one that will make your teeth move.
- Treatments with braces require small adjustments and substitutions over time. You will agree for monthly check-up appointments with Dr. Morine.
- After having achieved the desired results, the appliances will be removed.
- In most cases, to prevent your teeth from misaligning, you will be recommended a dental retainer.
Patient Visit Expectations– Braces and wires will be applied. Every month there after the patient should visit our office for adjustments and changing of wires. Failure to follow this monthly schedule could end up delaying the treatment plan and costing the patient additional expense.
Completion of Treatment – After having achieved the desired results, the appliances will be removed.
Post Treatment Instructions – In most cases, in order to prevent your teeth from misaligning you will be provided with a dental retainer. This is to be worn on a nightly basis to ensure the treatment matures and maintains the teeth positioning over time. The retainer is typically covered as part of your original treatment plan costs.
RETAINERS
Dental retainers are custom-made removable or fixed appliances that are mostly used as the last phase of the orthodontic treatment; they help maintain the position of straightened teeth.
Removable retainers are often used for the upper teeth and fixed retainers for the lower teeth, but this will depend on each case and also on the patient’s commitment to oral hygiene.
These appliances may be made of plastic, acrylic or metal.
CHILD ORTHODONTICS
For most kids, abnormal teeth position, missing teeth or misalignments usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, therefore orthodontic treatment can often begin between those ages. Treatment that begins while a child’s facial bones are still growing help produce optimal results because it is easier to move their teeth.
It is necessary to visit your dentist from an early age because this will put your children on the path to a healthy smile for life. Your dentist may:
- Identify extra or missing teeth
- Correct harmful habits
- Guide tooth eruption into the proper position
- Make space for crowded teeth
- Prevent further damage to teeth and gums
Dental visits help prevent complications and in some cases; the need for additional and costlier orthodontic therapy.