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Orthodontic braces are bonded to your teeth in order to move them into the desired positions outlined in your custom orthodontic treatment plan. They work to straighten the teeth, as well as improve the patient's overall health through improved oral hygiene. Orthodontic braces are often made of metal, porcelain, or plastic. The composition will vary based on your diagnosis, and your treatment plan.

The best thing about orthodontic treatment is that it doesn't exclude - anyone can pursue a healthy, better smile. There's a common misconception that braces are just for kids and teenagers, but more and more adults are making the switch. Adults even tend to take orthodontic treatment more seriously due to the expense and responsibility, meaning it's possible you may even get more out of it by pursuing it later in life. Explore our many orthodontic options for children, teens, and adults, and learn what you can expect from each treatment.

Dentofacial Orthopedics

What is dentofacial orthopedics?

Dentofacial orthopedics, or growth modification, involves guiding the facial growth and development in children. The aim is to achieve proper balance and structure of the face bones and jaws, as well as the surrounding muscles and soft tissues.

What does the treatment involve?

Orthopedic treatment can take place with or without conventional braces. The orthodontist diagnoses and treats the teeth, jaws, bones, and surrounding tissues, bringing them into a harmonious equilibrium. While treatments depend on the individual, orthodontic appliances like jaw expanders, jaw positioners, or functional appliances are often used.

Orthodontic Braces for Adults

Getting orthodontic treatment as an adult can do wonders for your overall health, and your confidence. These two things often go hand in hand.

Bad bites like underbites and overbites and crooked teeth affect more than just children and teens, and if you're an adult with one or more of these problems, there's no need to feel hopeless, or like orthodontic treatment is out of the question. In fact, taking the reigns and fixing issues with your smile may end up saving you money down the road, as a straight smile now can help you to avoid oral hygiene issues and costly restorative procedures later in life. Crooked teeth can easily trap food particles and bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay if you're not careful. Straight teeth are far easier to clean, and have less potential to trap food for long periods of time.

Misaligned teeth can also cause other issues, such as jaw shifting, an uneven bite (overbite and underbite), distribution of forces, which may lead to TMJ issues down the road. TMJ issues are notorious for causing headaches and pain. Teeth that are straight and correctly aligned may be less prone to getting cavities, chipping, becoming irregularly worn down, developing gum or bone disease, or experiencing gum recession.