Visiting the general dentist during orthodontic treatment is necessary, encouraged, and rewarded. We recommend that you continue semi-annual check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist. Anytime a patient has a regular cleaning and exam, and brings back a dental cleaning certificate, we award extra reward points. Once the points are awarded we also enter your hygienists name into a monthly drawing to reward their important role in maintaining healthy, clean teeth during your treatment. Hygienists play a key role in promoting oral hygiene and we randomly choose one hygienist per month to reward and personally thank them for the continued support and education they provide all of our orthodontic patients.
X-rays
Before removing any teeth, it is often advised that we obtain orthodontic records (photographs, models, dental X-rays, cephalometric analysis) to evaluate and diagnose the necessary treatment. We may wish to discuss our findings with you at a second consultation appointment.
NEW! Earn rewards points for visiting your general dentist! Every time you go to the dentist for a cleaning you can either ask your hygienist for a dental cleaning form or download it here to bring with you. Just have the hygienist sign the form and bring it back into our office to receive 25 reward points!
Fluoride Treatment
During the initial bonding appointment, once all the braces are in place, we provide all of our patients with a new toothbrush, interproximal brush, floss, OrthoWash, and other supplies required to maintain a healthy smile. We provide and review information about certain foods to avoid during treatment. We immediately place a fluoride cavity shield varnish containing calcium and phosphate components naturally found in saliva. When applied it delivers targeted, sustained fluoride and calcium release throughout treatment. We re-apply as necessary throughout treatment. The sustained fluoride treatment is maintained daily with OrthoWash rinse. OrthoWash is a daily sodium fluoride rinse indicated for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to prevent de-calcification and cavities. We recommend daily use of this rinse, and supply it to all of our patients throughout treatment as necessary.
Space Maintainers
This fixed appliance is a bilateral space maintainer that is used to hold space for unerupted permanent teeth after primary (baby) teeth have been lost prematurely. This appliance will also ensure that the permanent teeth that are currently in the mouth do not drift into the space that is needed for the unerupted teeth. The appliance is custom made to fit each individual patient, and remains in the mouth for approximately 12-24 months.
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Treating these types of problems may involve an orthodontist placing braces to open spaces to allow for proper eruption of the adult teeth. Treatment may also require a surgical extraction of baby teeth and/or selected adult teeth that are blocking the path of the canine. Your oral surgeon will also need to remove any extra teeth or growths that are in the way. If the eruption path is cleared and the space is opened up by age 11 or 12, there is a good chance the impacted canine will erupt on its own. If the impacted tooth is allowed to develop too long (age 13-14), it will not erupt by itself even with the space cleared. If the patient is too old (over 40), there is a much higher chance the tooth will be fused in position. When fused, the only option is to extract the impacted tooth and replace it with a dental implant or a fixed bridge.
Did You Know? Humans have two upper (maxillary) canines and two lower (mandibular) canines. Canine teeth are sometimes referred to as cuspids, fangs, or "eye teeth" because of their direct positioning beneath the eyes. The canines are critical teeth that play an important role in the mouth, including...
Jaw Surgery
For severe conditions that cannot be treated by orthodontic appliances alone, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, Specifically, the jaws and the teeth. These abnormalities could be esthetic and/or functional in nature. Often, these abnormalities can cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these functional problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.
Tooth Extractions
Early orthodontic treatment varies between patients, but may include removable or fixed appliances that can provide more room for crowded, erupting teeth; preserve space for unerupted teeth; create facial symmetry through manipulating jaw growth; reduce the possibility of tooth extraction; and reduce overall treatment time in braces.
Southeast Orthodontics is committed to creating beautiful smiles for all our patients. Here are just a few patient profiles showcasing amazing smile transformations.
Invisalign Orthodontics
Common orthodontic treatment for adolescents may include: metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign® Teen, clear retainers or Hawley retainers.
Braces
With braces, you're on your way to a beautiful smile. While you are on this exciting journey, please be aware that eating certain types of food can damage the wires or brackets — and make your daily oral hygiene routine more challenging. Not to worry, your orthodontic treatment will all be worth it in the end! But in the meantime you'll want to pay special attention to what you eat. Let's start with the foods you should avoid.
Before considering do-it-yourself (DIY) dental treatments—such as at-home tooth whitening, bleaching, or remote clear aligner orthodontic therapy—it is important to get the facts and speak to your dentist about potential risks of DIY dental services and the benefits of an in-office visit. Click on the link below to learn more about this risks. Learn More