types of treatments
Early Treatment (Phase 1)
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic exam at age 7. By this time the adult (“6-year-old”) molars have typically erupted, and our doctors can evaluate the bite and any significant differences between the upper and lower jaws. Interceptive treatment at this time can help to guide growth and development in the case of a problematic bite. Other concerns that may be best addressed at this time are:
- Severe crowding, including misplaced or blocked-out teeth requiring space creation or preservation
- Protruding teeth, particularly those at high risk of trauma or lending themselves to psychosocial concerns
- Habits, such as thumb sucking
- Facial asymmetries
When no interceptive treatment is needed, and/or following Phase I treatment, we provide complimentary periodic evaluations to closely monitor growth and development. These visits, often completed virtually, help us identify and plan for the most timely future treatment when all or nearly all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Comprehensive Treatment for Kids and Adults
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment refers to treatment of all of the permanent teeth in adolescents and adults. In adolescents who have undergone early treatment, this is referred to as Phase II. We are often asked whether or not we treat adults, and the answer is YES — a large percentage of our patients are between the ages of 20 and 80 years old.
Regardless of age, the goal of comprehensive treatment is to ensure that each tooth is in an ideal location and in alignment with the adjacent teeth. Additionally the teeth should be in balance with the lips and the cheeks, and the upper and lower jaws well coordinated. When this harmony is achieved, the way you smile, chew, and care for your teeth will be improved.
Limited Treatment
In recent years, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Orthodontic treatment has grown in popularity. We have seen viral videos of at-home techniques to move teeth and there has been a rise in Mail-Order Dentistry. These modes of treatment are marketed as less expensive and more convenient than in-office care. However, their promised results and the price comparison can be somewhat misleading. Unsupervised orthodontic treatment can lead to expensive and irreversible consequences. Due to the variety of treatment modalities that we offer, treatment in our office can be more affordable than a DIY route. We encourage patients considering DIY treatment to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about available treatment options.
digital treatment planning
Because every patient's orthodontic concerns are unique, we use digital technology to create customized digital treatment plans. Engineering computer models of each patient's teeth and bite allows us to provide highly accurate, efficient, and esthetic results.
Aligners
Aligners straighten teeth using a series of removable clear trays that are customized for each patient. Each new tray differs slightly, gradually moving teeth into the correct position. Aligners are popular because they are comfortable, barely visible as they straighten teeth, and make management of hygiene very easy. We can treat kids, teens, and adults with aligners. A common misconception about aligner treatment is that it can not be used to correct complex orthodontic issues. THIS IS NOT TRUE. In the hands of our very skilled orthodontists, we can achieve the same orthodontic correction with aligners as we do with traditional braces. If you have ever been told that you are not a candidate for aligners, please contact us for a complimentary consultation — it may still be an option. Aligner treatment outcomes can vary depending on the experience level and skills of the clinician, so it is important that your treatment is supervised by an experienced orthodontist.
LightForce
LightForce offers the world's only fully customized, 3D printed braces, and we are proud to offer them at Phamily Orthodontics. Improvements to braces have been made for decades and LightForce technology takes these developments to the next level. Gone are the days of "one size fits all" braces. The customization that LightForce allows is unparalleled in accuracy and efficiency. We start with our treatment goal in mind and deliver 3D printed braces designed to achieve those goals. By providing 100% customized treatment to every patient we can optimize tooth movement thereby reducing treatment time and the overall number of appointments. Dr. Parnes and Dr. Rubin were selected to be one of the first in the country to offer this technology and received the LightForce Innovator Award, which was given to only a handful of orthodontists for, "challenging the orthodontic industry to see and think differently in pursuit of moving the profession forward."
Lingual Braces
For those patients who want an aesthetic, 100% invisible alternative to braces, we are excited to offer lingual (hidden) braces that go BEHIND the teeth. Lingual braces and the wires/appliances that work with them to move teeth are customized to the individual patient. Similar to our LightForce braces, this customization enhances efficiency and can result in shorter treatment times and fewer in-office appointments. Lingual appliances are also designed to allow for traditional flossing, making these appliances not only invisible, but easy to care for.
This is How We Do It
Indirect Bonding is a precise and efficient method of applying braces to the teeth using a customized template. Historically, our doctors applied braces one-by-one directly to a patient's teeth at the bonding appointment, referred to as direct bonding. With the introduction of indirect bonding, our doctors can now digitally determine the most ideal position for each brace in advance of the bonding appointment. By manipulating a computer model, the doctors can view the teeth from every angle. This allows for more accurate bracket placement, which ultimately results in reduced treatment times. In addition, the placement of braces using a customized template takes less time than direct bonding, making the patient experience much more comfortable.
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