TYPES OF TREATMENT
Early Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic exam by the age of 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
Early treatment most commonly includes an expander and a limited amount of braces on the upper teeth. Sometimes, appliances or braces will be necessary to add to the lower teeth, but this is less common. Additionally, Dr. Parnes and Dr. Rubin treat many of our youngest patients using removable clear aligners, like Invisalign, when parents agree that this is a good fit for their child’s lifestyle and habits.
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.
Adolescent Treatment
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is undertaken when most, if not all, of the permanent teeth are present in the mouth. This treatment is typically done in adolescents when the body is growing and can respond well to orthodontic therapy. For adolescents who have previously undergone early treatment, this is referred to as Phase II treatment. The goals of Comprehensive/Phase II treatment are 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 cheeks, and the upper and lower jaws should be well-coordinated. When this harmony is achieved, the way you smile, chew, and care for your teeth will be improved.
Adult Treatment
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 18 and 80 years old. We share similar goals for adult treatment as we do when treating adolescents – harmony amongst the teeth and jaws. We understand that some adult patients only want to address a specific issue or tooth while others are hoping to achieve perfection with their bite and alignment. When developing a treatment plan, we consider all of these reasons for seeking treatment and offer multiple options to complement patients’ goals, lifestyle and dental conditions.
Customized Orthodontics For All Ages
Because every patient’s orthodontic concerns are unique, we use digital technology to create customized 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.
Metal And Clear Braces
Gone are the days of “one size fits all” braces. To meet every individual’s needs, we offer multiple braces options, including metal braces, esthetic ceramic braces, and 3D-printed LightForce braces. Metal braces are much smaller than their historical counterparts due to advances in technology and are available in a Nickle-Free version for those patients with sensitivities. Ceramic braces are primarily used on the upper teeth as they are much less noticeable than metal braces, yet equally effective. Dr. Parnes and Dr. Rubin will make a recommendation based on which brace system will optimize the necessary tooth movements to complete treatment. Nearly all of our braces are applied to the teeth using an indirect bonding method. Indirect bonding allows Dr. Parnes and Dr. Rubin to customize the position of each brace in advance of their actual placement on the teeth.
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. 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
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 customized braces (and aligners), our doctors now digitally determine the most ideal position for each brace in advance of the bonding appointment by manipulating a 3D computer model of each patients’ teeth. Using this method to plan treatment, our doctors can view the teeth from every angle, not limited by the lips or cheeks or degree of mouth opening. The digitally placed brackets are then transferred to 3D printed customized templates which are used to apply the brackets to the teeth in their predetermined locations. This technique, referred to as indirect bonding, allows for more accurate bracket placement, which ultimately results in more efficient tooth alignment and reduced treatment times.
Virtual Monitoring
To reduce in-office visits, we offer Grin, an easy-to-use scope that attaches to your phone and enables you to take accurate videos of your teeth. Images are sent directly to us through a secure app and allow Drs. Parnes and Rubin to monitor your treatment progress as if you are in the office! See what our patients have to say about Grin in this video.
We also offer customized and consistent text reminders to support specific treatment goals. Whether it is a reminder to insert new aligners, to wear elastics or aligners, or anything in-between, we can send motivation texts throughout the day or week to keep you or your child on track.
Dental Pain Eraser
One of the most common questions we receive as orthodontists is “Does it hurt?” We know that many patients feel anxious about dental procedures and those with low pain thresholds or general sensitivity to cold or air may have prior experiences of discomfort in the dental office that have validated such anxieties. In order to improve the overall patient experience and comfort throughout orthodontic treatment, we are thrilled to offer the Dental Pain Eraser (DPE). The DPE is an FDA-approved appliance for in-office and at-home use to treat and prevent dental pain. It uses neuromodulation (subsensory electrical stimulation) to block the body’s pain receptors. It can provide instant pain relief following a 10-30 second application on each involved tooth and its effects can last up to 48 hours. It is needle-free, drug/systemic-free, and numb-free, which makes it easy and safe to use. At Phamily Orthodontics, we do not want patients to ever experience discomfort while in the office or in-between appointments. If interested in learning more about the Dental Pain Eraser, for either in-office or at-home use, please ask any of our team members for more information.
did you know
For our youngest patients, we want to make the orthodontic experience fun and inviting. With Wild Smiles, traditional metal braces can be swapped for hearts, stars, footballs, super-diamonds, and now, Mickey! Smiles have never looked more magical!
