With over 33 years of orthodontic experience, our patients have ranged in age from 5 to 85 years old, with approximately 25% of our current patients being adults. We recognize that each patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to every patient who walks through our doors.
For the vast majority of orthodontic patients, wearing fixed appliances (commonly called braces) will be a major part of treatment — and those braces, for the most part, will be the familiar silvery-metal type. But while they're still quite popular, traditional-looking metal braces are no longer the only game in town! Let's have a look at some of the options available in orthodontic appliances.
First, we should distinguish between fixed and removable appliances. Fixed appliances like braces are attached to the teeth by metal bands or special cement. They aren't normally taken off until treatment is complete. Removable appliances, such as clear aligners, are typically worn some 22 hours per day, but may be easily taken off as needed. While clear aligners can be effective in treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems, fixed appliances are generally needed for more comprehensive treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of almost invisible polyurethane plastic. Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth as metal or clear braces are, clear aligners are completely removable — for important social occasions, for eating, and, most importantly, for tooth-brushing and flossing. This advantage can also be a disadvantage: It means you must resist the temptation to take your aligners out more than is advised.
Clear aligner technology has been improving over the years and can correct many malocclusions that once would have been too complicated for this form of treatment. Yet there are still some situations for which traditional braces would still be best. We would be happy to discuss this in detail with you.
Jaw surgery, or Orthognathic surgery, is completed in collaboration with your Orthodontist and a Maxillofacial oral surgeon. The etiology of any speciffic malocclusion can be more dental related, or it can primarily be due to discrepancies in the skeletal base and imbalances between the maxilla and mandible. Combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment can be done to correct significant skeletal and dental irregularities in the jaw and face.
Dr. Shin and Dr. Alexander will create a comprehensive treatment plan for you and walk you through the complete treatment scope, ensuring we answer any questions you may have. We understand that surgery is a big decision, and for the last three decades, we have helped our patients feel at ease along the journey to a beautiful, functional smile.
No two people are the same, and your orthodontic treatment plan should reflect that. Depending on the complexity of your case, a multidisciplinary approach will be used. This means Dr. Shin and Dr. Alexander will work closely with a team of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Periodontists, Prosthodontists, Endodontists, and other dental and medical specialities as needed, to best assess and treat jaw irregularities, compromised bone structure, damaged and missing teeth, and other disorders. We will guide your treatment, lead you on the next steps, and make your journey efficient and as easy as possible.
Dr. Shin and Dr. Alexander use three types of retainers to best meet your individual need for retention:
Your retainers should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. Your retainers should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming. You will be instructed when you can reduce the time required to wear your retainers and will be given long-term instructions once your teeth are stable with the retainers being worn at night. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far!
Occlusal splints, or night guards, protect your teeth from grinding, headaches, jaw pain from TMJ disorder, and excessive clenching of the jaw. These splints can also function as removable retainers and are often used as retainers after orthodontic treatment. There are certain indications for night guards, and we will evaluate which splint is best suited for your needs.
We are committed to providing our patients with the latest and most advanced technology to provide the highest level of orthodontic care for the entire family. We invest in the latest technological advances in the industry, and in turn, we invest in you. We will work with you personally to create a customized treatment plan tailored to meet your individual needs and lifestyle.
