Treatment Stages

Dr. Broccoli recommends that a child receive his or her first orthodontic examination around the age of 8. Early diagnosis and treatment can correct small problems before they become big problems. Typical signs of the need for an orthodontic exam may include, but are not limited to, the early or late loss of teeth, difficulty in chewing, mouth-breathing, finger sucking, crowded teeth, jaw dysfunction, a sunken or protruding jaw or misaligned teeth. Signs of potential orthodontic problems may not be obvious, which is why we will be happy to conduct a thorough exam at no charge.

In many cases, early diagnosis and treatment can help to avoid more extensive and invasive treatment in the future. Multi-phase, early interceptive treatment is not always necessary, but will be recommended when early treatment can benefit your child.

If we find mild to moderate problems at the exam that we do not feel require early treatment, we will see the patient periodically to monitor their growth and development. We will try to delay treatment until the permanent dentition has erupted and full treatment can be started to resolve the problems.

Extractions

We prefer not to extract permanent teeth and we utilize many advanced techniques to be able to treat most cases “non-extraction.” However, there are some cases where there is just not enough room for all the permanent teeth to properly erupt. If additional space in the mouth is required, we will recommend extractions.

A healthy smile is a confident smile and we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to smile with self-confidence. Orthodontic treatment from Dr. Broccoli can provide your teenagers with a beautiful, healthy smile and the opportunity to feel good about themselves.

Orthodontics is more than straight teeth. An overbite, an under bite, a dysfunctional smile, or a sunken or protruding chin, can in many cases be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth and jaw alignment are critical to achieving proper long-term oral health. With options such as clear braces and Invisalign® teen, every child can be comfortable with their treatment.

Patient cooperation is the key to success in any orthodontic treatment. Attitude, cooperation, and timing of treatment definitely comes into play with adolescent patients!

Today’s general public is typically very well informed, especially when it comes to proper health. What today’s adults may not know is that it is never too late to realize a perfect and healthy smile for themselves. Adult orthodontic treatment is becoming more and more popular. Advances in technology now provide for more discriminate treatment and quicker results.

As we age, teeth can move, even if you have had braces earlier in life. Braces work by placing a force on a tooth and causing that tooth to move in response to that force. Once braces are removed, we cannot stop the teeth from reacting to forces. Forces such as chewing, grinding, tongue pushing out, lips pulling in, can cause teeth to move. The only way to prevent this continued movement is the part time wearing of retainers.

If teeth have shifted, oftentimes simple therapy is the answer to regaining a perfect and healthy smile. With fewer office visits and the availability of aesthetic braces and aligners, there is no reason why every adult shouldn’t have the perfect smile.

Adults are not simply “bigger adolescents.” There are many options for treatment from traditional braces to Invisalign®. Adult patients often have compromised dentition which makes treatment more challenging. While we always strive for a perfect bite and smile, adults can opt to individualize their treatment to address their specific concerns.