Available Services
Our office offers a variety of services designed to achieve a beautiful smile for young patients, teens and adults. Orthodontic appliances may be removable or may involve brackets bonded to the teeth (fixed). Over time, by applying a continuous gentle force, the teeth move to their desired position. Treatment time varies with each individual and each procedure. Typically, treatment ranges from one to three years and is most efficient with the diligent wear of appliances and elastics. We typically see our patients every four to six weeks during active treatment.
Fixed Braces
We offer traditional metal braces and clear braces. With metal braces, the arch wire can be tied in with colored or gray ties. The ties are changed at each appointment and are available in a wide variety of colors. We also offer clear/ceramic braces if you prefer the braces to be less visible. Clear brackets are popular with adults and older teens.
Clear Orthodontic Appliances - Aligners
The clear orthodontic appliances are a series of removable clear trays designed to straighten your teeth. They are most appropriate for cases that require minimal alignment or for adults who have slight relapse after having had braces
earlier in life.
Removable Appliances - Retainers
Removable appliances may also be used to guide teeth to their correct position. Most often they are used to retain the teeth once they are in their correct position.
Early Treatment
Sometimes, orthodontic treatment is necessary for children who have a mixture of permanent and deciduous (baby) teeth. If the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw, an expander can be used to guide the width of the upper jaw. If the upper jaw is too far ahead of the lower jaw, nighttime headgear may be indicated. Other reasons for early treatment include correcting a thumb sucking habit, correcting an abnormal swallowing pattern or gaining space for permanent teeth. The advantage of early treatment is the correction of a problem that may be more difficult to treat later on.
If early treatment is necessary then orthodontics is done in two phases; the first phase at the time of mixed dentition, followed by a resting period and then the second phase when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. For most orthodontic treatment, correction can be accomplished in one phase. This allows for an efficient treatment time and ensures that treatment is not prolonged unnecessarily.
Preparation for Dental Implants
As dental implants have become more popular as a way of replacing lost or missing teeth, orthodontic treatment can be used to prepare those spaces for implants. Making the desired amount of space requires careful movement of the teeth and involves working with the patient’s dentist and implant specialist.
Post Orthodontic Treatment
Everyone who has braces will need retainers once the brackets are removed. Dr. Devian will continue to see you once you are at this stage of treatment. Retainers are very important in keeping teeth straight. Normally patients wear their retainers full time for 6 months once the braces are removed and then at night thereafter. Be careful with your retainers as we do charge to replace broken or lost retainers. Even if you are being seen on a recall status, please contact our office for any concerns or changes you may have.
