Our team of orthodontic specialists and staff strive to improve the health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and bite. We're happy to provide a complimentary consultation to determine the need and timing for orthodontic treatment. If you would like to schedule an appointment, or have questions,please contact us.
When should a child see an orthodontist?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time to begin treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age seven for an evaluation. Although it may not be time to begin orthodontic treatment, regular periodic orthodontic examinations allow the doctors to monitor growth and development, identify any problems before they progress, and anticipate the most advantageous time to begin any necessary treatment.
Why evaluate a child at age seven?
At age seven, the first molars have erupted, establishing the bite of the back teeth. The doctor can then evaluate the bite, and the side to side and front to back relationships of the teeth. If intervention is necessary, the orthodontist can guide growth and development, preventing serious problems later. Most young patients don't need anything more than observation of growth and development while the permanent teeth are growing into place. If that is the case with you, we will enroll you in our Future Star Program, where we will schedule regular examinations to monitor your progress as you grow and your dentition develops.
What are the advantages of early intervention or interceptive treatment?
- Create room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Create facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Maintain space for unerupted teeth
- Reduce the need for permanent tooth removal
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not only for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves dental function and health for patients of all ages. Malocclusion (or bad bite) occurs as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment and can affect your appearance, how you chew, and your oral hygiene According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusion can result in a numerous of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Cross-bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open-bites can create speech and eating difficulties. These are just some of the consequences of malocclusion that could affect you. A beautiful smile is more than aesthetic---it can be healthier too!
Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.
All teeth have between one and four root canals.
Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.
A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems; pain and sensitivity are some of the first indications of a problem; but inside, a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, leading to an abscess.
Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.
Procedure
Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown.
Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.