Orthodontics

I love orthodontics personally. It is so fun and rewarding to see patients from start to finish. But, let's start with the basic questions. What is orthodontics? Well, orthodontics is the speciality of straightening misaligned teeth or malocclusion (dental bite, the way your teeth come together). They also look into jaw positioning, arch positioning and abnormalities of teeth, jaws and/or face. Side note, my daughter was referred to an orthodontist from her pediatric dentist due to concerns regarding her airway (narrow archway) causing teeth grinding and possibly sleep apnea. Who knew!

So your orthodontist (dentist who is qualified to treat irregularities of the teeth and jaw) is looking for more than just simple things we see in our smiles. There are many different options patients now have in choosing the best treatment for them. Of course, traditional braces (metal braces/brackets) are still the most common and affordable. However, some people do not want all that metal in their mouth. Invisalign™ is a brand name for clear aligners. People can complete orthodontic treatment more quickly and privately. Of course, this tends to be more expensive than traditional methods. Your orthodontist will have a financial coordinator that will go over all options with you including estimated costs.