 |  Brynn |  David |
|---|---|---|
 Cora |  Cambrie |  Rylie |
 Rahul |
Treatment Options
Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. That means you can continue doing all the things you would from brushing and flossing to eating whatever you like.
Iconix Braces
Iconix stainless steel champagne colored brackets truly offer the best of both worlds - the durability of stainless steel and the aesthetics of "white" gold. A unique proprietary process ensures these brackets will stay champagne for the duration of treatment.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces are used on upper front teeth and not on the lower teeth.
Teen Orthodontics
Between the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for orthodontics, and for good reasons. By age 12 to 13, most if not all of the permanent teeth have come in and are in place so that crooked teeth, gaps, and bad bites can easily be detected. These problems will hardly ever correct themselves, so this is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment.
This is also a good time for orthodontic treatment because many negative associations of braces are not present. Many children in this age range undergo orthodontic treatment, and teens are often excited to wear braces because they see their friends wearing them, too, and want to fit in. However, if wearing metal braces is a concern, ask Dr. Duffy if Invisalign Teen is an option.
Besides the benefits of fitting in with their friends, children at this age are growing rapidly, and orthodontists can usually take advantage of these growth spurts to help shape the bite and teeth correctly. And children at this age have high metabolisms, which can help shorten overall treatment time and reduce the discomfort of orthodontic treatment. Our goal is to give your child correctly aligned teeth that not only provide ideal jaw function but also a beautiful smile!
Early Intervention
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should take place at the first sign of orthodontic concerns or by the age of 7 Treatment may not be necessary at this time, but this exam can tell you the best time to begin treatment and gives Dr. Duffy the opportunity to work with your general dentist to provide you the best dental health.
Early evaluation gives you and Dr. Duffy options; finding out if there are problems now gives him more treatment options and can prevent more serious – and potentially more expensive – problems later. For each patient who needs treatment, there is an ideal time to begin in order to achieve the best results.
Few things bring parents more joy than seeing their children smile! Our goal at Duffy Orthodontics is to bring each person’s best and healthiest smile front and center.
Early treatment is a good solution to
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Create room for crowded, erupting teeth
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Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
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Create facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
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Preserve space for unerupted teeth
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Reduce treatment time with braces
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Reduce the need for tooth removal
The first phase of treatment usually occurs when the patient is between ages 7 to 10 and still has his/her primary teeth. Orthodontic appliances may be placed to prevent a problem from occurring, correct a current problem, or help direct jawbone growth. Multiple problems with tooth alignment, gums, jaws and facial problems can be corrected with during this first phase of treatment.
Adult Orthodontics
Braces aren't just for kids anymore. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 4 orthodontic patients are adults. We often hear from our adult patients that they are inspired by how beautiful their kids’ smiles are after treatment and want the same. We say, “Go for it!”
Tooth alignment can be changed at any age, as long as your gums and your bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.
In fact, orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces.
More good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time, and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, which can be worn to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.
During the initial examination, Dr. Duffy will explain your options and what he recommends as the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected, and treatment cost.
It's never too late to improve your greatest asset – your smile.
Surgical Orthodontics
What is surgical orthodontics?
Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient’s ability to chew, speak and breathe. It also provides improved facial balance and aesthetics. Moving the jaws also moves the teeth so braces are always used in conjunction with jaw surgery. This ensures that teeth are in their proper positions after surgery.
Who needs surgical orthodontics?
If Dr. Duffy sees a significant skeletal discrepancy, orthognathic surgery may be required for complete correction. Jaw surgery cannot be performed until most, if not all, skeletal growth is complete. Jaw growth is usually completed no sooner than 16 years of age in females and 18 years of age in males. Orthodontic treatment will usually be initiated while the child is still growing in an attempt to guide the teeth jaws into a more favorable relationship prior to the surgery.
Adults with severe discrepancies in jaw position often require orthognathic surgery for complete correction since there is no growth remaining.