Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, and can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to the abnormal wear of teeth, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, and misalignment of the jaw joints.

Few cases are treated strictly for cosmetic reasons. Almost all cases have a functional or bite component that requires correction. The esthetic benefit is a great bonus! 
Treatment by an Orthodontist not only helps you avoid many of these issues, it can be less costly than the additional care required for treating dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. 
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. As your teeth align and especially after your active treatment is completed, you'll feel more self-confident and want to smile more.

How Orthodontics Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or acrylic. They may be removable (eg INVISALIGN®) or they may be brackets glued to the teeth. By placing a constant gentle force, in a carefully controlled direction, orthodontics slowly move teeth through the supporting bone into their corrected position. The improved alignment must be supported by the use of retainers, which are very effective at holding the correction when used as directed.

This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or silver color. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and we offer the latest bracket technology to move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of Treatment
Treatment time estimates typically range from one to three years, depending on tooth eruption, growth of the patient, and the severity of the problem. Patients will respond uniquely to orthodontic treatment, and so the time for case completion may differ from the original estimate, particularly if there are compliance concerns.

Being mindful of not breaking braces and the patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands (elastics) are the most important factors in achieving timely treatment completion. Patient non-compliance is the #1 reason treatment extends past the target date. Successful orthodontics requires a partnership between the Patient and the Orthodontist