Orthodontics

For most patients, straight teeth equal a beautiful smile. But did you know that a properly aligned bite is also healthier? Overlapped, crooked, or rotated teeth create a daily cleaning challenge. Helping even a couple straggling teeth find their proper place can leave you with a healthier mouth.

Straight teeth aren’t just for kids! Adults often make the most dedicated orthodontic patients, and it’s never too late to discuss the options for a bright, straight smile. If you’re not sure traditional braces are for you, don’t worry. Invisible methods can work extremely well in many cases, and our doctors can help you explore the possibilities.

Orthodontics involves teeth straightening while maintaining proper jaw alignment, combining beauty and function. Identifying problems when a child is growing may allow for easier treatment, but it’s never too late to discuss ways to enhance your smile!

Early Treatment

Early visits can help us monitor the growth and eruption of teeth, diagnose and implement proper treatment on time, which can avoid extraction and surgery later on.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit the orthodontist around age 7. There are many benefits to being seen by an orthodontist earlier during periods of growth. Early visits can help us monitor the growth and eruption of teeth, diagnose and implement proper treatment on time, which can avoid extraction and surgery later on.

Signs that your child may need early treatment:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Blocked teeth, misplaced teeth
  • Early loss of baby teeth
  • Protruded teeth
  • Thumb sucking habit
  • Speech impediment
  • Teeth that do not bite together properly
  • Difficulty chewing

Early treatment will allow the orthodontist to address problems on time

  • Expand the jaw to fix the bite
  • Create space for blocked/misplaced teeth
  • Bring in protruded teeth to prevent trauma
  • Correct habits that can lead to bigger dental problems later on
  • Correct the fit of the teeth to improve chewing

If you recognize these problems in your child, and would like to have your child evaluated, please call us for a FREE CONSULTATION. Early treatment can help your child achieve a life-long beautiful, healthy smile.

Treatment Options

The most commonly used type of braces, but we also approach many different approaches, such as clear aligners, palate expanders, ceramic braces, and more.

Braces

Traditional metal braces

These are the most commonly used type of braces. Stainless steel metal brackets and wires work synergistically to move teeth efficiently and effectively. Metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before.

Clear ceramic braces

These nearly clear brackets are an esthetic option to metal braces. They are widely used on teenagers and adults who may not want removable aligners, but still prefer the more discreet look.

Clear aligners

A series of removable plastic trays are worn one week at a time to move the teeth little by little. Our orthodontists are certified Invisalign providers. Call us to find out if Invisalign is the right option for you.

Appliances

Palate expander

This is a widely used fixed appliance that widens the upper jaw that is too narrow. Small adjustments are made to expand the skeletal part of the upper arch, usually in a growing child.

Tongue crib

Habits such as tongue thrust and thumb/finger sucking can be eliminated by this fixed appliance by blocking the tongue or thumb/finger.

Carriere Motion Appliance

Reverse Pull Headgear (Face Mask)

This removable extra-oral appliance is used in conjunction with a palate expander to pull the retruded upper jaw forward out of an underbite. It is an important part of early treatment that can potentially help avoid jaw surgery later on.

Retainers

Once you have completed your orthodontic treatment, you will be fitted with these removable appliances to keep the newly straightened teeth in place. Over time, as your teeth become more stable, you will wear your retainers less and less. Retainers can also be used to correct minor misalignment and spacing. Have you had braces before, and now notice some small changes to your front teeth? Speak to your orthodontist to see if a new retainer can be used to fix the relapsed teeth.

Nightguards

Many teenagers and adults grind their teeth at night, which leads to severely worn teeth over the years. Nightguards are removable appliances that are worn at night to prevent wear and tear on teeth. Talk to your dentist and orthodontist if you think that you grind or clench your teeth at night. A properly fitted nightguard will prolong the health of your beautiful new smile.

iTero Digital impressions

Say goodbye to goopy impressions and hello to our state-of-the-art iTero digital scanner!

With our iTero Element Scanner, we can digitally create 3D images of your teeth and gums to maximize your comfort and accuracy.

Benefits of Digital Scanners:

  • Comfort: no more traditional impressions, no need to worry about gagging
  • High accuracy: no need to redo because “the impression came out bad”
  • Can be used for Invisalign and appliances such as retainers
  • Can visualize treatment outcome (with the Invisalign Outcome Simulator function)

For Adults

Adults are realizing the tremendous benefits of having a beautiful smile which leads to a healthy mouth no matter the age. Learn more.

Invisalign®

A straight smile has never been easier to achieve. Clear plastic trays, known as aligners, can work the magic of braces without the metal look and feel of traditional braces. Combined with sophisticated 3D software, this technology brings a new smile within reach for most adults and mature teens.

You can achieve your dream smile without the look of metal braces. As a certified Invisalign provider, our office can help accomplish your goal by utilizing cutting-edge technology.

3D models of your teeth created by our iTero digital scanner will be used to fabricate highly accurate and durable removable plastic aligners. These aligners, which get changed every week, will move the teeth little by little until the desired outcome is accomplished months down the road.

Benefits of Invisalign treatment:

  • Virtually invisible, highly esthetic
  • Removable aligners allow you to take small breaks
  • Can eat whatever you want
  • Can brush and floss easily
  • More comfortable than metal brackets and wires
  • Spend less time in the office

Is Invisalign treatment the right choice for your child?

  • Invisalign aligners work well with extra-curricular activities. No need to worry about braces getting in the way of playing musical instruments. Aligners do not interfere with sports, whether it’s swimming, football, or gymnastics.
  • Less frequent office visits are required. With appointments being about 8 weeks apart, you have less to fit into your child’s busy school activities.
  • No more emergency visits. No poking wires, broken brackets to inconvenience your life.
  • Is your child prone to cavities? Removable aligners may be the right option to make brushing and flossing easier. Plus, the dentist can take x-rays to check for cavities without having metal wires in the way.

Is Invisalign covered by Insurance?

Most insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way metal braces are covered. The best way to see if Invisalign treatment is the best option for you or your child is to come in for an assessment with our orthodontist for a customized plan.

Flexible Financing

We, at Tooth Fairy Orthodontics, believe that finances should not be a roadblock to achieving the confident radiant smile you deserve. We are here to address your treatment cost concerns and make this a smooth process.

  • Payment plans to fit your budget
  • 0% interest in-house financing
  • We work with most insurances to maximize your benefits
  • We handle all pre-determinations and claims to take the hassle out of your hands
  • Family/sibling discount
  • Phase II treatment discounts for patients who have had early treatment with us before
  • If you would like to learn how we can make your treatment more affordable to fit your budget, give us a call! We have flexible plans that can meet your needs.

FAQs

Frequent Asked Questions and Answers. Learn more.