Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that are custom made to gradually shift your teeth into their optimal position. They’re made using 3D computer imaging technology that has been proven effective at straightening teeth. In fact, more than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign. But the best part has to be that no one will know you’re wearing them unless they get so close to you, they can see your pores.
If your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment, you may also qualify for Invisalign. Reach out to your insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage for your treatment.
The big game is Friday night, homecoming is in a month, and what about yearbook pictures?! Don’t stress. Seriously. With Invisalign Teen you won’t need to turn down any dates, wear a paper bag over your head, or hide out in your room for two years because these aligners are virtually invisible. Invisalign Teen is perfect for growing smiles. They’re clear, removable, super comfortable, custom made to fit your smile, and they have indicators on them that allow parents and your orthodontist to see if you’ve been wearing them the right way for the right amount of time. The key to Invisalign working is to make sure that you wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. If you wear them less than that you risk your treatment taking longer, or not being as effective.
Ready for some great news? We can now fix many orthodontic issues while your child’s bones are still developing and their permanent teeth are still erupting. This type of treatment is typically part of a 2-Phase treatment that involves either braces or Invisalign for the first phase, a resting period of a few months, and then Invisalign or braces for the second, and final phase of treatment. With Invisalign First, our orthodontists are able to correct some of the issues before they become bigger problems later. This type of treatment can also significantly reduce the need for tooth extraction as well.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the children see an orthodontist by the time they are 7 years old. By 7 years old, many children experience a ton of skeletal bone growth which makes it the perfect time for an orthodontist to address any problems before they become even bigger issues when the child is older. When you schedule a consultation early, we’re able to monitor your child’s smile and intervene when necessary.
At Springfield Orthodontics in Delaware County, our traditional metal braces are unlike the bulky, awkward metal you’ve seen on TV. They are lower profile, smaller and more comfortable, making them lightyears ahead of what your mom had to wear as a teen. Not only that, but you can also personalize your brackets with an array of colored rubber bands. The coolest part: they can be changed at each appointment, too.
Clear or ceramic braces are less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used on upper front teeth more than lower teeth.
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics, our office will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
A palatal expander widens your upper jaw by putting a tiny bit of gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Thomas, or one of our other orthodontists, will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When the desired expansion is achieved, you’ll wear the appliance for several more months to make sure that your new bite is all set and won’t regress back to its original position.
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.
