Early or Phase I treatment usually occurs between 7 and 10 years of age when the majority of the primary teeth are still present and most of a patients permanent teeth are still developing. While most young children will not need a phase I, for some it is necessary to prevent more severe problems in the future and alleviate issues that cannot be corrected once the jaw bones have matured. Most often, final tooth alignment is not achieved during phase I and a phase II is required in order to finalize the position of all the patients teeth. Comprehensive or Phase II treatment occurs when a patient has majority permanent teeth (typically ages 12 and older). The goal of Phase II is to position all the permanent teeth as well as maximize their appearance and function. This is best accomplished with traditional braces or Invisalign.

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually takes 18 to 24 months. Healthy and stable tooth movement is best achieved by application of light to moderate forces over a time frame that allows the body to adapt and remodel your bone and gum tissue. Unless the required tooth movement is minimal, most often a treatment time less than 12 months is not recommended.

The term “frenum” refers to the piece of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks or tongue to the gums. A frenectomy is most often performed for patients who have a gap between their upper two front teeth that may be caused by the frenum. The procedure repositions or removes some of the tissue to allow the diastema to close and stabilizes the teeth so the space can remain closed. A frenectomy may be recommended to achieve optimal results from orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will inform you when a frenectomy should be performed and will refer you to a gum specialist (periodontist) to have this procedure. For more information of frenectomies please click here.

Most of the time you will need to return every 4 to 6 weeks to have your braces adjusted or your Invisalign trays evaluated and dispersed.

As your teeth are relocated and aligned you may experience occasional mild discomfort or soreness. Additionally, spacers may cause temporary soreness. Usually any discomfort can be remedied with whatever over the counter pain medication you typically take for a headache. You should never be in severe pain during your treatment. If this is the case please return to our office immediately so the situation can be evaluated. No appointment is needed.

It is even more important to brush and floss regularly when you have braces on. Once your braces have been placed, a member of our team will review the proper methods for brushing and flossing around your braces. Flossing with a floss threader and brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush two to three times daily will keep your teeth healthy throughout your treatment.

You must return to your general dentist for cleanings and checkups every 4 to 6 months during your treatment. If you have periodontal disease or compromised teeth you may be required to see the general dentist every 3 months. Failure to do so may result in a compromised result, gum disease, tooth decay, and permanent marks/staining on teeth when the braces are removed.

An overbite is the vertical overlap of your upper anterior six teeth and your lower anterior six teeth. An overbite is a necessary feature of a healthy bite and should be 1-3mm range. An excessive overbite or the absence of an overbite (an openbite) are issues that need to be corrected during your orthodontic treatment.

A gingivectomy is the removal of excessive gum tissue. Gum overgrowth is often caused by poor oral hygiene or certain medications. Occasionally, patients may also experience gum overgrowth and irritation when wearing braces. This is more likely to happen if the teeth appear short before the braces are placed. A gingivectomy can be done to remove gum tissue that interferes with braces, to balance uneven gum heights, or to correct a smile that displays an excessive amount of gum tissue. Your orthodontist may recommend a gingivectomy during or after orthodontic treatment. For more information on gingivectomies please click here.