Why Braces? Why do people get braces? Are crooked teeth really that big a deal?

There are more reasons than just aesthetics to get braces. Crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth are also more difficult to clean. In time, this could mean a higher risk of decay and periodontal disease. If your bite is misaligned, you could also wind up with dental erosion, jaw pain, and a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, in which your jaw joint just below your ear becomes inflamed and painful.

What kind of Treatments are there?

Two-Phase Treatment:
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to design an ideal, healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

Phase-One Treatment:
The goal of Phase-One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaw fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper that is growing too much or is too narrow can be recognized at an early age.

For Teens & Children:
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends they be checked for braces around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery. Early treatment allows Doctors to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary.

For Adults:
Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too!

How long will my treatment last?
In general, orthodontic treatment tends to last between 12 and 22 months. Dr. Goodwin will give you an estimate of your treatment time based on your own unique factors, which include the growth rate of your mouth, face, and how severe the problem is. Your diligence in using your appliance and elastics are also important parts of your treatment program and will help determine the length of your treatment time.