- Dental ExaminationIf you are considering orthodontic treatment, our orthodontist can perform a comprehensive examination of your oral structures and help you determine the best option for your needs. For adult patients, braces typically need to stay on a bit longer since the jawbone and teeth are already fully developed; however, this is not necessarily the case for everyone. Plus, new technologies make it possible for the treatment process to be more comfortable (and significantly less noticeable) when compared to those utilized in the past.
- Teeth Cleaning
- DenturesCleaning your aligners is a quick and easy process. Scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush, toothpaste, and cool water is usually all that’s necessary to get them clean. Soaking them once a week in denture cleaner and cool water for an hour is a great way to refresh your aligners.
- Dental ImplantsTemporary anchorage devices, commonly referred to as “TADs”) may be recommended for some patients in order to make their orthodontic treatment more effective. These small, titanium implants can be placed along with another orthodontic appliance, such as braces or Invisalign®, to give them a bit more help with shifting the teeth into the ideal position. TADs are precisely placed through soft tissue and bone to serve as a stable anchor for movement of the teeth, helping with the correction of common misalignment issues and general orthodontic concerns. Not all patients will need temporary anchorage devices, and some may not even need them throughout the entire length of their treatment. Placement of TADs is often a relatively quick procedure, and patients typically become accustomed to them within one to two days after they are placed.
- Oral Surgery
- Jaw SurgeryOrthodontic procedures for children are typically categorized in two phases. The first is early phase orthodontics, which is often recommended for children who still have their baby teeth. Early phase treatment at Cuozzo Orthodontics is mainly used to correct crossbites and jaw structure, with the goal of helping the teeth to align properly as the jaw continues growing over this period of development. This phase of orthodontic treatment essentially helps create the room necessary for the permanent teeth, reducing the likelihood of tooth extraction if orthodontic treatment is still required later in life. Early phase orthodontics can also decrease the possibility that jaw surgery will need to be performed later in order to correct functional issues caused by poor jaw development or tooth position. Treatments that may be advised for early phase orthodontics include palatal expanders, headgears, orthodontic retainers, and (sometimes) partial braces.
- Tooth Extractions
- OrthodonticsCuozzo Orthodontics offers a variety of appliances that accompany orthodontic treatments to straighten the teeth or correct over- or under-bites. A number of these appliances are helpful in providing the most optimal results, and some of them can be used by themselves to address a number of orthodontic issues. Contact Cuozzo Orthodontic Specialists for more information.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsInvisalign® Teen is a special version of standard Invisalign® treatment that is designed with the particular developmental stages of adolescent patients in mind.
- BracesTiming is everything when it comes to orthodontic treatment for children. Too soon means too long in braces. Not only that, overtreatment with braces can actually damage teeth.
- General DentistryOrthodontics goes beyond the basics of general dentistry to focus on the ways in which a child’s face grows during puberty. A board-certified orthodontist can help you distinguish between truly effective forms of treatment and “quick-fix” procedures, as well as explain the difference between genuine research and false claims that are not supported by the American Association of Orthodontics.