Author Archives: Richard Haber

At the completion of active orthodontic treatment all braces will be removed from your mouth. At this point, the teeth have been moved to create the best possible smile and bite!

Just because the braces are not on your teeth anymore does not mean the teeth will stop moving. Teeth will always shift, causing bite changes and crowding. To prevent this shifting we ask that you wear retainers. There are several types of retainers, ones that can be glued to the back of your teeth, or ones that are removable which you can take in and out of your mouth.

When you first get your braces off you should wear your retainers all the time, except when you eat or brush your teeth. Typically, we ask you do this for the first 6 months out of braces. The doctor will tell you when you can reduce the amount of time that you need to wear your retainers. Usually, after the first 6 months you’ll wear your retainers after dinner and to bed (about 12 hours per day).

When you remove your retainers to brush your teeth, you should brush your retainers also. Use only cool water and a toothbrush (no toothpaste). Always store your retainers dry, never let them soak for more than 15 minutes. Be careful with colored mouthwash and mouthwash containing alcohol. These will alter the color and weaken your retainers.

We will continue to see you for 18 months to make sure your retainers continue to fit well. For all retainer visits it is very important that you bring the retainers into the office for adjustments. Once retention visits are no longer necessary, we still recommend you wear your retainers. You may only need to wear them a fraction of the time you once did, but never stop wearing them altogether.

Remember, teeth will always shift. The only way to prevent shifting is to wear your retainers indefinitely! Please visit this website

Initial Consultation
There will be no charge for your first examination. At your initial appointment we will help you get acquainted with our office and the doctor will evaluate your occlusion. He will determine whether treatment is needed and if this is the proper time to begin. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive their first orthodontic screening at age 7 to 7 1/2. Most children do not need orthodontic treatment at this young age, but this important screening appointment can find the small group of children who would benefit by early treatment. Frequently, early removal of some of the baby teeth may reduce the severity of a developing problem. At the completion of this appointment, you will be advised as to whether any treatment is needed now or in the future. If future treatment is indicated, you will be placed on recall status to monitor your developing occlusion. If you decide to proceed with additional diagnostic procedures (x-rays) then a fee for these services will be charged.

Diagnostic Records
The next step would be an appointment for full diagnostic records. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, a plaster study model of the teeth, photos of the patient’s face and occlusion and special x-rays. This information is then used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care.

Consultation
After the doctor has evaluated your records, he will meet with you to explain the particulars of your case and available treatment options. We encourage questions from both the patient and the parent and will provide ample time to answer all of your questions. Any questions related to fees and payment schedules can also be addressed at this time. In most instances, successful orthodontic treatment is a cooperative effort between the orthodontist and the patient. The significance of this will be discussed at this appointment.

Technology and Materials
Our office utilizes digital x-rays for all of our diagnostic services. This greatly reduces the amount of radiation received by the patient and enhances the diagnostic quality of the films. We also employ a computerized phone system to remind you of your appointments and ViewPoint Web Access®, which will allow you to go online to view your account and appointment information. And we utilize a special fluoride resin that strengthens the tooth enamel and helps prevent decalcification and white spot lesions. To help prevent decalcification and white spot lesions we apply a special fluoride resin to each tooth to strengthen the enamel.

Infection Control
One of our top priorities is the health and safety of our patients and staff. To maintain the highest standards we:

Use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove debris from our instruments prior to sterilizing them.
Use either an autoclave or high-heat sterilizer on all instruments as appropriate.
Utilize a sterilization monitoring system with heat-sensitive tape and spore strips, which are monitored by an outside company.
Dispose of single-use items immediately after use.
Follow all CDC, state and OSHA guidelines for health and safety in the workplace.

The upper and lower jaws are the foundations by which teeth are supported. Sometimes, when the jaws are too short or long, too wide or narrow, braces alone can’t completely correct a bad bite. And, in addition to affecting a person’s appearance, an improper bite can lead to serious problems, such as abnormal tooth wear, periodontal disease, and possible joint pain.

Orthodontists correct crooked teeth and bad bites. For problems related to jaw formation and misalignment (skeletal problems), an oral surgeon may be needed. When both conditions come into play, it’s common for an orthodontist and oral surgeon to work together. More information here

Some severe cases can only be corrected with a combination of orthodontics and surgery. The orthodontist, working with the oral surgeon, designs a combined treatment plan. Depending on the problem, treatment by other dental specialists may also be required.

This teamwork of the orthodontist, the family dentist and other dental specialists provides better dental health for thousands of patients who are rewarded with straight teeth, bright smiles and facial symmetry-a beautiful combination of shape, form, position and function.

What Problems Do Orthodontics and Surgery Best Correct?

There are many types of jaw development and alignment problems. Some are inherited, some are growth problems, and some are caused by an accident or other trauma.

The most commonly corrected problems include:

Which Comes First?

Most orthodontic patients undergo an initial period of orthodontic treatment to align the teeth so they will fit properly after surgery is performed. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will schedule surgery after the teeth have been properly aligned.

Usually, braces or other orthodontic devices used to align teeth before surgery are left in place during the surgical procedure to help stabilize the teeth and jaws. After surgery there is usually an additional period of orthodontic treatment to bring teeth into their final, desired positions, complementing the new facial symmetry.

The Rewards of Treatment.

While the prospect of undergoing surgery as part of your overall treatment plan may seem daunting, it really is not uncommon. The rewards for such treatment can be very dramatic. Following completion of orthodontic treatment and surgery, you’ll enjoy better dental health and have a better facial appearance. Best of all, you’ll have a more beautiful smile that reflects a healthier, happier you for the rest of your life. Please visit this website