Why Age 7 ???

Your child should have their first orthodontic screening between the ages of 7 and 9. At this time a panoramic x-ray will be taken to allow us to see if the child is crowded or not. If the child is not crowded we will continue to monitor their growth and once their permanent teeth have exfoliated we will begin traditional braces to better align the teeth. Should the child be crowded we are able to intervene and treat the patient without having to remove permanent teeth and a more aesthetic and stable result is accomplished.

You might be wondering how we are able to achieve this with crowding. What the x-ray shows us is the bone size is smaller than what is required by all the permanent teeth. Fitting all the permanent teeth onto the bone requires increasing the size of the bone. This orthopedic change requires a degree of force to the bone that braces alone cannot do. This may sound frightening, but it is a simple appliance placed on the roof of the mouth attached to the molars. In the middle of the appliance is a small jack-screw that will gradually be turned over time prescribed by the orthodontist to accumulate the space required for the permanent teeth. Braces can only tip the teeth out to make space, but in order to have a stable bite it is necessary for the teeth to sit as close to the middle of the bone as possible. Extractions of permanent teeth to resolve the crowding can be avoided by increasing the total width of the bone with an Expander. Studies have shown that treatment with an Expander, in addition to braces, results in a significantly favorable long-term increases in upper and lower arch measurements.

Medical Reasons for Adult Orthodontics

There are plenty of medical reasons for adult orthodontics. Crowded, excessively spaced or misaligned teeth can wear unevenly over time and, in some people cause the teeth to weaken and fall out. Other problems associated with misaligned teeth include headaches, jaw pain and difficulty in cleaning and maintaining the teeth, possibly resulting in more decay and gum disease.

Research has found that people with periodontal (gum) disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease, than those without periodontal disease. The theory is that the bacteria that form periodontal disease can trigger white blood cells to release chemicals in the blood known as pro-inflammatory mediators that may lead to heart disease and stroke. Another theory is that bacteria from the mouth attach to fatty acid plaques in the coronary arteries and contribute to clot formation. These clots can obstruct normal blood flow and also lead to strokes and heart attacks.

STRAIGHT TEETH allow for proper oral hygiene by providing easier access to the areas between the gums
Reduce the accumulation of tartar and plaque on the teeth thereby reducing the total bacterial count in the mouth.

INVISALIGN is the latest alternative to conventional braces and most adults can be treated with this modality. Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that straighten the teeth gradually until the intended results are achieved. I have been awarded the distinction of being a Premier Provider for Invisalign three years in a row. This is based on over 200 cases diagnosed and treated. Click on the "Bhatia Orthodontics" link to view before and after photos of some of the cases treated with Invisalign. You can also visit the Invisalign website from the link at the left.

Straight Teeth, No Braces!!

Invisalign is a virturally invisible solution so you can smile during as well as after treatment. In fact,virtually no one will know you're wearing them unless you tell. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth right before your eyes. Change them about every two weeks and your teeth will move toward the smile you have always wanted.

Invisalign is a Tecnique

Although it could be viewed as a product that can be purchased, it is actually another way to
apply orthodontic forces to teeth.
Therefore….. Technique is Important!

Every appliance has it’s strong points and weak points, and it is the experience of the treating Orthodontist that maximizes the strong points to achieve the desired result.

Signs the bite is not right

•Early or late loss of baby teeth
•Difficulty in chewing or biting
•Breathing through the mouth
•Thumb sucking
•Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
•Jaws that are too far forward or back
•Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
•Protruding teeth
•Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or meet in an abnormal way
•An unbalanced facial appearance
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth