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Babylon Dental Care

General Orthodontics

Person inserting a clear aligner over their teeth.

Why is it so important to have healthy, straight teeth? We’ll tell you why!

Straight teeth make it easier to clean between the teeth, which is where cavity-causing bacteria like to breed. As you can imagine, flossing is much easier in this situation. A smile filled with straight teeth is a self-esteem booster. So go ahead and make those great first impressions a breeze!

What are your orthodontic options?

  • Clear Ceramic Braces: These braces offer the precision of traditional metal braces while allowing natural tooth color to be seen instead of metal.
  • Full Traditional Braces: We offer metal-and-wire braces for those who want to straighten their crooked teeth and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Full metal braces are great for patients who have severe tooth misalignment and other severe bite problems (i.e. underbite, overbite). Many adults and teenagers need metal orthodontic braces at some point in their lives, and if that time has come for you, we’d love to work with you.
  • Invisalign Clear Braces: We are Invisalign Preferred Providers with advanced training and many years of experience in clear aligners technology. Invisalign is great for patients who wish to straighten their crooked teeth with nearly invisible aligners. Our skilled dentists will determine whether or not you are a good candidate to get Invisalign orthodontic treatment during your initial consultation. Please see our Invisalign page for more information!
  • Early Intervention Treatment: When your child is between 2-6 years of age, our dentists can evaluate their teeth and gums to decrease the chances that they’ll need orthodontic treatment at a later age. This can also reduce the length of time that wearing braces may be necessary. Early treatment is important, as we can correct certain problems, such as severe overcrowding, incorrect jaw position, overbite, underbite, and problems with the jaw joint (known as TMJ). The earlier that we can identify and correct these oral problems, the better off your child’s teeth will be.  The American Association of Orthodontics recommends patients be screened at 7.5 years old. This early intervention ensures a better experience for the patient and leads to less trauma down the road, as it avoids issues that may arise due to orthodontic issues. Early arch expansion often mitigates the necessity for permanent tooth extraction, prevents surgical exposures of impacted canines, and can also open diminished nasal airways, thereby reducing the incidence of sleep apnea.
  • Adult Treatment: it’s not too late! Adults can see great results! Treating orthodontic issues allows you to keep your teeth long-term!

Request your orthodontic consultation today!

Request your consultation

General Orthodontics: FAQs

Orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Correcting misaligned teeth for a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
  • Improving bite function, which can alleviate issues such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and speech problems.
  • Reducing the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
  • Enhancing overall oral health and self-confidence.

Your orthodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment to determine if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment. Factors such as the severity of misalignment, bite issues, oral health status, and your treatment goals will be considered in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends patients be screened at 7 years old. This early intervention ensures a better experience for the patient and leads to less trauma down the road, as it avoids issues that may arise due to orthodontic issues

Whether orthodontic treatment is covered by insurance depends on your specific insurance plan and coverage. In many cases, dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, particularly for children and adolescents. However, coverage amounts, limitations, and age restrictions may vary. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.

During your initial orthodontic consultation, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment. They may take dental X-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth to develop a personalized treatment plan. Your orthodontist will discuss your orthodontic concerns, treatment options, expected outcomes, and any questions or concerns you may have about the process.

Yes, orthodontic treatment is specifically designed to improve bite function and jaw alignment by gradually repositioning the teeth and jaws into proper alignment. By correcting misalignment and bite issues, orthodontic treatment can alleviate symptoms such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and speech problems, and improve overall oral health and function.

The frequency of orthodontic visits during treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and individual treatment needs. In general, patients typically visit the orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. Your orthodontist will provide specific guidance on scheduling follow-up appointments based on your treatment plan and progress.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Your orthodontist will provide instructions on how to properly care for your braces or orthodontic appliances, including brushing and flossing techniques, using interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean around wires and brackets, and avoiding foods that can damage braces. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important for monitoring your oral health and adjusting your orthodontic treatment as needed.