Treatments
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics is a combined treatment by our doctors and an oral surgeon to correct jaw abnormalities. These issues are determined after reviewing the patient’s X-rays on our iCat 3D imaging technology.
The orthodontist initially levels and aligns the teeth, then the oral surgeon positions the jaws into a more normal position to allow the bite to come together ideally. This procedure results in the improved ability to chew, speak, and breathe, while also delivering tremendous facial aesthetics.
The orthodontist initially levels and aligns the teeth, then the oral surgeon positions the jaws into a more normal position to allow the bite to come together ideally. This procedure results in the improved ability to chew, speak, and breathe, while also delivering tremendous facial aesthetics.
Candidates
Our doctors embrace the latest in orthodontic technologies to reduce the overall need for surgical treatment; however, it can still be required in those with extreme bite discrepancies, as well as those with facial aesthetic concerns. All growth must be complete before jaw surgery can be performed (jaw growth is usually complete by 16–18 years with girls and 18–20 with boys); however, it is very common to begin correcting tooth position while a patient is still growing.
TMJ/TMD
Temporomandibular Disorder
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. Pain in this area is characterized as Temporomandibular Disorder. This joint is similar to many others in the body, and as such, is susceptible to conditions like ankylosis, arthritis, and dislocations.
TMD Symptoms Include:
- Biting/chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Neck and shoulder pain or tension
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Headaches/earaches in the morning
- Migraines
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Reduced ability to open/close the mouth
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep. Each lapse in breathing can last ten seconds to multiple minutes, and may occur five to 30+ times an hour. This disorder prevents deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three forms of sleep apnea. The most common is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and represents about 84 percent of cases. It occurs due to a physical block of airflow, commonly resulting in snoring. Though rare, during Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), breathing is interrupted by a lack of respiratory effort. Some people suffer from mixed or complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of OSA and CSA.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Oftentimes, an individual with sleep apnea is unaware of having difficulty breathing, even after waking up short of breath. Others witnessing the individual during episodes usually reveal the problem.
The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, we would be happy to refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.
- Daytime fatigue
- Slower reaction time
- Vision problems
- Difficulty paying attention or working effectively
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Sleep paralysis
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night
- Headaches in the morning
For Adults, an initial evaluation will indicate if a sleep study is necessary to confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis.. Additionally, we are able to fabricate an oral device designed to shift the lower jaw forward to open the airway.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial
Our doctors specialize in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, which is the management of tooth movement and guidance of facial growth and development.
There are nine dental specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association (ADA), and Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is one of them. After completing dental school, this specialist attends 2–3 years of additional training.
Because we are skilled in both areas, they are able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure. This allows them to devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.
Impressionless Treatment
iTero is the world’s leading edge intraoral digital camera. We use iTero scanning technology into our practice as the first step of the process that will provide patients with ease and comfort. iTero is designed to integrate easily into our practice’s workflow, allowing the team to transition quickly into digital impressions, which saves time for our patients. This ergonomic scanner allows us to comfortably get a high resolution scan in less than 7 minutes.
Bite Turbos
Bite Turbos: Speeding Treatment
When upper and lower braces are placed, in many instances, the top teeth bite down and contact the lower braces. This may cause the upper teeth to ‘bite off’ the lower braces, and as a result, will cause many extra visits to the office. To prevent this and allow placement of upper and lower braces at the same time, we use small temporary build-ups called “Bite Turbos” on the back side of the front teeth, or “Bite Props” on the biting surface of the rear teeth.
Bite Turbos:
Usually placed behind the upper front teeth.
Two Bite Turbos are placed initially. One turbo is sufficient to keep the upper and lower teeth apart. If one Turbo is lost, there is no need for concern. If both Turbos come off, please call to schedule a repair.
Bite Props:
Bite Props are typically blue in color and are placed on the biting surface of your side or back teeth. They work similarly to bite turbos, but are on the back rather than the front teeth.
Usually placed behind the upper front teeth.
Two Bite Turbos are placed initially. One turbo is sufficient to keep the upper and lower teeth apart. If one Turbo is lost, there is no need for concern. If both Turbos come off, please call to schedule a repair.
Bite Props:
Bite Props are typically blue in color and are placed on the biting surface of your side or back teeth. They work similarly to bite turbos, but are on the back rather than the front teeth.