Orthodontics

At the bottom is our before and after gallery which shows some of Dr. Taylor’s Orthodontic work (odd numbered images are before and even numbered images are after).

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Who needs orthodontics, and when?

Studies show that millions of Americans have oral health problems that could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Without treatment, many of these people could develop serious problems.

Although there is not a universal best age to begin treatment, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that every child see an orthodontist at an early age. This could be as young as 2 or 3, but should be no later than age 7. However, a visit at any age is advisable if a particular problem has been noted by the parent, family dentist, or child’s physician.

Orthodontic specialists can improve smiles at any age, but there are benefits to early diagnosis. Early examination enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and determine the appropriate time to treat them. After the initial evaluation, the orthodontist may monitor facial growth and development by periodic checkups while the permanent teeth erupt and the face and jaws continue to grow.

Early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time-consuming. In some cases, early treatment achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. (Many orthodontic problems can be corrected in adults as well as children, so adults should not hesitate to consult an orthodontist to discuss a problem.)

Isn’t orthodontic treatment expensive?

Not in comparison with the cost of dealing with untreated problems. Orthodontic treatment may bring long-term health benefits and may contribute to the avoidance of costly, serious problems later in life.

Historically, the average cost of all health services has risen faster than the average cost of orthodontic treatment. In addition, the cost of orthodontic treatment has increased significantly less than the rate of inflation, meaning the public’s buying power has gone up faster than orthodontic fees.

Orthodontic insurance is not available on an individual basis, but millions of people are covered by group dental plans including orthodontic coverage which are offered through their employers. We are currently offering the lowest orthodontic prices around–starting at $88 a month (fees depend on the severity of the problem, complexity of treatment, and length of treatment time.)

The AAO offers its assistance at no charge to companies interested in offering employees a dental plan that includes orthodontic coverage. The AAO provides Concept DR, a self-funded, direct reimbursement dental/orthodontic benefits program that is generally less expensive and offers better benefits that traditional dental insurance plans.

We Have Colored And Invisible Braces

To give you a number of options, we let you choose between an assortment of colors and invisible braces. That’s just one of many things we do to show how much we care about you and your teeth.

Colored and Invisible Braces May Contribute to Treatment Success

While colors and invisible braces are fun, the fun serves a serious purpose. Enthusiastic patients are more cooperative. And better cooperation can yield results that meet everyone’s expectations.

When patients decide to become involved in their treatment, they usually take better care of their braces. The bottom line is, when patients follow our instructions, they can end up with better results.

Regarding colors, patients have a splashy array of hues from which to choose for much of their orthodontic hardware. Even the replaceable rubber bands that many patients put in and take out daily come in about as many colors as you’d see at a fabric store. Patients won’t take the time to choose special colors unless they intend to use them.

Colors and Invisible braces have gone over big with countless braces-wearers.

Colored Braces Make a Fashion Statement

For orthodontic patients who choose to make fashion statements with their mouths, colors are really heating up. From soft pastels that coordinate with a wardrobe to bright hues for celebrating holidays or expressing school spirit, the colors appear mainly on the elastic ties that bind the wires to the brackets. These ties can be changed when the wires are changed.

Braces Add a Splash of Color For All Occasions

St. Patrick’s Day is only one of the many holidays that orthodontic patients can brace themselves for. They can celebrate every time they smile, year-round: Orange and black for Halloween. Red and white for Valentine’s Day, and on July 4, just add blue. Green and red for Christmas, or blue and white for Chanukah, or black, red, and green for Kwanzaa.

Many adults also choose different colors whenever they need to have their braces adjusted. For a sports fanatic, it’s a unique way to express loyalty to college or pro teams. Arch wires are also available in many striking colors from metallic red and green to gold.

Retainers Can Be Fun Too

Once the braces are off, retainers are another means of personal expression. They aren’t all roof-of-the-mouth pink nowadays. Some glow in the dark, and some are personalized with a photo of Fido or Cindy Crawford, or even the logo of a favorite sports team. Choices are limited only by the imagination. Young male patients, of whom many are into anything gross, may choose spiders, snakes or other creepy crawlers for their retainers. The AAO notes that more people than ever are bracing themselves. Colorful retainers and other orthodontic trappings, of course, are only part of the reason for this trend. Patients are finding that today’s high-tech materials are more comfortable. The sophisticated engineering of the tooth-moving wires developed through NASA and activated by body heat has increased their tensile strength and flexibility, which makes orthodontic treatment more comfortable. (Some patients want braces that are nearly invisible so they choose clear brackets through which their teeth can be seen, or lingual braces, which are applied to the backs of the teeth to move them from behind the scenes.)

Not Just for Kids