Our Services
Each person's orthodontic needs are different and deserve personalized attention. We will use you or your child's initial visit as an opportunity to get to know you and discover what you want to accomplish. It is our goal to give you individual attention and take the necessary time to explain our procedures each step of the way. We believe the better you the parents and your child are informed, the better the results.
Braces
Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces) are a device used in orthodontics to correct alignment of teeth and their position with regard to bite. Braces are often used to correct malocclusions (bad bites) such as underbites, overbites, cross bites and open bites, or crooked teeth and various other flaws of teeth and jaws, whether cosmetic or structural. Orthodontic braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or jaws, create spaces between teeth, or otherwise shape the teeth and jaws. Most orthodontic patients are children or teenagers, however, recently, more adults have been seeking orthodontic treatment.
Standard Braces
Traditional braces are stainless steel and are the most widely used. This type of brace is the quickest, cleanest, and most affordable of all. These braces can be fun for everyone by adding a color or multiple colors to the braces. Choose your favorite team's colors or celebrate the current holiday. Every month you can change the colors.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth, and are not visible with casual interaction. These may be appropriate for certain adults and are an option for some. However, they will interfere with speech and may cause some difficulties with eating. In addition, it is a slower process and costs quite a bit more.
Clear Braces
Clear braces can be made of plastic, acrylic, porcelain or quartz. We use the highest grade porcelain due to color, stain resistance, and abilities. Plastics and acrylics stain easily and are somewhat outdated. Quartz is beautiful but expensive and too hard of a substance (instances of damage to your teeth). Porcelain braces are a great alternative for esthetics conscious patients. Also, ask Dr. Fontaine about the new white wires that are available.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded especially for you. Aligners are made from a strong, clear medical grade plastic that provides a comfortable, unnoticeable fit. The convenience and ease of use of the Invisalign system have made it the choice of over half a million people. The trays are used 24 hrs./day for the length of time in treatment and you will have many trays over this time. It is specifically for adults and those with minor tooth movement.
Retainers
Once your braces are removed, you then begin the retention stage of your treatment. During the first phase you will usually wear your retainer all the time for approximately 3 months. During the second phase you will only have to wear your retainer at night. The length of time that you will need your retainer is different for everyone. There are a number of factors to consider; including, wisdom teeth, age, difficulty of case, heredity, etc. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Orthognathic Surgery
When the upper and lower jaws don't match, a patient will be told of orthognathic surgery. Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces), will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.
Oral surgeons use the latest in digital imaging technology and will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods, and the overall efficacy of your surgery. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength, and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures, and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.
Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you. If needed and selected, the orthognathic surgery would be performed about 2/3 of the way through your orthodontic treatment and the braces would finish out after the surgery.
Malocclusions
Overbite: How much the upper teeth cover the lower teeth when you are biting down.
Overjet: How far the upper front teeth protrude or stick out.
Underbite: When the lower front teeth are in front of the upper. This is also called a crossbite.
Deep Bite: Upper front teeth cover lower front teeth too much.
Open Bite: Upper teeth do not overlap or touch lower teeth, at all. Usually found with someone who sucked their thumb.
Crowding: Upper and/or lower teeth are crowded or overlapping.
Spacing: There is excess space between teeth.
Narrow Arches: Upper and/or lower arches too narrow.
Midline Misalignment: Midlines of upper and lower arches don't line up.
Crossbite: When an upper tooth is inside of the lower tooth when the teeth are closed or together.
