An attractive smile and improved self-image is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss, and other dental injuries.

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

Costs vary depending on the type of treatment. Today many dental insurance policies include orthodontic benefits making orthodontic fees more affordable than ever before

Upon arriving, our friendly treatment coordinator will greet you and take you to our new patient room. She will take the necessary photographs and x-rays to allow Dr. Dovorany to make a proper diagnosis. Dr. Dovorany will discuss the necessary treatment needed and answer any questions you may have. Our treatment coordinator will go over fees and options available.

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
     •  Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
     •  What must be done to correct the problem?
     •  Will any teeth need to be removed?
     •  How long will the treatment take to complete?
     •  How much will the treatment cost?

TMJ Dysfunction is a condition of the jaw that occurs when the Temporo Mandibular Joint is misaligned or malfunctioning in a way that subjects the joint to excess pressure. TMJ can seriously affect how your mouth works and often includes side-effects such as blocked nasal passages, neck pain, headaches and difficulty chewing.

Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on, and right after the braces are adjusted. You can use aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, however the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. . Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.

About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Many adults are correcting problems that were never treated when they were children, and can now experience the satisfaction of a perfect smile.

The time needed to undergo orthodontic treatment will vary for each patient, and always depends on how much your jaw needs to change and how far your teeth must move. We are committed to making your treatment as swift and effective as possible.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every six to eight weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled six to eight weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

Yes. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in an exciting variety of colors.

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

A retainer is a device worn full or part-time after braces have been removed. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting or moving while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes. The longer you wear your retainer, the better your chances that your teeth will not relapse. Retainers provide assurance that your teeth will stay in perfect alignment while your jaw continues to grow or develop. We recommend that retainers are worn a lifetime.

A bite plate lifts your front teeth up so the you do not knock off any of your lower brackets.

For the most part, yes. With cooperation from patients.

Orthodontics are only for pretty teeth. A good healthy bite helps eliminate other health problems in later years. It also helps save teeth from excessive wear.