Why Orthodontics?

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and create healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures.

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process. It involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions. Your care often starts with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and study of dental records such as x-rays, photos and models of the teeth. From this, your orthodontist can develop a custom treatment plan.

Working together with your orthodontist, orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results: better function (biting, chewing, speaking). Our advice: keep your scheduled appointments, advise your orthodontist of problems that may popup between appointments, watch what you eat and drink, avoid sugary drinks and brush and floss as instructed by your orthodontist. It’s worth the effort to reach the goal you and your orthodontist share – giving you a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.


If you recognize any of these signs or concerns in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with an Orthodontist.

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Inability to comfortably close lips