Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry concerned with the alignment of teeth and to improve appearance.
Orthodontics is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your lifetime.
Although patients of any age can benefit from orthodontic braces, they tend to work much quicker on pre-teens and teenagers since they are still experiencing jaw growth. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children should first see an orthodontist around the age of seven years-old. An orthodontic examination may be beneficial before age seven if facial or oral irregularities are noted.
Today, an increasing number of adults are choosing to wear clear braces to straighten their teeth and correct malocclusions (bad bites).
Clear braces are a great alternative to metal braces. They are less noticeable than metal braces and are perfect for teens and adults who don't want metal to mar their smiles.
Clear braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.
Poorly aligned teeth often cause problems speaking, biting and chewing. Most irregularities are genetic or occur as a result of developmental issues. Conversely, some irregularities are acquired or greatly exacerbated by certain habits and behaviors such as:
Orthodontic braces, clear and metal braces are predictable, versatile and incredibly successful at realigning the teeth. Braces work in the same way regardless of the age of the patient, but the treatment time is greatly reduced in patients who are still experiencing jaw growth and have not been affected by gum disease. In short, an adult can experience the same beautiful end results as a teenager, but treatment often takes longer.
Braces consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today's braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past.
We usually recommend braces to improve the patient's:
When children and teenagers are treated, we plan the final outcome to be one of great stability. Many of our patients undergo treatment without the need of extractions, providing a beautiful smile, versus one that is collapsed as seen in treatments done in past decades. This allows for their jaw to have great balance and avoids locking of their jaw. This, in the long run, avoids the occurrence of TMJ problems.
Orthodontics can do so much more that just straighten your teeth. It can help in the treatment of headaches and TMJ problems. Both of these are mainly due to bite irregularities and severe wear, causing many of the muscles of the head to overwork themselves. The consequence is the onset of headache symptoms. Many patients contact us as a last resort to address their problems. As the patient’s bite is reorganized into the right position, muscle strain is alleviated, therefore correcting the source of the headaches.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our office if your are considering braces.
Don't hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspect of your dental health - we don't charge for giving advice!
Dr. Baker: Thanks to you and your staff for making an uncomfortable experience easy. From Cindy at the front setting me up to Sonja dealing with a Gagger, to your analysis of my problem, all was very professional and definitely a caring staff. Your referral to the Endodontist was excellent as well. Thanks, I'll be a patient for a long time. Mike F.
This is a dental group like no other. They make it to where you want to come back. Great job all. Dr. Baker should be proud.
Yesterday, I received a replacement crown for an old one installed by another practice several years ago. Dr. Baker has quite impressive new technology that creates and installs a crown with in one visit (approx. 3-3.5 hours.) No pain, crown fits perfectly. All-in-all, a great experience provided by a professional, competent and very friendly team.
The staff is great! Seem to genuinely care about their patients. Dr. Craig is the nicest guy. He wanted me to go to a specialist and it turned out that they didn't accept my insurance. He personally called another place right then and there. Definitely recommend it to anyone!
It had been a long time since the last cleaning. The hygienist was prompt. Her chair was comfy. She was gentle but firm and I left with a great, clean feeling.
As former snowbirds, who are now permanent residents, we needed to locate a dental practice. We read the reviews of Dr. Bakers office after seeing he was offering a Groupon. On our first visit, unfortunately the electric company had some issues and the power was off at approx. 500 customer locations in the area around Dr. Baker's office. After the power was restored, we were able to get x-rays and an oral exam (very thorough I might add.) The office staff re-scheduled our cleanings and today completed them. Amy is a very personable and thorough oral hygienist and as my wife exclaimed.."she is so gentle." Dr. Baker gave us an open and honest estimation of our dental condition and we will be returning for some additional work. I appreciated the lack of pressure that I hear so often from patients at other dental offices AND the personable and friendly personalities that are displayed by his staff. I highly recommend this practice to new residents in the area or to anyone unsatisfied with their current provider. We are looking forward to many years of exemplary service from Dr. Baker and his team!
Dr. Baker and staff are always so friendly and understanding
Love this place! Been going here a few years now and have nothing but positive feedback. No one "likes" going to the Dentist but the Doc and his staff make it very personable and friendly. State of the art equipment including 3D imaging to make a PERMANENT crown in one visit. No temp crowns or need for a 2nd visit.
Great experience, good employees & thorough work. Looks like I found my new dentist. 🙂
Have been seeing Dr. Baker for three years. Would highly recommend. Dr. Baker cares for his patients concerns, also has a great office family.
