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Traditional Metal Braces
Clear Ceramic Braces
Invisalign
Call us Today
For Your Smile Makeover !
500 Tennis Ave
Ambler, PA 19002
215-646-9514
242 Keswick Ave
Glenside, PA 19038
215-576-6414
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| Orthodontic Diagnosis |
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| The part of orthodontics that we usually think about is putting the braces on and straightening the teeth. But, another important part of orthodontics is the diagnosis. Without a good diagnosis, treatment can take longer than necessary. This page allows you to see some of the things we look at when we diagnose a case in anticipation of orthodontics.
Look for as many problems you can find in each image. After you study these images, you should be able to compare them to your own or anyone else’s mouth. |
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 Class II molars (Molars not aligned), lower front teeth too high, upper front teeth tipped too far forward |
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 Missing permanent teeth in lower jaw |
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 Impacted teeth in the upper jaw |
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 Severe crowding, gap (diastema) between the upper front teeth |
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 Deep overbite, crooked incisors, gap (diastema) |
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 Missing permanent front tooth, midlines off, back teeth in crossbite (upper teeth hitting on the inside of the lower teeth) |
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 Deep overbite, overjet (space between upper and lower front teeth) |
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 Diastema, inadequate space for the two other upper front teeth, overjet (note the shadow of the upper teeth on the lower teeth) |
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 Deep bite, anterior space (caused by the deep bite) |
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 Crowding, midlines off, high canine eruption |
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 Anterior cross bite, periodontal (gum) damage caused by malocclusion |
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 Overjet, class II posterior occlusion, lower tooth blocked out |
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| These are just a few of the cases we have treated successfully. |
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SMILE MAKEOVERS FOR ALL AGES
Orthodontic treatment is the most conservative and natural way to improve your appearance and your general and dental health.
Traditional Metal Braces
Ceramic Braces
Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.
Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with our adult patients, some older teenagers, and our patients who are in the public eye, due to their cosmetic appeal.
Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth.
Clearly Different
The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners -- as few as 12 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually -- week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before!
If you want to learn more about Invisalign and how it works, please visit the Invisalign Homepage.
To ensure the best possible results, only an Orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign.
Invisalign is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, call us to make an appointment.
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When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are: creating room for crowded, erupting teeth; creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth; reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth; preserving space for unerupted teeth; reducing the need for tooth removal; and reducing treatment time with braces.
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics are not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.
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