BRACES
Braces are not merely for improving your smile; they improve bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. 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 gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Treatment in children who are still growing may yield results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have completed their growth.
Ultimately, braces do more than make a pretty smile—they create a healthier you.
Each child’s needs are unique. For some, it is best to begin treatment before all of the teeth have come in. For others, it makes more sense to wait until all teeth are fully in.
We at Orthosdontos, diagnose a child’s inherent growth pattern and plan a natural improvement of the growth to create the most optimal foundations. Operating in a timely manner is important because it can improve the stability, function, and aesthetics of the results while helping prevent problems down the road. A proper evaluation will help us create a seamless treatment with periodic monitoring.
Adult Orthodontics
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. A healthy bite is as important at age 60 as it is at age 12. Your age is not a consideration for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
Even though adults are no longer growing, they can also enjoy improvements that come from orthodontic treatment. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. A new smile can begin today. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) problems.
Good news! New techniques and appliances available greatly reduce discomfort levels, shorten treatment time, and may allow you to choose from several options. During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs.
Incognito
Incognito is a unique orthodontic treatment option featuring customized braces placed on the back of the teeth where they are completely hidden from view.
These braces are the only 100% customized, invisible, braces available today. Working just like traditional braces, Incognito straightens your teeth within the same amount of time.
Incognito Braces can give you a beautiful smile, even while you’re wearing them. No one will know you’re wearing braces – unless you tell them! A consultation can determine if Incognito is right for you.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics (orthognathic surgery) corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws. The result of treatment is a beautifully balanced bite, smile, and face.
Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with eating, talking, and other routine activities.
Using the latest in digital imaging technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of surgical orthodontic treatment.
Surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment alone can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if surgical orthodontics is the correct treatment option for you.
Invisalign®
The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with the science of orthodontics. Using a series of clear, customized, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets.
Are you a candidate for Invisalign?
That depends on how severe your orthodontic issue is and how close to perfection you desire to be. Invisalign is great for fixing minor crowding and rotated teeth. Dr. Ulku offers complimentary consultations to find out if you are a candidate. Call, email, or click on the contact us button at the bottom to schedule!
How does Invisalign work?
It starts with Dr. Ulku taking an impression of your teeth and radiographic images. Dr. Ulku fabricates a digital plan online with Invisalign. Once Dr. Ulku has approved the aligners, they are 3D printed and shipped to our office. The number of aligners ranges from as few as 12 to about 70. In our office, some people will have attachments or buttons added to their teeth. These are small bumps of white composite and are bonded to your teeth. Attachments increase the effectiveness of the aligners, but may not be necessary. Since they are often elective, we can remove them. After that, every 2 weeks you put in a new aligner. If you are using AccleDent you change your aligner every week.
What do the Invisalign aligners look like?
They are hard to see when on. The aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan.
What are Invisalign attachments?
Small composite bondings added to some teeth help the aligners move the teeth more effectively. They are optional.
Will I talk funny when wearing my Invisalign aligners?
For a short time, you will talk funny with your Invisalign in. Fortunately, you can remove them whenever you want, so if you have a speech to give you’ll be fine!
Do I take my Invisalign aligners out to sleep?
No, because you want to wear the aligners as much as possible.
Do I wear the Invisalign aligners when I eat?
No, because eating with aligners in can damage or stain them.
How do you clean your teeth with Invisalign?
You will remove the aligners when brushing and flossing.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The Invisalign cost is not set at one level, because the extent of your treatment depends on the severity of your case. As a result of various factors, the cost will fall in the $5,000-7,000 range. Although, if you have dental insurance you may have orthodontic coverage, which will decrease your out-of-pocket cost.
If you have a teenager who does not want to deal with metal or clear braces, then we have a solution for you – Invisalign Teen! It is the same series of CLEAR/REMOVABLE aligners that gradually move your teeth to the desired position as prescribed by Dr. Ulku. Due to advances in technology, Invisalign can often deliver the exact same results as braces.
Perhaps you are trying to decide between braces or Invisalign, then let us help guide you! We can decide together which is best for you!
Invisalign Teen uses the same technology as Adult Invisalign, but it is made to allow for teeth to erupt into the mouth & create space for teeth as they continue to come in. Using their patented high-tech 3D software, we can predict where/how the teeth will erupt & guide them into place as needed.
Early diagnosis
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial evaluation by the age of seven. Why? Because it is the optimal time to evaluate the development of the jaws and permanent teeth. Severe malocclusions can be treated or modified at this time–as needed.