Orthodontics

Do you dream of the perfect smile for you or your child? Where no teeth are crooked or uneven, and there are no gaps or excessive crowding between teeth? Where an overbite or underbite does not affect chewing and speaking, or cause chronic head or jaw pain, restricted breathing, sleep apnea or TMJ pain? Or, where your chin is less recessive? Then orthodontics may be for you.

The team of family dentists at Venice and Sarasota, Florida’s Smile Centre has been helping patients improve their smile and facial structure and correct teeth alignment for many years. Dr. Stanley and his team are dedicated to using only the best and latest dental technology to make orthodontic care as effective and comfortable as possible.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics, or orthodontic treatment, is a branch of general dentistry that treats the presence of dental irregularities, like crooked, crowded or gapped teeth, or teeth that are not in appropriate alignment for eating and speaking (overbites, underbites, deep bites, and tipped molars). In fact, these “bad bites” can also lead to head, neck and facial pain and even, TMJ or migraines.

Additionally, a narrow arch of teeth can leave less than adequate room for the tongue and if tonsils and adenoids are larger than normal, the breathing airways can be compromised, leading lower oxygen intake that can result in poor growth and sleep, teeth grinding, and even sleep apnea and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Most facets of orthodontic care focus on moving teeth to improved positions in the mouth. This is typically done by orthodontic appliances that apply gentle pressure to teeth to encourage repositioning.

In the past, the term “orthodontics” was often synonymous with “braces,” the metal devices that helped millions of teens and preteens have better smiles. New materials allow for clear or tooth colored brackets and even clear plastic aligners, like Invisalign®.

The American Dental Association continues to advise parents to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for children at around age 7. However, orthodontic care is no longer just for children. In fact, nearly 30% of all orthodontic patients today are adults.

Plus, dental technological advancements today have improved the orthodontic experience by leaps and bounds. Digital technology and 3D modeling help speed treatment time. Improved materials mean no need for the “headgear” used in the past.

Orthodontic Care at The Smile Centre

The Smile Centre is pleased to offer the following orthodontic treatments:

• Conventional braces with improved metal brackets and wires
• Invisalign^® – clear, barely noticeable, removable aligners instead of metal and wires
• Early Childhood treatments
• Sleep Apnea treatments for children and adults

If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic care at The Smile Centre in the Venice and Sarasota area, please contact our Florida braces and Invisalign^® dental specialists today.