Getting Started

Your First Visit

Because we value your time, we have combined several appointments into the initial visit. Dr. White will conduct a thorough examination and determine if an orthodontic problem exists. If treatment is necessary, we will discuss the type of treatment required, the costs involved, and answer any questions you might have. We can begin treatment at this initial visit by making impressions (molds) of the teeth and gathering additional diagnostic information.

Impressions:

Impressions are needed to make accurate models of the teeth. These models are then placed on an instrument called an articulator to analyze the bite and can help detect any potential jaw joint problems. Mounted diagnostic models are an essential step to TMJ Centered Orthodontics

Diagnostic Records:

Other essential diagnostic information is needed to finalize the orthodontic treatment plan. Necessary x-rays are computer analyzed to identify any jaw imbalances or improper tooth positions.

Digital X-Rays:

The future is here. We are now using film-less, digital technology for our x-rays. Our machine is the most advanced of it's kind. This means our x-ray radiation is reduced by 70-90%. Also, digital technology does not require the use of any chemicals to develop x-ray film, which is good for the environment.

Dr. White will then analyze this information and customize a treatment plan for each patient to achieve the desired goals.

Orthodontic Treatment Goals

Today, orthodontic treatment should be more than just straightening teeth. There are many orthodontists with varying degrees of education and training and it is prudent to realize that not all orthodontic treatment is the same! Making the commitment to wear braces is an important decision; you should understand the doctor's goals for your orthodontic treatment.

Dr. White is committed to achieving the following results for each patient:

1) Correcting your chief complaint

Crowding, spacing, crooked teeth

2) Maximizing facial esthetics

We want to establish facial balance and make positive changes to our patients lip contours and other facial structures. In the past, traditional orthodontic treatment has focused primarily on fitting changes to the patient's profile. We want you to know that we don't treat the teeth at the "expense" of the face.

3) Providing a stable result

Our primary goal is to establish even contact of all teeth with the jaw joints seated in their sockets. This can be a difficult goal to achieve but it is the key to a stable result…there are many benefits to harmonizing the fit of the teeth with the proper jaw joint position:

• Maximum chewing efficiency
• Healthy jaw joints
• Comfortable jaw muscles
• Enhanced long-term stability of the teeth and gums

Appliance Placement

When it comes to placing braces, nobody does it more accurately, more comfortably, or faster. The types of braces or appliances patients wear will depend on their particular problem. We employ an advanced technique called indirect bonding that is used by 8% of the orthodontists in the United States. Using this technique, we are able to place a complete set of braces, including expanders (if needed) with archwires in an hour or less. In a typical orthodontic practice, this process usually takes 2-3 hours. (The only complaint we get from our younger patients is that they are not missing enough school!)

Indirect Bonding

Indirect bonding starts in our in-house laboratory. Orthodontic brackets are positioned on plaster models of the patient's teeth in their ideal locations using special measuring devices. A custom-made elastic tray (similar to an athletic mouth guard) is formed around the brackets and the model. The bonding tray retains the brackets as it is separated from the model. After the tray is sterilized, it is now ready for bonding. The teeth are dried and conditioned.

A special adhesive is placed on the patient's teeth and a special light is used to harden the adhesive. After the adhesive is cured, the bonding tray is removed, leaving the brackets precisely positioned on the patient's teeth. Then archwires are placed into brackets to begin the alignment process. Obviously, indirect bonding means fewer visits, shorter appointments, and a higher level of patient comfort.
In other orthodontic practices braces are placed over several weeks, typically involving 1 or 2 appointments taking approximately 1 1/2 to 3 hours each. Separators are placed between the back teeth to create space for the placement of orthodontic bands (metal rings that encircle the back teeth). They are usually left in place for approximately one week. Spacers are typically very painful and in our practice are not used to create space. After these spacers are removed, orthodontic bands are placed around the back teeth and under the gums. This tends to be uncomfortable and very difficult to clean.

Unfortunately, the majority of orthodontists do not place brackets or orthodontic bands on the very back teeth (2nd molars), which in our opinion, is necessary to correct your bite. Whenever possible we use small orthodontic brackets to eliminate the need for bands all together.

Adjustments

The brackets are the fixed "non-moving" parts of the braces. Once they are placed properly on the teeth, they do not move. The archwires are the "moving" part of the appliance. These wires are changed periodically to apply the proper force to guide the teeth into alignment, close the extraction spaces, and correct the bite.

Our practice employs archwires with space-age technology. These wires were developed through research done by NASA. They move teeth with light force and longer activation, which means more comfort and less frequent appointments. Once the appliances are placed we typically see our patients at 6-14 week intervals to adjust their braces.

More comfort, shorter appointments and less frequent visits to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile… NOW THAT'S SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT!

Future Smiles Program

When it comes to orthodontic treatment for growing children and adolescents, timing is everything. In some instances younger patients may not be quite ready to begin their orthodontic treatment. Efficient orthodontic treatment requires careful supervision and proper timing to ensure optimal results. As a service to our patients, we offer our “Future Smiles” program at no charge, excluding x-rays and other diagnostic records. Dr. White will examine each child at regular intervals to monitor growth and development of the teeth and jaws. This allows him to determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment.