Treatment
Philadelphia, PA
At Art of Smile – Center for Cosmetic Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on treating every member of the family, from young children to grandma or grandpa. While childhood is the ideal time to move teeth, more adults than ever before are opting for orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Up until very recently, traditional braces were still largely considered the norm for orthodontic treatment.
Aligner technology has been catching up for many years, and is now considered the standard of care for esthetic and highly efficient treatment. In the hands of an experienced orthodontist, Invisalign can provide identical, if not better, results than traditional brackets and wires.
Invisalign is comprised of a series of aligners that are placed over the teeth sequentially to reposition them. Our office uses a digital scanner to fabricate a 3D model of your teeth, which is then used to develop a customized prescription according to your specific needs. This process is conducted solely between the doctor and the laboratory technicians at Invisalign’s headquarters. After the desired treatment plan is achieved, your aligners are manufactured and shipped back to our office.
Learn more about the advantages of Invisalign.
Lingual System Braces
Lingual braces are also similar to traditional metal braces. However, instead of being bonded to the front surfaces, a lingual bracket is placed behind your teeth.
Like traditional braces, the lingual system involves tightening the wire to move your teeth to a more proper position. Treatment times can vary from 18 months to three years. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your orthodontic issues.
Learn more about lingual system braces.
Braces
Thanks to technological advancements and improved techniques, we here at Art of Smile – Center for Cosmetic Orthodontics specialize in a wide variety of braces and straightening appliances. During your consultation appointment, Dr. James will be able to determine which appliance is right for you!
Learn more about braces.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Most people associate traditional metal braces with teenagers, but often earlier orthodontic treatment can be beneficial for guiding dental or skeletal development. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that a child should have their first orthodontic check-up by the age of seven. By this time, a child has enough permanent teeth for us to make a proper evaluation.
Early orthodontic treatment is designed to intercept a growing problem, correct the situation, and guide the continuing growth of the jaw and facial bones. Simply put, the teeth are easier to move during the development phase. Many orthodontic problems are easier to treat at an early age before greater secondary complications arise. Overly crowded teeth and severe malocclusions (misaligned bites) can ultimately shorten the lifespan of your teeth.
Learn more about how we can diagnose and treat your young child’s orthodontic needs.
Impacted Canines
When your teeth line up properly, your bite will function properly. Misaligned teeth cause several problems, including forming areas that are hard to brush and more conducive to bacterial growth. One cause of misaligned teeth (also known as malocclusion) are canines that are impacted in the roof of your mouth. Impacted teeth can negatively affect function along with the appearance of your smile, and often require intervention to correct.
Learn more about how impacted canines affect your smile.
Orthagnathic (Jaw) Surgery
Art of Smile – Center for Cosmetic Orthodontics also provides orthognathic surgery for those more advanced cases where the typical orthodontic treatment won’t work. If you suffer from jaw-related problems, you may qualify for orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic, or corrective jaw surgery, typically addresses the intricacies of occlusion (the way your teeth fit together). We will be able to determine if you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery. Surgical intervention may be the best way to alleviate severe, and often painful symptoms related to jaw disorders.
Read more to see if orthognathic surgery may be the solution to your advanced orthodontic problems.
Post Orthodontic Care (Retainers)
Protecting your investment is almost as important as the treatment itself. A retainer is a critical appliance that will keep your teeth in their proper position. Without it, your teeth will slowly shift back out of alignment. Unfortunately, your periodontal ligaments will want to move your teeth back to where they were before. Over time, with the use of a retainer, these ligaments will “lock” your teeth in place.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment
Regardless of your situation, our orthodontic treatment can give you a more beautiful smile and improve your oral health. If you would like to learn more call (215) 800-0015 and schedule a consultation appointment today.