Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that involves straightening teeth and altering bone growth for proper jaw alignment. It is also called "dentofacial orthopedics". Our goal is to first determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary, and then to recommend special appliances to bring your teeth, lips and jaws into their proper positions.
Orthodontists use a combination of braces, elastics, fixed and removable appliances, and retainers. At McDaniel, Sternstein, and Aleman, our patients receive a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan that meets your exact needs.
Click on the links below to learn more about:
Your First Visit
Your Second Visit - Diagnostic Records
Your Third Visit – Consultation and Pre-treatment Conference
Appliances
Invisalign
Pre-Orthodontics Guidance Program
Your First Visit
At your first visit to our office, your doctor and our treatment coordinator will review your history, do a clinical examination and answer any questions you may have. During this appointment, we will determine if orthodontic treatment is needed or recommended, and if so, schedule a 2nd appointment to take diagnostic records.
Your Second Visit - Diagnostic Records
To properly assess your need for orthodontic treatment, we will take X-rays (Cepholometric, TMJ, Panorex), impressions of your teeth for plaster casts, and both intra-oral and facial photographs. All of your diagnostic records will be taken with our latest state of the art equipment. After your visit, our doctors will take time to review your records and consult with each other if necessary. We will discuss our findings and recommendations with you at your next appointment.
Your Third Visit – Consultation and Pre-treatment Conference
At this appointment, we will discuss the doctor’s treatment recommendations. We will review your diagnosis and talk about the time involved and the cost and commitment required to produce excellent results. We are here to answer your questions, and make you feel comfortable in the knowledge that you are receiving the best care possible.
Appliances
Today, braces come in a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, plastic, or a combination. Some are clear, and patients can have a little fun by adding color with elastics. The length of treatment depends on the extent of the adjustments needed. Typically, patients can expect to wear braces for 2 – 2 ½ years, and may need to continue treatment with other devices to maintain the progress made. Your exact length of treatment will depend on how faithfully you follow the plan and take care of your teeth and braces.
For more information about braces, retainers, and the other appliances that we use in orthodontics, please visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.braces.org.
Invisalign
Drs. McDaniel, Sternstein, and Aleman are Invisalign Certified. Invisalign is a treatment procedure that involves wearing a series of clear, nearly invisible aligners. While this option isn’t appropriate for everyone, we can evaluate your situation to determine if it will work for you.
Pre-Orthodontics Guidance Program
Drs. McDaniel, Sternstein, and Aleman promote early detection of potential orthodontic problems so they can carefully watch development. Your child’s first orthodontic check-up should occur no later than age 7. While most orthodontic treatment occurs between ages 9 and 14, we can detect subtle problems earlier, making it easier to correct problems and guide jaw growth and help permanent teeth grow into the correct position.
If no immediate treatment is needed after the initial consultation, we will continue to monitor your child’s development with appointments every 6 months.
