Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.
Orthodontics for Children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems. From there, our talented doctors can determine if a need for further orthodontic care exists. Depending on the findings, we will be able to complete any orthodontic services your child may need.
Braces
Depending on the needs of the patient we are able to use several different types of braces. This includes traditional metal braces, traditional ceramic braces, self-ligating ceramic braces or self-ligating metal braces. At Macdonald Orthodontics, we love creating quality smiles and helping you achieve optimal oral health by using the latest up to date techniques available.
Clear Retainers
We utilize both removable and fixed retainers for maximum success. Both types of retainers hold teeth in their new positions after “active” orthodontic treatment is completed. This allows newly formed bone to harden around the teeth. Wearing retainers as instructed is the key to maintaining the success of orthodontic treatment.
Clear Braces
Clear braces provide a safe, effective, and virtually pain-free way to correct your smile and achieve the results that you want. Clear braces allow you to fix your smile in a less obvious way than traditional braces.
Mouthguards
A mouth guard is used by athletes of all ages to protect teeth from trauma during competitive and individual sporting activities. They are made of a variety of materials, some relatively flexible and others relatively rigid. Custom-made mouth guards deliver the greatest protection. Over-the-counter mouth guards are available in “boil and bite” versions, which are formed to the individual’s mouth, and “ready to wear” versions, which cannot be customized and offer the least protection. The American Association of Orthodontists advocates the use of mouth guards by children and adults during organized and recreational sporting activities.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and it focuses on treating complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If you need surgical orthodontics, we will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial orthopedics is a special distinction earned by orthodontists who have received their orthodontic specialization in dental school, and have completed a two to three year orthodontic residency program. Dentofacial orthopedics is the process of normalizing the growth of a patient’s bone structure and repairing any imbalances of the face and jaws. This process often involves a two-phase treatment and often begins when the patient is around 7 or 8 years old.
Invisalign ®
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign®. Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces. A consultation at one of our offices can determine if Invisalign is right for you.