Professional Orthodontist Erie, PA

Dental treatment focuses on the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth, addressing issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral hygiene. Orthodontic treatment, on the other hand, specializes in correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaws, such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, and bite problems. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are licensed orthodontists; orthodontists receive additional training to specialize in aligning teeth and jaws.

No, orthodontic treatment is not limited to just braces. While traditional metal braces are a common orthodontic tool, the field also includes a variety of devices and techniques such as clear aligners (like INVISALIGN®), retainers, and other appliances designed to correct specific alignment issues. Orthodontics encompasses a broad range of treatments tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Individuals of any age can benefit from orthodontics if they have dental irregularities such as misaligned teeth, jaw misalignments, overcrowded teeth, excessive gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, or other issues that affect the functionality and appearance of their smile. An orthodontist can determine the need for treatment through an evaluation, considering factors like age, dental development, and the specific nature of the misalignment.

Braces improve oral health and appearance by straightening misaligned teeth and correcting bite issues, which enhances dental function and improve your smile. Misaligned teeth can lead to jaw joint misalignment (TMJ), causing chronic headaches and facial pain. Braces also make teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, and boost self-confidence with a better smile. Essentially, braces aim for healthy, functional teeth alignment, preventing TMJ discomfort and improving aesthetics.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners to straighten teeth without bands, brackets, or wires. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are made from a virtually invisible plastic that's worn over your teeth. The treatment starts with a detailed 3D imaging consultation to map out your teeth's movement from start to finish. You'll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving to the next set, and gradually shifting your teeth into place. Designed to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, the aligners can be removed for eating and brushing. Treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months, with regular check-ups to monitor progress. 

Surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, corrects severe jaw and bite abnormalities. It combines traditional braces with surgery to align the jaw, improving chewing, speaking, breathing, enhancing facial aesthetics, and treat obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment starts with braces to position the teeth properly. Then, an oral surgeon adjusts the jaw's alignment through surgery. Post-surgery, braces may be worn briefly to maintain the new alignment. This approach is typically used for adults and late teens when the jaw has fully grown and is recommended for cases too complex for braces alone.