Patient Resources

An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist who has attended an advanced education program in orthodontics for a continual training period of two to three years. All orthodontists are members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and have received the appropriate training.

It is usually difficult to know if orthodontic treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though a patient’s front teeth appear to be straight. Asking your general dentist if you need orthodontic treatment is a good start, but Silver Smiles Orthodontics is the best resource since orthodontics or braces are all we do. Your initial exam is free, so there’s no reason not to find out more if you’re curious about how we may be able to transform your smile. 

People of all ages are eligible for orthodontic treatment if deemed necessary. The AAO recommends that children visit an orthodontist at the first sign of orthodontic problems or by the age of 7. Interceptive treatment at a young age can prevent the need for teeth extraction and can help you avoid more difficult treatment later on in life. 

We are proud to offer various types of braces to fit all needs and lifestyles. The most common type of braces are metal braces. The most advanced type of treatment is Invisalign. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into their ideal position.

Determining if you need braces or other orthodontic treatment can sometimes be difficult for you to assess on your own. The following information may help you in determining if you should seek orthodontic advice or not. In our opinion, since the consultation is free, just come in for a visit so that we can assess your smile and determine what treatment options are right for your smile goals.

1. If you see any signs of crooked teeth, gaps between your teeth, or overlapping teeth, orthodontic treatment is needed.
2. Bite all the way down, keeping your lips open so you can see your teeth, do the front top teeth line up with your front bottom teeth? Do your top teeth protrude away from your bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of your bottom teeth? And lastly, do your top teeth go behind your bottom teeth? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be a potential candidate for orthodontic treatment.
3. Look at the alignment of your jaws. Does your jaw shift off-center when you bite down on anything? If you see any misalignment or shifting of your jaw when you bite down, this may suggest a skeletal or jawbone problem which may require early orthodontic treatment.

Braces may be worn by both children and adults, not only to improve the way their smile looks, but also because braces correct improper alignment of teeth which can lead to gum disease and even early tooth loss.

Left untreated, crooked teeth with irregular spacing can also make cleaning your teeth harder, which can give cavities the perfect place to wreak havoc on your smile. On the other hand, properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew all types of foods and can even eliminate headaches and pain caused by uneven chewing.

Uneven teeth can result in weak enamel, gum problems, and jaw misalignment. To solve these issues, modern technology has come to the rescue again, providing us with numerous treatment options to help alleviate some of these concerns while still keeping in line with your lifestyle and your smile goals.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be evaluated by an orthodontist by the time they are 7 years old. Not all of your child’s baby teeth need to have fallen out by the time they see us. In fact, early detection of some orthodontic problems and early treatment of those concerns can not only lead to a prettier smile down the road but a healthier smile, too.

Early intervention can also help prevent any need for extracting a tooth when teeth are so crowded there’s no other choice. So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to take your child in for a consultation, just schedule it. The consultation is absolutely free, and there’s no obligation to start treatment.

Treatment may last anywhere between 18 to 36 months. Of course, this may vary depending on your individual case and smile goals. To make the process move as quickly as possible, we recommend that you keep all scheduled orthodontic appointments, and keep your teeth as clean as possible while going through treatment.

Extraction therapy is a technique where some teeth are removed to make room for the other teeth in your child’s mouth. This is in contrast to nonextraction therapy where our orthodontist will expand a patient’s jaw and/or shave some teeth in order to reduce their width so that more room can be made for other teeth. Dr. Meagan will make a thorough evaluation at the time of your child’s initial consultation to determine which therapy, if any, is right for your child.

New high-tech wires, smaller braces, innovative accessories, and the stress of preventive/interceptive treatments make today’s orthodontic options way more comfortable. In fact, we don’t need to use any anesthetic injections for any of our procedures.

As a rule, braces can cause a little discomfort initially, but then the pain dissipates once your teeth get used to them. Teeth can also get a little sore the day after each adjustment appointment. This annoyance can also be easily relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Yet, most of our patients don’t need to take any pain relievers.

Retainers keep your teeth aligned at the completion of treatment. As the teeth move during orthodontic treatment, the bone around each tooth temporarily softens. A retainer holds your teeth in their new position so that the bone can re-harden around each tooth. Wearing retainers after treatment is critical to keep your teeth in the position achieved. If retainers are not worn as instructed, your teeth can return to the position they were in prior to treatment.

We’ll always tell it to you straight. Orthodontic fees depend on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, the age of the patient, and the estimated length of treatment to achieve your desired results. Since each patient is different, a visit to the office for a complimentary examination will allow you to get a better idea of the treatment, how long it may take, and how much the fee might be. We offer various payment options with low down payments, 0% interest, and affordable monthly payments. To sum it up, if you want a great smile, we will work with you so that you can afford it.

• Brushing and flossing regularly: The cornerstone of a healthy smile is maintaining proper oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste ensures the removal of plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Don't forget to floss daily, too, as it helps remove food particles trapped between your teeth that brushing alone might miss.
• Eating a balanced diet: A nutritious diet not only benefits your overall health but also plays a vital role in promoting dental well-being. Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, strengthens tooth enamel. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots act as natural cleansers by stimulating saliva production while gently scrubbing away debris from the teeth's surfaces.
• Limiting sugar intake: Sugar acts as fuel for harmful bacteria in our mouths that produce acids responsible for tooth decay. Minimizing sugary snacks or beverages reduces these acids' production, decreasing the risk of cavities forming on your pearly whites.
• Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated with water has numerous benefits for oral health. Firstly, it helps wash away leftover food particles after meals. Secondly, drinking fluoridated tap water contributes to strengthening tooth enamel due to its natural remineralization properties.
• Avoiding tobacco products: Tobacco use poses significant threats to both oral and overall health. Smoking or chewing tobacco stains teeth and causes bad breath. Moreover, it increases the chances of developing gum disease or even oral cancer. So, quit tobacco use.