The length of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the commitment of the patient to wearing the prescribed appliances. The result will last a lifetime and will greatly enhance dental health as well as improve appearance. An orthodontists treats the following common problems:

1. Upper Teeth Protrusion: Due to either upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending forward enough.
2. Overbite: The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite in the roof of the mouth.
3. Cross bite: The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
4. Open bite: Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. This type of bite can cause speech problems.
5. Crowding: Occurs when there is insufficient space for teeth to erupt. There are many ways to correct crowding; expansion of the dental arches is one of them. Extraction of primary o pemanent teeth is sometimes undertaken, however Dr. Osman keeps extraction as the last resort to correct severe crowding.
6. Spacing: Often occurs when teeth are too small or when teeth are missing.

To get a better understanding of the impact of the right orthodontic treatment you can watch the following teeth movies (click on image):

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children receive an orthodontic screening appointment by the age of 7 years. Though you may feel this is unnecessary because your children’s teeth appear straight, there may still be underlying problems that only an orthodontist can detect. Furthermore, early detection can be the key to the best possible treatment, with the most ideal results. Early interception can also prevent the need for removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding. Early diagnosis and treatment can allow us to:

• guide jaw growth
• lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• manage crowding or spacing poblems
• correct harmful oral habits
• guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

Orthodontic treatment is no longer limited to children. A person can never be too old to improve their oral health. Tooth alignment can be modified at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve a patient’s personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and sometimes pain and discomfort of the teeth and related structures.

Sometimes adults shy away from pursuing the orthodontic treatment they may need because they perceive that the way braces will adversely alter their appearance. Fortunately, there have been many exciting advancements that make orthodontic treatment shorter, more comfortable and less noticeable. Options such as ceramic braces are available to our patients.

Metal Braces are the most common type. They are made of high grade stainless steel. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.

Ceramic Braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawback to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.

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Retention marks the final phase of orthodontic treatment. The retention phase is concerned with maintaining tooth positions instead of changing them by use of retainers. There are different types of retainers:

Hawley Retainer
most commonly recognized, consisting of an acrylic body that is molded to fit your mouth and wires that hold the appliance in the mouth.

Essix Retainer
made of clear plastic that is molded to your teeth and is comfortable to wear and are not visible

Permanent Retainers
known as bonded retainers consist of a flexible wire that is bonded to the lingual (inner) surface of teeth. They are virtually invisible and will ensure that you new smile stands the test of time.