ADOLESCENT TREATMENT
BRACES ARE STILL BEST
The best way to correct smiles and bites is still braces. The gold standard for starting braces is when all the permanent teeth are fully erupted. The Titanium Orthos mini brace system straightens both the crowns and the roots. Straightening the roots creates a stable result with less likelihood of the teeth returning to their original positions.
Some orthodontic companies claim their products speed up tooth movement, replace braces, or reduce the amount of time in braces to 12-15 months. Dr. Cardot does not recommend these products because they produce unstable results.
ADULT TREATMENT
Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. As an adult, you have options. If you’re looking to improve your smile and correct your bite, we offer titanium or clear braces. If you’re interested in improving just your smile, we offer short-term treatment with braces or aligners.
EARLY TREATMENT
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that each child first be examined for orthodontic problems by age 7. University studies show that a patient can significantly benefit from correcting the following four orthodontic problems prior to the eruption of all permanent teeth:
- Anterior Crossbite
- Posterior Crossbite
- Severe Crowding
- Flared Upper Incisors
There are claims that utilizing expansion appliances can eliminate the need to extract permanent teeth. There is no basis for performing expansion therapy in the mixed dentition of patients who do not have posterior crossbites.* Therefore, Dr. Cardot does not recommend expansion therapy in the absence of a posterior crossbite.
There are claims that Phase 1 treatment will control the growth of the jaws, eliminate bite problems, prevent the extraction of permanent teeth, and eliminate the need for Phase 2 treatment. University studies show that most patients do not significantly benefit from two phases of treatment.** Two-phase treatment increases the total time the patient is in treatment and increases the total cost. In patients who receive two-phase treatment vs. adolescent treatment, there is no difference in the smile, the bite, the need for extractions, or the need for eventual jaw surgery.*** Dr. Cardot does not recommend two-phase treatment.
ALIGNERS
This option is for patients who would only like an esthetic solution. Aligners work well with smiles that have a good bite, a small rotation, a small gap, or a minor problem. Aligners do not straighten roots. Therefore, Dr. Cardot does not recommend aligners for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
RETENTION
Dr. Cardot believes you deserve the best clear retainer. That’s why our retainers are made off-site at Specialty Appliances lab in Atlanta, Georgia by 3D printers using the highest quality thermoplastic. Our comfortable retainers are scalloped to fit only on teeth in order to prevent gum irritation. Titanium braces are so effective in straightening the crowns and the roots of teeth that your retainers only need to be worn for 8 hours per day.