Orthodontics
Everyone wants a perfect smile! Wellspring Dental Group offers a variety of treatment options to help you achieve your best smile. From traditional braces to Invisalign, Dr. Whelan will personalize a treatment plan to best suit you!
Traditional/Metal Braces
Traditional/Metal braces are the most common type of braces world-wide and have been around for over 100 years now. In the past, braces were very bulky and noticeable. Luckily, braces today are nothing like what they were 100 years ago. Advances in innovation and technology have made braces smaller, faster, more comfortable and effective. Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening every 4-6 weeks so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are braces made of clear, tooth colored material. They work in the same way as metal braces, but are more discreet and less visible. Ceramic braces are most popular among patients who do not think clear aligners are right for them, but who still want to straighten their teeth in a discreet and affordable way. These patients tend to be esthetically-driven adolescents and adults.
Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are less noticeable and present an affordable alternative to metal braces. You should know, however, that these braces are also slightly larger than metal braces and can stain depending on diet and brushing habits.
Invisalign/Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners are made of an almost invisible polyurethane plastic. Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth as metal or clear braces are, clear aligners are completely removable. However, this advantage can also be a disadvantage: It means you must resist the temptation to take your aligners out more than is advised. In order to successfully correct your smile, clear aligners should be worn for 22 hours of the day.
Clear aligner technology has been improving over the years and can correct many malocclusions that once would have been too complicated for this form of treatment. Yet there are still some situations for which traditional braces would still be best.
Need early intervention? Functional Orthodontics may be your answer.
Orthodontics can enhance a smile at any age, but it’s never too early for an orthodontic evaluation. Treatment for common orthodontic problems typically begins around age 9-14, when all of the baby teeth are gone and many of the permanent ones are in place. However, there are some conditions that are much easier to treat if they’re caught at an early age, when a child’s natural growth processes are ongoing.
Functional orthodontics, or Phase 1 orthodontics, is the process of straightening malpositioned teeth, with the primary aim of correcting both the teeth and the facial structures of patients. The main distinguishing factor between traditional orthodontics and functional orthodontics is the concern for addressing the original cause of the problem. Dr. Whelan will use a series of images and digital models to determine the root cause of your problem before beginning any treatment.
Functional orthodontics corrects the facial profile by repositioning the upper and lower jaw. Poor alignment of the upper or lower jaw may cause improper bite which can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, migraine, shoulder pain, headache, sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction in the future.
A key component of functional orthodontic treatment is jaw expansion which is accomplished by a variety of oral appliances designed to guide jaw growth. This creates space for the teeth to be repositioned properly with braces. Creating a more even facial profile can help to prevent other disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can cause chronic pain or dysfunction in the jaw. It can also prevent or treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by influencing airway development and helping to prevent breathing issues.
As part of our functional orthodontic treatment, we are proud to offer the The HealthyStart® System. Where the goal is to provide a HealthyStart® to a Healthy Life.
What’s Next?
It’s easy as 1, 2, 3! For successful orthodontic treatment diagnosis is KEY. The diagnostic phase will include a series of three appointments. Once the diagnostic process is complete, we will have a customized treatment plan for you!
Initial Consultation
During this appointment the orthodontic team will do an initial examination to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary
Records Appointment
Complete records are taken in order to make a thorough diagnosis. This includes a clinical examination, scans for orthodontic models, cephalometric X-Ray, panoramic X-Ray, and intra-oral photos.
If you have dental insurance, we will submit fees for services to your insurance company to determine if any benefits can be applied.
Final Consultation Appointment
We will discuss the final treatment plan. This will include treatment type, length of treatment, and an estimate of cost.
“Dr. Whelan and her Team are so thorough and knowledgable! I just got my braces off and could not be happier with the results! “
“I just finished up my final round of clear aligners. The process was smooth and easy!”
“My daughter just finished her orthodontic treatment. All I can say is WOW. Dr. Whelan diagnosed and treated her orthodontic with the future in mind. She was focused on the functional solution rather than the cosmetic fix. HIGHLY recommend.”Jessica E