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Orthodontic Treatment Mt. Airy, MD

We consider it a privilege that you have chosen our practice for your orthodontic care. You can expect excellence from Dr. Sheer and our entire orthodontic staff in a warm and comfortable environment. We understand the importance of choosing an office that truly cares about the quality of the orthodontic services it provides. Since each smile is unique, we enjoy getting to know the person behind the smile. Your smile is the signature of our reputation, and we welcome you to our practice!

Initial Orthodontic Consultation

We look forward to meeting you on your first visit to our office. Your first orthodontic treatment visit is complimentary, and Dr. Sheer will complete a thorough exam of your teeth, bite, and jaw joints. He will explain his findings, make recommendations on how to correct your specific orthodontic problem, and answer any questions you may have. This visit will determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment.

Generally, orthodontic patients will fall into one of these two categories:

  1. Active orthodontic treatment is necessary and can be started in the near future. Diagnostic records are performed using state-of-the-art technology with iTero Intraoral Scanning. These digital images replace traditional impressions.

    1. Benefits of early treatment for those patients who have clear indications for early intervention include:
      1. Influence jaw growth in a positive manner.
      2. Harmonize the width of the dental arches.
      3. Improve eruption patterns.
      4. Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors.
      5. Correct harmful oral habits.
      6. Improve aesthetics and self-esteem.
      7. Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics.
      8. Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth.
      9. Improve some speech problems.
      10. Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth.
  2. Recall examinations: checking on the patient from time to time as the permanent teeth come in, and the jaws and face continue to grow until the necessary treatment time is reached.

Types of Dental Braces in Mt. Airy, Maryland

Orthodontic Treatment

Early Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

ADVANTAGES OF EARLY TREATMENT

  • Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
  • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
  • A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
  • Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
  • Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: Guide jaw growth, Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, Correct harmful oral habits, Improve appearance, Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position, and Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips, and face.
  • Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Adult Treatment

It is never too late to be your best, and braces are not just for kids anymore. A consultation with Dr. Sheer is the best way to determine if you can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Generally, teeth can be straightened at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem.

Improvement in the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crowded teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, tooth decay, and sometimes jaw joint pain. The good news is that there are new techniques and materials available today. There are several options available–metal braces or translucent braces, and even transparent aligners that can be worn to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

Thanks to today’s smaller, less visible, more comfortable brackets, adults are finding braces more appealing. A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree it is never too late to improve their greatest asset–their smile.

Invisalign logo

Retention

The retention phase of treatment comes after your braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances have completed tooth movements. Follow these important tips to protect your hard work and investment made during your active treatment.

  • Wear your retainers as Dr. Sheer has instructed.
  • Take your retainers out when eating, and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in schools or restaurants).
  • Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush. Brushing retainers removes plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
  • When retainers are not in your mouth, they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If your retainers are lost or broken, call us immediately.
  • ALWAYS bring your retainers to your appointments.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, pockets, the washing machine, hot cars, and napkins.