Orthodontics North Tampa
Orthodontics is now a part of healthcare that deals with functional and cosmetic issues with teeth alignment and bite relationships. Modern orthodontic treatment goes beyond just straightening crooked teeth. It’s full care that makes your mouth and face healthier and more balanced. Patients who get the right orthodontic care have seen amazing changes that last a lifetime. New technology and methods are always coming out that make treatment more comfortable and effective than ever before.
Early exam is part of full orthodontic care especially for kids and teens who are still growing. We recommend that kids see an orthodontist for the first time at age 7 to find problems before they get worse. Early treatment can help the jaw grow in the right way and provide room for permanent teeth that are coming in. This preventive approach generally means less treatment later and better long term results.
When considering orthodontic treatment you need to look at several things such as the location of the teeth, the relationship between the jaws, the look of the face and how the teeth work. We do full exams that look at the whole craniofacial complex not just one tooth at a time. Digital imaging and diagnostic data gives us a lot of information that helps us plan the right treatment. This all encompassing approach means patients get the right medical advice based on their individual needs and goals.
Technology has changed orthodontics for the better by making diagnoses more accurate and treatments more efficient. Digital scanning gets rid of uncomfortable impression materials and gives you better accuracy for treatment planning. With computer modeling software we can show patients what their treatment will look like before they start. These improvements makes it easier for people to talk to each other and help patients make informed decisions about their orthodontic care.
Modern orthodontics has several treatment options that can meet the needs and wants of different patients. Traditional metal braces are still the best for complicated cases that need precise control of how teeth move. Patients who want less visible braces will like that clear ceramic braces look better. Removable transparent aligners are the most private option and work just as well for the right cases.
New orthodontic materials and methods have made patients more comfortable. Today’s brackets are thinner and more comfortable than older ones and better wire technology means fewer adjustments and less pain. Wires that are actuated by heat generate milder stresses that make it easier for teeth to move. These changes makes it easier for patients to keep their mouths clean and make their daily lives less stressful.
The length of treatment can vary a lot depending on how complicated the case is and how well the patient follows the recommended steps. Simple alignment problems may go away in 6-12 months but more complicated cases that need bite correction may take 18-30 months. During the first visit we give patients a realistic schedule so they know what to expect during their treatment.
Retention is very important to keep orthodontic results after active treatment is over. We make personalized retainers that keep teeth in their new position while the surrounding tissues heal. Wearing a retainer correctly keeps teeth from moving back and safeguards the money patients have spent on their orthodontic treatment. Long term retention techniques ensures results stay the same for years to come.
For many years families in North Tampa have come to Miller Orthodontics for all their orthodontic needs. Our approach blends medical knowledge with a real care for how comfortable and happy our patients are. We keep up with the latest technology in orthodontics but we also give each patient the individual attention they need to feel respected and cared for.
Continuing education and professional development keeps our knowledge up to date with new orthodontic treatments and materials. We attend professional conferences, advanced training courses and work with our peers to improve our clinical skills. We also offer Braces for Kids for kids who want a certain type of treatment. This program is designed to meet the unique developmental needs of young patients and make their treatment experience in North Tampa more positive.