Dr. A. Tellez
Serving El Paso-Juarez-Las Cruces area for over 25 years.
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Orthodontics means more than a beautiful smile: it means a healthy smile, too. Also known as dentofacial orthopedics, orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with correctly positioned teeth, jaw bones, jaw joints, and chewing muscles. Now people of all ages can enjoy healthier teeth and gums and a better bite for normal chewing, swallowing and breathing. With today's evaluation and treatment techniques, a healthy smile can be yours.
Your Orthodontic Diagnosis
After a thorough evaluation, your orthodontist diagnoses your bite problem (also called a malocclusion or “bad bite”). Your diagnosis helps your orthodontist plan which appliances (devices) will best correct your bite.
Your Orthodontic Evaluation
Before planning treatment, your orthodontist examines your teeth, jaws, jaw joints, face, and profile, and studies how you bite and swallow. Your dental and medical histories are taken. If you’re looking for cosmetic changes in your smile or face, you’ll be asked about your specific goals for orthodontics.
Models of your bite, used to help prepare your appliances, show how your teeth and jaws fit together. Photos give you and your orthodontist a record of your profile, face, and teeth before treatment.
Your Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics for Young Children
An early phase of treatment may precede braces to take advantage of a child’s growing jaws. Early treatment moves jaw bones and chewing muscles into position, setting the stage for the most stable bite correction possible. This early orthopedic (or “bone”) phase of treatment may last a year or more.
- A palatal expander gently widens a too-small upper jaw to make room for crowded teeth.
- A habit corrector helps stop thumb-sucking, tonguethrusting (a swallowing habit), or mouth-breathing.
- A functional appliance guides growing jaws into position and teaches chewing muscles to “bite right.”
- Braces move a child's permanent teeth into position.
- Headgear helps realign jaws or move teeth into line.
- A retainer helps stabilize teeth in their new positions.
Orthodontics for Teenagers
The most common age group for orthodontics, teenagers have most of their permanent teeth and more mature jaws. Today’s braces are less noticeable than ever and won’t interfere with the active lifestyles that teenagers enjoy. Treatment may last one to three years and include a combination of appliances.
- Braces, either tiny bonded brackets or full bands, gently move teeth into position.
- Headgear helps realign jaws or move teeth into line.
- A retainer holds teeth in their corrected positions until they are stabilized.
- A functional appliance or palatal expander may be used on teenagers whose jaws are still growing.
- Extractions (removing teeth) make room for crowded teeth and may be needed for any phase of treatment.
Orthodontics for Adults
More and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment, eager for a more attractive face and smile, healthier gums, and freedom from jaw joint pain. Today’s appliances include less visible braces, so orthodontics can fit into any adult lifestyle. With fully mature adult jaws, treatment may take longer than for teenagers.
- Braces options include bonded brackets and full bands, “invisible” lingual braces (which fit inside of teeth), clear or tooth-colored braces, and removable braces.
- A splint can help treat TMJ Syndrome (sore jaw joints).
- Headgear moves protruding teeth into position.
- A retainer helps stabilize teeth in their new positions.
- Surgery may be recommended for severe bite problems to achieve a stable bite and more dramatic cosmetic result.
Your Winning Smile Team
A winning smile takes teamwork, with you as a key player. Your orthodontist, office staff, and dentist offer years of specialized training, experience, and the latest technology. With your cooperation, they can help you achieve the best possible smile and appearance you can have!
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