What is the Right Age ?

Orthodontics is both an art and a science that can benefit patients of any age.  The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic examination by the age of seven. By age seven, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occured that an orthodontist can identify current problems and anticipate future problems.The timing of orthodontic treatment can be extremely important for our growing patients since many orthodontic treatment plans utilize facial growth to help correct serious jaw problems. We welcome patients of any age to visit one of our offices for a complimentary examination and see the difference a beautiful smile can make.

Your first visit

Your first visit with us will be pleasant and informative. Drs. Furino, Hamlin or Caruso will examine your bite, facial balance, and jaw alignment to determine your orthodontic needs.  During this initial examination the doctor will determine if orthodontic treatment is indicated and if so, when it should be initiated.  All aspects of the proposed treatment will be discussed, including length of treatment, type of orthodontic appliances required, and cost of the proposed treatment.

Subsequent Visits

Once the decision has been made to proceed with treatment, the doctor will need to examine you again to obtain detailed diagnostic records.  This will enble us to develop a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan for you.  A time will be reserved for the placement of your orthodontic appliances.  Get ready for some fun choices - braces have come a long way in the past few years.  New and exciting colors, mini-braces, Invisalign, speed brackets, and even invisible brackets are now available!

from braces to retainers

Your big day has arrived! Time for the braces to come off... and for you to show the world your beautiful smile.  But even though the active phase of your treatment is over, you will need to wear retainers for a time.  Retainers are used to gently remind your teeth to stay in their new positions.  Muscles, bones and gum tissue require time to adjust to teeth that have been repositoned. This crucial stage is the finishing touch that will ensure a lifetime of beautiful smiles.  Each individual is different, so the lenght of time retaines are worn varies from person to person.