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| Early Orthodontic Treatment: |
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children should be seen by an orthodontic specialist by the age of seven. The purpose of an early visit is to evaluate whether changes in the child’s skeletal patterns are needed. If changes are needed, we can make plans to begin treatment at the ideal time. There are several advantages to early treatment.; If detected early, harmful habits can be corrected to avoid further, more extensive treatment and early treatment often has higher quality results than adolescent or adult treatment. Also less treatment is usually needed if begun at an early age. Some of the treatment used are: |
Palatal Expander: makes room for crowded teeth by widening the upper jaw
Habit corrector: helps stop thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting or mouth-breathing
Functional Appliance: guides jaws into position and helps chewing muscle to bite correctly
Braces: move permanent teeth into correct position
Headgear: realigns jaws and moves teeth into line
Retainer: stabilizes teeth in the new position |
The most common age for orthodontic treatment is during the teenage years when people have permanent teeth and more mature jaws. Treatment may last one to three years. Some of the treatments are: |
Braces: tiny bonded brackets of full bands
Headgear: realigns jaws and teeth
Retainer: stabilizes teeth in their corrected positions
Functional Appliance or Palatal Expander: used when jaws are still growing
Extractions: removal of teeth to make room for crowed teeth
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| Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment for Children, Adolescents, and Adults: |
| Most people think that orthodontic treatment is just for children. The truth us people of all ages, including adolescents and adults, receive orthodontic care for healthier teeth and gums, improved chewing from properly aligned teeth, and increased confidence from esthetically pleasing teeth. Treatment for adults may take longer than for children and teenagers. The appliances used are similar to those for children. There are different options for braces such as bonded brackets and full bands, invisible lingual braces that fit inside the teeth, clear or tooth-colored braces and removable braces. Headgear and retainers are used also. A splint is sometimes used to help treat TMJ syndrome and surgery may be recommended for severe bite problems. |
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| Pre-Prosthetic Orthodontic Care: |
| Often orthodontic care is needed before prosthetics, such as implants, crowns, bridges and dentures, can be placed. |
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| Orthognathic/Surgical Orthodontics: |
| Both pre-surgical and post-surgical orthodontics are done by Dr. Vance LeCrone. We work with some of the finest surgeons in the Houston area. |
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| Virtually All Orthodontic Procedures: |
| Our patients range from the very young (age 5 and younger!) to the “young at heart” (we have patients in their 70’s and 80’s)- with treatments running from the most routine to the most complex. Our doctors are glad to help you and your family with all your orthodontic needs. |
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| Appliances |
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Frictionless
These state-of-the-art braces allow us to move teeth easier and faster than with traditional braces. This new technology offers the same great results in less time, fewer appointments and minimal discomfort.
Metal Braces
These braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. Not only can you have fun choosing different colors but they are amazingly small for added comfort.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic or “clear” braces accomplish your orthodontic treatment just like metal braces. They may be used whenever metal braces are appropriate for treatment but offer a more cosmetic option.
Invisalign
If you'd love nothing better than to have straighter, more beautiful teeth but the thought of wearing braces doesn't bring a smile to your face, this is the option for you. This revolutionary new orthodontic product is practically invisible and can offer great results without braces.
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Palatal Expander
The upper jaw bone (maxillae) is made up of two bones connected by a suture in the middle. This suture does not close until the early teenage years. Therefore, the palatal expander can be used to widen the upper jaw bones to correct crowding, arch constriction, and cross bites.
This appliance will be turned once a day for a prescribed amount of turns. During this process a gap will open between the two front teeth as the suture is widened. This gap will close by itself as soon as the expansion is completed. After expansion, the expander must stay in place for 6 months for the upper jaw bones to grow back together and form a new suture. |
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Schwartz
(2 way appliance) Is used when only 2 directional expansion is needed. This Appliance is used to expand the upper arch laterally. |
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3-way Appliance
This appliance is used to expand the upper arch in 3 directions, the front forward and the back transversely. This appliance achieves arch expansion to eliminate crowding and an optimal relationship to the lower jaw. |
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Herbst Appliance
This appliance aids in correcting the lower under developed jaw to a most desired natural position. The average treatment can be between 6 months to one year. |
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Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment for some patients. Headgear creates forces that guide the growth of the face and jaws. It also is used to move teeth into better positions or to prevent teeth from moving.
Maintaining constant use of your headgear will achieve the best results. |
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A Bio. Retainer (also called an Invisible Retainer)
Can sometimes be used retentively and are most commonly made in the orthodontist office and are trimmed to a specific height which makes them different from a bleaching tray. This retainer is most appealing to our adult patients as they are the least detectible. |
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Wrap-around
A continuous wire appliance that goes around all the teeth or this modified hawley pictured here are very similar in function serving virtually the same purpose which is maximizing the stability of the teeth both lingually with acrylic and labially with the wire. |
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