Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on straightening crooked teeth and repairing malocclusions, or irregular bites. At Griffin Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, Spark®, and clear braces. With over 24 years of experience as an orthodontist, Dr. David J. Griffin can provide orthodontic treatment for all ages, including adults. Our office invests in the most advanced orthodontic technology to provide you with convenient, high-quality care at every stage of treatment. We offer digital impressions using our iTero® scanner for the most comfortable and effective treatment experience.
Importance of Orthodontics
Straightening your teeth offers more than just aesthetic benefits. When your smile is out of alignment, you are vulnerable to a variety of oral health concerns. Crooked and overlapping teeth are more difficult to keep clean, increasing the risk of decay and periodontal disease.
Patients are more likely to grind their teeth when they are misaligned, leading to issues such as headaches, worn teeth, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). By undergoing orthodontic treatment, you are investing in the overall health and well-being of your smile.
Who Needs Orthodontia?
The best way to determine if you would benefit from orthodontic treatment is to visit Dr. Griffin and his team for a comprehensive examination. Conditions that typically benefit from orthodontia include:
- Overcrowding: not enough space in your mouth to accommodate your teeth
- Gaps or spaces: when teeth do not fill your mouth properly
- Overbite: the upper teeth bite too far over the bottom teeth
- Underbite: the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite: when upper and lower teeth do not align properly
- Open bite: space between the biting surfaces in the front or side teeth
- Misplaced midline: the center of your upper front teeth does not align with the center of your bottom front teeth
In addition to common misalignments, orthodontia can also address more complicated concerns, such as rotated or impacted teeth and issues with the jaw.
Your Treatment Options
During your initial consultation, Dr. Griffin will conduct a full examination and take digital panoramic x-rays to assess the position of your jaw. Based on this information, he can recommend a treatment plan. Griffin Orthodontics provides a variety of orthodontic options, allowing us to craft a plan that suits your needs, goals, and budget. As the situation warrants we will add a digital impression that shows a simulated outcome of what your new smile may look like and what you can expect. Some of our treatments include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Spark® clear aligners
- Radiance Plus™ clear braces
- Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device as a headgear alternative for teens
- Carriere® Distalizer™ Appliance for moderate overbites
- Palatal expander
Your specific orthodontic treatment will depend on the extent and type of misalignment. You may also require more than one treatment. For example, the Herbst appliance is often used in conjunction with braces to help the lower jaw develop properly. Dr. Griffin can also refer patients to an oral surgeon when necessary to address more severe cases.
