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Early Treatment:
At Port City Ortho, we understand the importance of early orthodontic intervention. Recognizing and addressing potential orthodontic issues in children can pave the way for a healthier oral future. Early treatment often reduces the need for more intensive procedures later on and can set the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles. If you notice any orthodontic concerns in your child, Dr. Gierie's expertise in early treatment ensures a proactive approach to their dental well-being.
Adult Treatment:
It's never too late to achieve the smile of your dreams. With an array of treatment options, Port City Ortho caters to the unique needs of adult patients. We believe that age shouldn't be a barrier to experiencing the joy of a perfect smile. Whether it's traditional braces or cutting-edge solutions like Invisalign®, Dr. Gierie’s extensive experience promises tailored treatments for adults looking to enhance their smiles and boost their confidence.
Oral Hygiene:
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is paramount during orthodontic treatment. At Port City Ortho, we emphasize the significance of regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. This not only ensures the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment but also promotes long-term dental health. Our team provides guidance and tips to ensure your oral care routine is both thorough and efficient.
Common Problems:
Crowded Teeth: Overlapping or closely packed teeth that lack space.
Spaced Teeth: Noticeable gaps or spaces between the teeth.
Crossbite: One or more upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
Overbite: Upper front teeth overlap significantly over the lower ones.
Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
Deepbite: Upper front teeth cover most of the lower teeth when biting.
Openbite:
A gap exists between the upper and lower front teeth when biting.
Foods to Avoid:
Orthodontic treatments necessitate slight dietary modifications. It's essential to avoid foods that could damage braces or hinder treatment progress. Sticky sweets, hard candies, and foods that require rigorous biting, like apples or corn on the cob, should be consumed cautiously.
Retention:
After the primary orthodontic treatment, retention plays a vital role in preserving your newly aligned teeth. Port City Ortho provides custom retainers, ensuring your teeth stay in their ideal positions, safeguarding the investment you've made in your smile.
Orthognathic Surgery:
For complex orthodontic cases, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. This surgical approach, in conjunction with orthodontics, rectifies significant jaw imbalances, leading to improved function and appearance. Dr. Gierie's collaboration with leading surgeons guarantees comprehensive care for patients requiring this specialized treatment.
Herbst Appliance:
The Herbst appliance is an innovative solution to correct jaw discrepancies. It’s a fixed orthodontic tool, adept at promoting jaw growth and rectifying overbites. Dr. Gierie, with his vast experience, seamlessly integrates the Herbst appliance treatment, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Orthodontic Glossary:
Archwire:
A wire that is engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth, capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.
Band (Orthodontic):
A thin metal ring, typically stainless steel, used to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. This band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is adapted to fit the tooth's contours and is then cemented into place.
Bracket:
An orthodontic attachment secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) to engage an archwire. Brackets can be made from metal, ceramic, or plastic.
Ceramic Brackets:
These are crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade, or clear synthetic sapphire brackets offering a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal attachments.
Crowding:
A dental malalignment resulting from inadequate space for the teeth.
Debanding:
The act of removing cemented orthodontic bands.
Elastics (Rubber Bands):
Used to move teeth in a prescribed direction, usually connected to a molar band and an upper ball hook. They come in various colors for enhanced appearance.
Gingiva:
The tissue surrounding the teeth, consisting of fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.
Headgear:
A generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back of the head) used for growth modification, tooth movement, and anchorage.
Herbst Appliance:
A fixed or removable appliance commonly designed for overbite issues and more.
Imaging:
The acquisition of structures' representations in two or three dimensions.
Lingual:
Related to the tongue. Describes surfaces and directions oriented toward the tongue.
Lingual Appliances:
Orthodontic devices fixed to the teeth's lingual surface.
Maxillary:
Relating to the upper jaw. Can describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances, or facial structures.
Orthodontist:
A dental specialist who completes an advanced post-doctoral course accredited by the American Dental Association, specializing in orthodontics.
Orthognathic Surgery:
A surgical procedure to change the relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, typically done in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.
Overbite:
The vertical overlap of upper teeth over lower teeth, typically measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.
Radiograph:
A permanent image, typically on film, resulting from ionizing radiation. Often referred to as an X-ray.
Retainer:
Any orthodontic device, whether fixed or removable, used post-treatment to maintain the teeth's position.
Retention:
The passive treatment phase after active orthodontic correction, during which retaining devices might be utilized.
Straight Wire Appliance:
A type of edgewise appliance where brackets are angulated to minimize archwire bends. Brackets and molar tubes are specifically oriented in three planes of space.
AcceleDent
AcceleDent is a groundbreaking technology that accelerates orthodontic treatment. Using gentle micropulses, it stimulates bone movement, reducing treatment time. Under Dr. Gierie's expert guidance, Port City Ortho patients can harness the benefits of AcceleDent, ensuring quicker and effective results.
