Insignia- Insignia is a relatively new technique that uses advanced computer technology to create a digital model of your teeth. The teeth and bite are then virtually aligned to an ideal orthodontic result per Dr. Harvey's instructions. Custom braces (clear or metal) for each individual tooth and custom archwires are then fabricated to produce the final result, a beautiful custom smile. With Insignia, you can see your final result the day you start treatment.
Damon System- The Damon System involves the use of “tieless” or self-ligating braces with low force high technology archwires to create highly efficient tooth movement. Dr. Harvey has been using the Damon System since October, 1996, and has treated thousands of cases with outstanding results. He feels that some of the advantages of using the Damon System include fewer appointments, reduced treatment times in some instances, improved hygiene due to the lack of elastic ties, and reduced extraction of permanent teeth. Dr. Harvey also believes using lighter forces with the Damon System also reduces the discomfort associated with tooth movement as well as some unwanted tooth movements associated with conventional braces.
Invisalign™ – The Invisalign™ system is a series of clear plastic custom trays, called aligners, which allow adult and older teen patients to straighten their teeth without having to wear braces. Recent advances in the Invisalign™ system have greatly improved the ability to treat more difficult cases.
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Common Problems that will Require Treatment
Crossbite – Crossbites occur when the upper jaw and teeth are either too narrow or too wide with respect to the lower jaw and teeth resulting in a poor alignment of the back teeth. When the upper front teeth are behind the lower front teeth this is referred to as an anterior crossbite or an underbite.
Misaligned teeth can cause premature wear and muscular problems in the jaw.
Treatment for crossbite depends upon the severity of the problem and the age of the patient. Dr. Harvey recommends that crossbites should be corrected as early as possible.
Open Bite – Open bite is an oral condition that occurs when certain teeth, usually your front teeth, do not overlap with each other. Open bite gives the illusion that a person’s mouth is never really closed, because there is always space between the teeth.
For patients that have moderate to extreme open bite, treatment is important since the condition can affect eating and cause excessive wear of the back teeth.
Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are habits that can create an open bite. Speech problems such as lisping can also be affected by an open bite. Open bites can be associated with abnormal growth of the upper and lower jaws.
While most open bites can often be treated with braces, in extreme cases a more complex solution such as surgery may be needed.
Crowding – If your teeth are crooked, turned, or overlapped, you are not alone; virtually 90% of the population has an orthodontic condition known at crowding. Crowding is usually hereditary but may also occur with the premature loss of baby teeth.
When crowding is detected in young children, early treatment in the form of space maintainers, limited braces or selective removal of some baby teeth may be indicated. This interceptive treatment is designed to provide room for the emerging permanent teeth.
Spacing – Spacing is the exact opposite of crowding; there is too much space between your teeth. Like crowding, spacing may be caused by genetic factors or thumb sucking and can be easily corrected with braces.
Gummy Smile – A “gummy smile,” or excess gingival display, is a condition where too much pink tissue can be seen when a person speaks or smiles. Gummy smiles are usually associated with an enlarged upper jaw, a short upper lip, short upper front teeth, or a forward position of the front teeth. This condition may also result from disproportionate lip length or tooth height.
A gummy smile can be corrected by orthodontic treatment, periodontal surgery, jaw surgery, or a combination of these procedures.
Tongue Thrust – Swallowing occurs 24 hours a day and about 2000 times a day. Each time you swallow, one to six pounds of pressure is applied to the inside structures of the mouth by the tongue. Normally when a person swallows, the middle section of the tongue is placed on the roof of the mouth. When the tongue is placed between and behind the teeth, this pressure pushes the teeth apart and out, causing distortions of the face and teeth. This abnormal swallowing motion is known as “ tongue thrust.”
Tongue thrusting can be very difficult to treat, and often times patients can benefit from the help of a Speech Pathologist. Speech Pathologists can work with patients on proper swallowing and tongue posture lending greater stability to the orthodontic results.