Treatment Info

OPTIONS TO FIT EVERYONE

When you’re ready to explore the myriad of options available in orthodontics, choosing a specialist is the first step. Choosing a specialist committed to offering the most patient-friendly options available is an important second step. That’s why so many residents from the Williamsburg area and beyond choose Williamsburg Orthodontics. No matter your age, we have options that can be custom tailored not only to your teeth – but to your life.

You may be surprised that the benefits of correctly aligned teeth go beyond the beauty of a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, aligning your teeth can have a significant impact on your overall dental health. Teeth that are properly aligned are designed to be healthy for a lifetime.


For Younger Kids

 
We encourage parents to bring their child in for an initial exam at age 7. In some cases (about 10%), the doctor will recommend early, interceptive treatment. With early treatment, we can take the least invasive approach to address any skeletal deficiencies or issues your child may have. As far as a first phase of interceptive orthodontic treatment goes, the truth is we aren't particularly concerned if the teeth are just crooked at an early age (still has many baby teeth left and a few adult teeth in place) unless the crooked teeth are resulting in social issues for the child. We DO care at this time that FUNCTIONALLY the teeth come together properly - (cross-bites, giant overbites, teeth that stick out so far that there would be a risk of fracture, not enough room for teeth to come in, or close to the proper position). Addressing these things early helps us avoid more invasive approaches in the future. However, the vast majority of children don't need early treatment. That's why we've created our GROWTH & GUIDANCE PROGRAM. If your child is in this program, that means they aren’t yet ready for treatment but we’re monitoring them until the time is right. These very important program appointments are scheduled every 6 to 12 months and won’t cost you a thing. But they allow us to choose the optimum time for treatment.

Options for Adolescents

Between the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment, and for good reasons. By 12, most, if not all, of the permanent teeth are in place, and crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites are highly visible. We can often take advantage of the remaining growth to make the necessary orthodontic corrections to create an exceptional smile for your child. Since many of their friends are in braces at the same time, most adolescents LOVE sharing the braces experience. After school visits at Williamsburg Orthodontics can be lots of fun when kids see their friends from school, church or sports teams! This is an age when there are lots of changes going on for kids, and we want to make sure that their time with us is positive and productive. We work with each one to support their successful outcome, and to develop life-long habits that are positive in terms of oral hygiene and care for their appliances. We love seeing the confidence that is uncovered as each child moves through treatment and discovers the smile within.

Teen & Adult Treatment

At Williamsburg Orthodontics, the options for teens and adults include Invisalign® - for straight teeth without braces, clear braces - when fast, efficient treatment also needs to be discreet and, of course, metal braces - with colorful elastics. So whether you want to show the world you’re in treatment or you’d prefer an option that gets the job done in a more discreet way, we have both the technology and the experience to make it happen.

Treatment options today are faster. Plus, they’re more comfortable and require less frequent visits to our office so you can enjoy your time in treatment almost as much as you’ll enjoy having your beautiful new smile.

Invisalign®

Straight Teeth Without Braces

The Invisalign® System straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth.

Dr. Wendell, Dr. Matt, and Dr. Patti work with Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign to create a set of aligners based on their individual treatment plan for each patient. The aligners are designed to move the teeth in small increments until they reach the final position prescribed by our doctors. Every one of your aligners is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan so they're really comfortable and easy to wear.

One of the best things about Invisalign is that they have minimal impact on your day to day life when you're in treatment. Patients have no trouble wearing their aligners the prescribed 20-22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink and brush. Keeping your teeth clean while in treatment is easy; just take out your aligners, brush and floss, scrub your aligners with your toothbrush, rinse and pop them back in!

Invisalign treatment is particularly suited to those who travel or play sports. Visits during our office hours can be arranged around your travel schedule and the aligners can be removed for sports that require a mouthguard. But the best thing about Invisalign is the great smile you'll have when we're done!