Airway Expansion Orthodontics
Airway Expansion Orthodontics is a type of orthodontic treatment that focuses on improving the function and form of the upper airway. This includes expanding the nasal passage, correcting any deviations in the septum, and improving overall breathing.
This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. By expanding the airway, these issues can be alleviated, leading to improved sleep quality and overall health.
How is it done?
Airway Expansion Orthodontics involves using specialized appliances, such as expanders and braces, to gently widen the upper jaw and correct any issues with the nasal passage. The treatment is non-invasive and can be done alongside traditional orthodontic treatments for a comprehensive approach to oral health.
Our team at Factoria Orthodontics will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible.
The Benefits of Airway Expansion Orthodontics
Aside from improving breathing and reducing symptoms of sleep apnea, Airway Expansion Orthodontics also has other benefits such as:
- Enhanced facial aesthetics
- Better speech and pronunciation
- Improved sleep quality and overall health
- Reduced risk of dental issues such as teeth grinding and TMJ disorders
At Factoria Orthodontics, we believe in the importance of addressing not just the appearance but also the function of your smile. With Airway Expansion Orthodontics, we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that can also improve your overall health and well-being.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of treatment that combines orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery. It is used to correct severe jaw discrepancies and facial asymmetry that cannot be corrected with braces alone. This procedure involves working closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to carefully plan and execute the surgical aspect of the treatment.
Who Needs Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for individuals with severe jaw discrepancies that cannot be corrected through traditional orthodontic treatment. This includes conditions such as open bite, underbite, overbite, and crossbite.
It is important to note that not everyone with a jaw discrepancy will require surgical orthodontics. Our team at Factoria Orthodontics will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if this treatment is necessary for you.
The Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics offers numerous benefits for patients, including:
- Improved Facial Aesthetics — By correcting jaw discrepancies and asymmetry, surgical orthodontics can significantly improve the overall appearance of your face.
- Better Oral Health — Misaligned jaws can lead to issues like teeth grinding, TMJ disorders, and difficulty chewing or speaking. Surgical orthodontics can help alleviate these problems and improve your oral health.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence — A beautiful smile can do wonders for your self-esteem and confidence. With surgical orthodontics, you can achieve a more balanced and attractive smile that you’ll be proud to show off.
Surgical orthodontics is a complex and delicate procedure that requires expertise, precision, and teamwork. At Factoria Orthodontics, we work alongside an oral surgeon to ensure the best results from surgery.
If you think you may benefit from surgical orthodontics, request a consultation with us today. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve the smile of your dreams.
TMD/TMJ Orthodontics
Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw? Is it difficult to chew or yawn without clicking, popping, or locking sensations? You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD. Fortunately, the team at Factoria Orthodontics has the expertise and resources to provide effective TMD treatment.
What is TMJ/TMD?
Before we dive into treatment options, let’s first understand what TMJ/TMD is. The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and allows for smooth movements when you speak, chew, or yawn. When this joint becomes inflamed or damaged, it can cause pain and discomfort known as TMD.
There are a variety of reasons why someone may develop TMD, including arthritis, injury to the jaw or face, teeth grinding or clenching, and even stress. Regardless of the cause, the team at Factoria Orthodontics is here to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to request an appointment with us for TMJ/TMD treatment:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving your jaw
- Locking of the jaw joint
- Headaches or earaches
- Changes in your bite or teeth alignment
Our team of orthodontists will perform a thorough examination to determine the severity and underlying causes of TMD. From there, we will develop a personalized treatment plan.
Custom-made oral appliances, such as bite guards or splints, can help protect your teeth and ease tension on the jaw joint. In some cases, correcting misaligned teeth or bite issues through braces or Invisalign can alleviate TMJ/TMD symptoms.
Prevention is Key
While we offer effective treatment options for TMD, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent or minimize the risk of developing TMD:
- Avoid hard or chewy foods that can strain your jaw muscles.
- Practice good posture and avoid resting your chin on your hand.
- Limit excessive gum chewing, nail biting, or other habits that put stress on your jaw.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Two-Phase Orthodontics
At Factoria Orthodontics, we believe in providing our patients with the best possible care. This includes offering a variety of treatment options to meet the unique needs of each individual patient. One such treatment option that we offer is two-phase treatment.
Two-phase treatment is an orthodontic approach that involves two stages of treatment. The first stage typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 9, while the second stage takes place once all permanent teeth have erupted, usually around ages 11 to 13.
During the first phase, our team at Factoria Orthodontics will focus on correcting any jaw discrepancies or bite issues that may be present. This is important because these issues can have a significant impact on the development of a child’s teeth and overall oral health.
The second phase of treatment, which usually involves braces or other orthodontic appliances, focuses on aligning the teeth properly to create a healthy and functional bite.
Why is Two-Phase Treatment Necessary?
There are many benefits to undergoing two-phase treatment at Factoria Orthodontics. Here are just a few:
- Promotes Proper Jaw Growth — By addressing any jaw discrepancies early on, we can guide the growth of your child’s jaw in a way that promotes a healthy and functional bite.
- Prevents More Serious Issues — If left untreated, certain orthodontic problems can worsen over time and require more extensive treatment later on. Two-phase treatment can help prevent this from happening.
- Creates A Stable Foundation — By addressing jaw and bite issues early on, we can create a stable foundation for your child’s permanent teeth to erupt into.
What Can I Expect During Two-Phase Treatment?
Phase 1: The Foundation Stage
Phase 1, also known as the foundation stage, is all about guiding your child’s jaw development. During this phase, we employ various orthodontic appliances, like expanders or partial braces, custom-made for your child’s mouth. This stage assists in making room for the emerging permanent teeth and correcting existing bite problems.
The Resting Period: Patience is a Virtue
After Phase 1, comes the resting period. No, it’s not nap time (though we’re all for that!), but a crucial pause in active treatment. During this phase, we let nature do its thing, allowing the remaining permanent teeth to erupt without interference. Don’t worry, we’ll keep a watchful eye on your child’s teeth development during regular check-ups.
Phase 2: The Grand Finale
And finally, we have Phase 2, the grand finale. This is where the magic happens! Once all the permanent teeth have erupted, we’ll likely use full braces or Invisalign to perfect your child’s bite and align the teeth. It’s all about fine-tuning and making sure everything is in the right place. When the time is right, the appliances will come off to reveal a dazzling, well-aligned smile — the kind of happy ending we love at Factoria Orthodontics!
Limited Treatments
Are you getting ready for a big event, like a wedding or graduation, and wishing you had done something about your teeth? Well, look no further because Factoria Orthodontics has got you covered with our limited treatment options!
Limited treatment is like getting touch-up work done before a special occasion. We understand that not everyone has time for a full orthodontic treatment, which can take up to a year or more. That’s why we offer limited treatment for minor issues that can be fixed in just 3-6 months.
But what exactly is limited treatment? It’s a shorter and more focused version of traditional orthodontic treatment. It targets specific problem areas, such as small gaps or crooked teeth, and uses appliances like braces or clear aligners to quickly straighten your smile. This allows us to give you a beautiful and confident smile in a shorter amount of time.
So why wait? Don’t let your teeth hold you back from looking and feeling your best for that special occasion. Our limited treatment options are perfect for anyone who wants to improve their smile without committing to a longer treatment. Contact our team today for a free consultation to see what limited treatment options are best for you!
Retainers
Congratulations, you’ve finally completed your orthodontic treatment and achieved that perfect smile you’ve always wanted! But before your orthodontist bids you goodbye, they will most likely recommend getting a retainer. You may be wondering, “Why do I need a retainer if my braces did all the work?”
First, they help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. This is especially important in the first few months after completing your orthodontic treatment when your teeth are most likely to move. Second, retainers can help correct any minor shifts or relapses that may occur over time. Lastly, retainers can also improve the overall stability and longevity of your orthodontic results.
Retainers need to be worn indefinitely to maintain the desired results. However, it’s recommended to only wear their retainers full-time (24/7) for the first 6-12 months. After that, Dr. Adam recommends wearing them only at night.
