OUR TREATMENTS

Find the Right Treatment for You

1. 

   Early Treatment

   Early orthodontic treatment can happen as early as age 7— an age when issues with a child’s teeth and jaws often make an appearance. Whether it is an under bite, crowding, protruding teeth or early/late loss of baby teeth, early intervention could be the best option before the jaw has finished growing. By correcting these issues at an early age, we can limit the amount of orthodontic treatment needed in future.

    

   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

   When should we begin orthodontic treatment?

   The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of a problem or around the age of 7.

    

   What are the benefits of beginning early?

   Simply put, beginning treatment early allows for both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment.  Prudent intervention guides growth and development in order to prevent serious problems later.

    

   Why so young?

   When a child’s first adult molars are in place, we are able to establish the position of the back bite, thus allowing us to evaluate the positioning of the rest of the teeth.

    

   What are the advantages of early treatment?

   Making room for erupting teeth, creating facial symmetry, influencing jaw growth, and reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth are just some of the benefits of early treatment. By addressing these issues early, it reduces the amount of time and money needed to correct the same problems at a later age.

    

   Is my child a candidate for early treatment?

   Orthodontics is about more than just a smile.  It is about overall dental health. If your child is experiencing a poor bite or any of the other issues mentioned above, an orthodontic consultation could be of benefit. Don’t forget, we offer free consultations, so you can get the facts, worry-free.  Contact us now to set up a time to meet.

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2. 

   Braces

   Teeth become misaligned for a myriad of reasons, and orthodontics is the common solution to the problem. At Apicella-Lorei Orthodontics, we use Damon braces to apply constant, yet gentle, pressure to align your teeth.  By treating these conditions, we are able to create a healthier environment that helps facilitate good oral hygiene and decrease the likelihood of gum disease, tooth decay and other ailments in the future.

   Created by Dr. Dwight Damon, the Damon brace/bracket utilizes sliding door technology known as self-ligation that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket. No elastic or steel ties are utilized over Damon brackets. This technology creates less friction and results in greater comfort for the patient. In addition, Damon braces often reduce both treatment time and number of adjustments that are usually performed.

   Learn More about the Damon Brace System

    

   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

   Is it going to hurt?
   Braces may cause discomfort, especially as they are working to align the teeth.  Minor sores on the inside of the mouth may occur, but Tylenol or Advil may help to relieve this discomfort or a warm salt water rinse may also be beneficial. Applying wax to the brackets may also help with  soreness.  If you feel anything sharp or poking, please contact either of our offices.

   How long is treatment going to last?
   Typically braces are worn between 12-24 months, but it depends on the extent of the misalignment. Through our utilization of the most technologically advanced braces available, treatment times can be reduced as much as 4 to 10 months.

   How often will I need to visit your office?
   Usually office visits happen every 6 – 10 weeks depending upon which stage of treatment you are in.

   When should a child seek treatment?
   We recommend that children be treated somewhere between the ages of 7-14 years old.

   Am I too old for treatment?
   Nope!  Braces aren’t just for kids anymore.

   Is this my only option?
   Depending on the extent of the misalignment, Invisalign® braces are a possible alternative. However, the best way to ensure proper treatment is through an orthodontic consultation.

   Are there any foods I cannot eat?
   Unfortunately, yes.  Hard and dense foods such as pizza crust, pretzels, raw carrots and bagels can break or damage braces.  Gum, chewy candies, and similar substances can pull brackets from your teeth.  Chewing ice should also be avoided to prevent damage to your braces and teeth.

   How often should I brush my teeth?
   Brushing should happen after every meal to remove leftover food from your braces.  Proper oral hygiene and cleaning not only ensures that braces remain in good condition and continue to work, but it also optimizes the response of teeth to orthodontic services.

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3. 

   Invisalign

   Invisalign® is the subtle solution to misaligned teeth. A modern alternative to braces, Invisalign® is a series of custom-made clear overlay templates called aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually straighten your teeth. Created utilizing 3D computer imaging technology, Drs. Apicella and Lorei create a series of aligners for patients to wear over a period of time in 2-3 week intervals to achieve the desired tooth alignment. Previously an adult treatment, Invisalign Teen now can be used to treat many teens while instilling greater confidence and improving self-esteem.

   Learn more at www.invisalign.com

   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

   What are they made of?
   Invisalign® trays are made of plastic.

   What do they look like?
   They resemble a clear, plastic mouth guard that is molded to the shape of your teeth.

   How do aligners straighten teeth?
   Aligners are specially designed trays that are changed every 2 weeks. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will move gradually until the prescribed final alignment is attained or achieved.

   What are the benefits?
   Benefits of Invisalign® include being virtually undetectable and more comfortable than traditional bracket braces.

   Why would I not be a candidate for Invisalign®?
   Invisalign® is available to patients with certain orthodontic bite problems and is not appropriate for every patient. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you.

   How long will I need to have treatment?
   In a simple answer: until your teeth are aligned! However, each case is different and some teeth require more time than others.

   How often do I need to wear my aligners?
   In order to work properly, aligners should be worn at all times, except when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.

   What is the best way to keep my aligner clean?
   It is recommended to use water and a clean toothbrush to clean your aligner.

   What happens after treatment?
   Teeth can gradually shift back into their initial position, and it is necessary to wear retainers after treatment in order to ensure that proper position is maintained. In many cases, these retainers can be primarily worn at night.

   How often do you I need to see Apicella-Lorei during treatment?
   Typically appointments are scheduled approximately every 6 – 10 weeks.

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4. 

   Adult Treatment

   While pre-teens and teenagers have often been associated with orthodontic treatment, adults now make up a growing percentage of orthodontic patients. So don’t be shy! We have treatment options that can be tailored to your lifestyle while helping you to achieve the smile you dream of.

   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

   Is there an age limit?
   Not at all! It is never too late to improve your smile.

   Why should an adult get braces?
   Our question is, why not? Mal-aligned teeth and a “bad” bite can contribute to gum disease and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of teeth, and sometimes jaw joint pain. Whether you are getting married, taking a new job, or simply want to improve your personal appearance, braces can benefit your dental health and also your overall well being.

   Are there orthodontists that specialize in adult treatment?
   Some orthodontists specialize in adult treatment, but all orthodontists are trained to treat patients of all ages.

   Will braces have an impact on my oral hygiene?
   When you have braces, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene. This said, by straightening crowded or crooked teeth, you will experience a vast improvement in your overall oral hygiene.

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5. 

   Retention

   The stability of the position of the teeth depends a great deal on the influence of the ever-changing muscular environment that surrounds them (cheeks, lips, tongue, chewing muscles, etc.). As such, upon the completion of your orthodontic treatment, you will be prescribed a retainer. Retention devices are necessary to hold teeth in their new positions, while your bone, gums, and muscles adjust to their altered environment over a period of time.

   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

   How long do I have to wear my retainer?
   The amount of time necessary to wear a retainer varies from patient to patient. Drs. Apicella and Lorei will prescribe the amount of time as necessary.

   Should I bring my retainer with me to my visit?
   Yes. Once provided with retainers, they should be brought to any subsequent appointments to not only be evaluated for fit and effectiveness, but also for adjustment if any additional minor movement is indicated.

   How do I keep my retainer clean?
   Use a toothbrush to clean all parts of the retainer after every meal. Also, once before bedtime is good too.

   How do retainers break?
   Being careless and not using a retainer case can result in a broken retainer. Also, do not put retainers in napkins at mealtimes, as doing so can result in a lost or broken retainer. The safest place for your retainers is in your mouth!

   What is a bonded or fixed retainer?
   In many cases, a small wire can be fastened or bonded to the back of the select teeth in order to work in conjunction with your night time retainers to enhance stability of the corrections.

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