Services

Second Phase Treatment

The second phase is begun when most of the permanent teeth have erupted, and requires braces on all of the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers will follow to hold the teeth in their new corrected positions.

Advantage of Early Treatment — The major advantage and goals of a two-phase treatment is to utilize growth and development to achieve an ideal relationship of the teeth and jaws in terms of esthetics and how they function that is as stable as can be. Extraction of permanent teeth and jaw surgery can potentially be eliminated in certain cases. This may not be possible if all of the permanent teeth have erupted>

Types of braces/appliances/clear aligners — Metal braces are still used in most cases for treatment. Over time, they have become smaller in size making them less noticeable and more comfortable. They are the most cost-effective. The metal braces now also come in different shapes and can be colored with the elastic ties or be self-ligating. Braces can also be gold or tooth colored.

Gold Brackets

Designer Brackets

Other appliances and auxiliaries may need to be worn to perform certain type of tooth or jaw correction. Headgears, expanders, springs and elastics (rubber bands) are just some of the adjuncts that Dr. Mentz uses.

Head Gear

The latest technology involves using a series of clear plastic removable aligners worn full-time to move teeth. Not everyone is a candidate for aligners as the types of tooth movement are limited.