Orthodontics
Once we have decided that orthodontic treatment is the right next step, the question becomes which treatment. The right answer depends on age, the type of bite issue, and how much active intervention is needed.
Below are the orthodontic options we offer at Azari & Zahedi Dentistry from full braces for older kids, teens, and adults to growth-modifying appliances for younger children.
Looking for clear aligners instead? See our Invisalign page.
Option 1
Braces are bonded brackets, archwires, and elastic bands that move crowded or spaced teeth into the proper position for appearance and function.
Over time, teeth will shift if constant, gentle pressure is applied. Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth, and wires are attached to the brackets with elastic bands. The slight tension on the wire is gently transferred to the bracket through the elastic band.
Today's orthodontic treatment is faster, more comfortable, and more fashionable than ever for children, teens, and adults.
Conventional braces are the most versatile orthodontic option we offer and are well suited to:
Dr. Zahedi handles braces cases at our practice. During your courtesy consultation, she will evaluate whether braces are the best fit or whether a different option, such as Invisalign, an expander, or watchful waiting, is a better starting point.
Most cases run between 18 and 30 months, depending on the difficulty of the case and the amount of treatment needed. We always give our patients an estimated completion date at the start. Missing or rescheduling appointments and not wearing elastics consistently will extend treatment.
For more on caring for your teeth during treatment, see our Orthodontic FAQ's.
Option 2
A palatal expander is an appliance placed in the roof of the mouth to widen the upper dental arch, allowing the arch to be painlessly separated and spread. It is a treatment used for younger patients.
Many times, a palatal expander can be used to create a proper alignment of the arches so permanent teeth have room to erupt in a natural position. Often, using an arch expander early may eliminate the need for braces later.
Palatal expanders are most commonly used for children with:
The earlier we identify the need for an expander, sometimes as young as age 5 or 6, the better the result because we are working with the natural growth of the upper jaw.
Option 3
A space maintainer is a removable or fixed appliance designed to maintain an existing space. They are usually fitted to children when they have lost baby teeth early. The gap left from losing the tooth needs to be held open for the permanent tooth to erupt in its correct position.
Children who lose a baby tooth early, whether from decay, trauma, or extraction, are at risk of the surrounding teeth drifting into the gap. When that happens, the permanent tooth that should erupt in that spot has nowhere to go and may come in crooked, get blocked, or shift other teeth out of place.
A space maintainer is a small, kid-friendly preventive measure. Used at the right time, it can prevent a much larger orthodontic problem later.
When a habit is contributing to a developing bite issue, the right next step may be a habit-breaking appliance rather than full braces. We use bluegrass-variation thumb-sucking appliances and lip bumpers in our practice, both designed to be friendly and tolerable for kids.
Once you are in active treatment, day-to-day care matters as much as the appliance itself: brushing technique, what to eat and what to avoid, flossing around brackets, fluoride use, and what to do about the occasional discomfort.
Every mouth is different. There is no standard fee. The doctor needs to do an exam to evaluate orthodontic needs on an individual basis. We provide individualized cost evaluations on a case-by-case basis, and we work with Delta Dental and most major dental insurance plans.
When your insurance coverage falls short, we partner with Cherry Financing so you can access up to $25,000 with no impact on your credit score and repay at a pace that suits you.
Call our friendly staff at 904-992-8900 for more details.
Curious what orthodontic treatment can actually look like? Our patients have generously allowed us to share their before-and-after photos.
Call our office or request an appointment online - we'll help you understand the right full-arch option for your situation.
