Orthodontic treatment is prescribed to correct a number of common problems. Many people may need orthodontic treatment to correct an "unsatisfactory bite" that has been caused by crowding teeth or extra teeth. Other people may need treatment to realign a jaw that is out of place due to genetics or due to an accident. Many people want to correct one or more crooked teeth caused by thumb-sucking, premature or late loss of baby teeth, or a wide variety of other causes. Both children and adults can benefit from a beautiful, healthy smile. Straight teeth not only make it easier to brush and floss, they also play an important role in building self-esteem, confidence, and a positive self-image.

Growth Modification is part of the first phase of a two-stage orthodontic treatment for children with poor bite (malocclusion) and is only possible when bones are still growing. Orthodontists use growth modification devices (appliances) to change the position, shape, length or width of the jawbone(s). Some common devices are: Headgear, Class II/III corrector or palatal expander. Ideal timing of treatment varies depending on what the condition is, when adult teeth come in, and how much growth is needed to correct the malocclusion, but mid-elementary age is common to begin treatment. The best way to determine the need for such a device is to visit your local Colorado Springs professional orthodontist.

Surgical Orthodontics Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities. This would include the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. Professional orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems, including: difficulty chewing or biting food; chronic jaw pain and headaches; excessive wear of the teeth; space between upper and lower teeth; unbalanced facial appearance; birth defects; protruding jaws. Andrews Orthodontics can assist Colorado Springs patients with any of these issues.

Habit Appliances Oral habit behaviors include finger sucking, nail biting, mouth breathing, tongue thrust, teeth grinding and pacifier sucking. If habits last beyond the age range of 3-6 years old, the child should be evaluated with efforts to stop the habit before eruption of permanent teeth, which could have long-term effect on facial growth or deformation. A habit appliance is not a punishment but rather a reminder to stop the habit. As your local Colorado Springs orthodontist, we want to help create beautiful smiles for every age.

Adjunctive Orthodontics treatment is defined as the tooth movement carried out to facilitate other dental procedures necessary to control disease, restore function and enhance appearance. The primary goal is to replace missing or damaged teeth. This can be a crucial treatment provided by professional orthodontists that will provide a significant amount of change and improvement for a patient.

Nightguards Dr. Andrews may recommend an oral appliance, also called stabilization splint or bite guard, which is a plastic guard that fits over the upper or lower teeth. Stabilization splints are the most widely used treatments for TMJ disorders or nighttime grinding (bruxism).

Clear Brackets (braces) Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but blend in with the color of the teeth. Though the braces themselves won’t stain, the ties can easily discolor, especially if you consume foods or drinks that typically stain teeth, such as coffee. The ties will be replaced every time the braces are adjusted, which is usually every month. It is important to remember that ceramic braces are more sensitive and can easily break or chip. They require more maintenance and more time to install than metal braces, which can increase overall treatment time and cost. This option should be discussed at length with your orthodontist when considering an alternative to traditional metal braces.

We use these products for this type of treatment: