Miss LaVernia, Kara and brother Kenny, both smiles by Dr. Chandler

What is Orthodontics?

When describing orthodontics, most people just refer to braces. While the majority of orthodontic cases involve braces, there are alternatives that may be used for younger children. Arch expanders and training appliances for younger children can minimize or eliminate the need for braces when problems are treated early enough.

What are the Benefits of Orthodontics?

• Reduce the risk of injury - prominent teeth are more prone to trauma
• Reduce the risk of decay - crooked teeth are harder to clean
• Reduce the risk of developing Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems
• Eliminate the excessive wear on teeth that can be caused by a poorly aligned bite
• Correcting abnormal tooth alignment can help prevent certain speech problems
• Straight teeth provide a healthier, more attractive smile
• A beautiful smile increases confidence and self-esteem

What is an Orthodontic Evaluation?

Orthodontic treatment begins with an evaluation appointment. Dr. Chandler will first examine your child and will determine if he/she is in need of Orthodontic treatment, another treatment, or if no treatment at all would be appropriate. If your child is a good candidate for orthodontic care, Dr. Chandler and his exceptional staff will make impressions of your child's teeth, special x-rays of their jaw joint, head and teeth, and very important measurements of their teeth and mouth.

At the following appointment Dr. Chandler who is always a teacher, will review the records made at the eveluation appointment and shall recommend a specific treatment plan, estimate the length of treatment and discuss the cost of treatment.

When the consultation is complete, an experienced member will discuss with you admistrative matters such as insurance and payment plans. With the price of gas most of our parents like to save a trip like combining the consukt appointment with the start of treatment

When should My Child be Evaluated?

If your child develops an "open bite", sucks their thumb, has a noticable tongue thrust, or you are otherwise concerned about the development of your child's teeth, no matter what the age, contact us right away for a consult with Dr. Chandler. Otherwise, children should be evaluated by the age of 6 for orthodontic problems. In the past, a child was 11 or 12 before brackets were actually placed on the teeth to straighten them. This may still hold true in many cases, but there are new techniques that can correct problems early, while a child is still growing. This may eliminate braces in the future, and can prevent the need for jaw surgery, or permanent extractions. If a child who has had early first phase treatment, still requires braces later, it will usually shorten the period time of braces and lessen expenses involved.

What is an Arch Expander?

An Arch Expander is one example of orthodontic treatment available for younger patients. Many times an arch expander can be used to create a proper alignment of the arches so permanent teeth have room to erupt in a natural position. The use of an arch expander will generally minimize or eliminate the need for braces when the patient gets older.

What Are Training Appliances?

There are several different types of training appliances. The two most common appliances are:

• Thumbsucking appliance
• Swallowing appliance

The thumbsucking appliance helps train children to stop sucking their thumbs, preventing an open bite.

The swallowing appliance helps correct a tongue posture (tongue-thrusting) habit.

What are Braces?

Braces are appliances, bonded brackets, arch wires and elastic bands that move crowded or spaced teeth into a "normal" position for appearance, prevention and function. Patients with poorly aligned teeth tend to have much more tooth decay, gum disease and jaw joint problems. Recently invented brackets and new techniques make orthodontic treatment faster and more comfortable than ever.

metal brackets	clear brackets	colored bands

How do Braces work?

Over a period of time, teeth will shift if gentle continuous pressure is applied. Slight tension on a thermally activated wire is gently transferred to the tooth by way of the bracket. Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and wires are attached to the brackets with elastic bands.

Before	During

What are Retainers?

Once the teeth have been moved into proper position, a retainer is sometimes used to keep the teeth in place until they have "settled". Retainers can be fixed (bonded to the teeth) or removable.

Fixed retainer: Small, thin wire bonded to tongue side of teeth	Removable retainer: Snaps into place. Easily adjusted.

The Latest Trend in Orthodontics is No Braces at All!

Many adults and some teens can benefit from "invisible braces", which are not really braces at all but clear plastic aligners. For the right patient, Invisalign is a wonderful treatment! It involves computer-assisted diagnosis and fabrication of thin, light, removable appliances that are worn sequentially until the desired correction is achieved.

Dr. Randall Chandler is

trained and certified.

She's wearing "invisible braces" in one of these two photos. Can you tell which one? It's difficult to tell, isn't it? That's the whole point!

See Dr. Chandler's Orthodontic Patient Cases

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