TREATMENT AND APPLIANCES

Different orthodontic problems will require different treatments and/or appliances to obtain the best results. Drs. Pappas and Tapley are trained and experienced in a wide variety of orthodontic treatments and appliances. Following an initial evaluation, the doctors will recommend the best course of treatment to obtain the greatest, most stable result possible for your individual needs. In some cases there may be more than one option and you can help determine the option you prefer.

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Treatment Options

Drs. Pappas and Tapley provide all types of orthodontic treatment for all age groups including Early Treatment, Comprehensive Treatment, Limited Treatment, and Orthodontic/Surgical Treatment.

Early Treatment

Early treatment (Phase I) in our office is an option available to address orthodontic problems before all permanent teeth have erupted. Early treatment is not recommended for all children. It is, however, recommended for those cases we feel will obtain a better long term result if a short treatment phase is initiated early when growth is occuring. Corrections we would consider addressing early include creating space for eruption of all permanent teeth and correcting discrepancies in jaw sizes. Children who have had an early stage of treatment will usually need to wear braces again once all permanent teeth have erupted; this second phase will be much shorter and easier than if no early treatment had been done.

Most patients and parents prefer an early stage for the following reasons:

1. The front teeth are aligned early and the child has the benefit of a beautiful smile earlier.

2. Most children are more interested in their appliances, brushing their teeth and the care of braces than teenagers. Good patient cooperation allows treatment to progress faster and allows the best treatment results.

3. Corrections obtained in Phase I may sometimes be so successful that Phase II treatment is optional or not necessary at all.

4. Total overall treatment fees are not significantly higher if Phase I and Phase II treatment are done than if treatment is delayed until all permanent teeth are erupted.

Comprehensive Treatment

This is the usual orthodontic treatment course recommended for most patients who have all their permanent teeth erupted or erupting. Comprehensive treatment addresses all orthodontic alignment and bite problems. The length of treatment varies according to the extent of the problems present.

Limited Treatment

This is treatment to address only one or a few of a patient’s diagnosed problems. There are some situations in which correction to an ideal bite is not wanted or recommended.

Orthodontic/Surgical Treatment

Some patients have jaw discrepancies that require surgical repositioning of the jaws to obtain the ideal result they desire. These cases will require a period with braces to properly position the teeth within each jaw so that when the surgical jaw correction is done the teeth will fit together and function properly. Drs. Pappas and Tapley work closely with the Oral Surgeon in the planning and treatment stages to assure the best possible results.

Appliance Options

The most common appliances used in orthodontic treatment are metal/stainless steel brackets, ceramic/clear brackets or Invisalign™ (invisible removable aligners). Occasionally a special retainer can be used to correct very mild problems. The doctors may also recommend additional appliances to address specific treatment goals. We are pleased to announce that Pappas & Tapley Orthodontics uses the new and exciting bracket system, In-Ovation-R. Because of In-Ovation-R's advanced, self-ligating system and our hi-tech wires, teeth move more efficiently. Faster yet precise, tooth movement can shorten treatment time and self-ligation requires no elastic ties. For the foreseeable future, Pappas & Tapley will have patients in In-Ovation-R as well as traditional brackets, and Invisalign treatment. The new hi-tech wires are used with both bracket systems so patients with traditional brackets on their teeth are also benefiting from quicker tooth movement. Please visit www.gacinovation.com to learn more about the In-Ovation-R bracket system, and visit www.invisalign.com for more information on the exciting Invisalign aligner system.