Invisalign
Invisalign® is a modern alternative to straighten your teeth without wires or metal. Invisalign® involves a series of custom trays designed specifically for you and the plan your dentist or orthodontist creates to move your teeth. The trays are made from a smooth plastic that covers your teeth and gradually moves them into place.
Traditional Braces
Even though there are many types of braces, traditional braces are still the most popular option. Great strides in technology have been made since they were first used, so they are becoming more comfortable and effective.
Traditional braces use stainless steel brackets and archwires to move your teeth into their proper position. Many teenagers like to decorate their braces with different colored rubber bands to give them a colorful and unique smile. You can choose a new color (or colors) during every adjustment!
Clear Braces
Most teens and adults are reluctant to get the orthodontic care they need due to the appearance of orthodontic appliances. That’s why we offer clear braces, which are much less noticeable than metal braces, but still give patients a smile they deserve.
Clear aligners are not the same as clear braces. Clear aligners are plastic trays that you wear over your teeth, like a shell. Clear braces are just like metal braces, but they are almost invisible. Clear braces have many advantages. They are almost invisible, giving patients who do not want the look of traditional braces another alternative.
Despite all of the advantages, there are some disadvantages to consider, too. They are typically more costly than traditional metal braces, though we offer payment plans for all patients. They can also become discolored by tea, coffee, wine, and other foods. Smoking can also cause discoloration.
Invisalign for Teens
Many teenagers are affected by malocclusions that need to be corrected. However, the thought of going through high school with braces may be your teen’s worst nightmare. Luckily, Invisalign Teen® can be very helpful. Your teenager can get the smile that he or she deserves without bulky wires and brackets.
Invisalign Teen® uses clear aligners, so nobody will even know they are wearing them. As long as your teenager wears them for at least twenty-two hours a day, they will get proper treatment without the embarrassment of wires and braces. Even better, your teenager will be able to remove the aligners when it is time to eat, allowing them unlimited food choices. There are no restrictions that usually come with braces, like avoiding corn on the cob. Once they are finished eating, however, it is essential to brush their teeth AND the aligners to ensure fresh breath and a healthy mouth.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is used for severe cases of bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusions. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is considered a dental specialty and helps complex cases involving the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If your case requires surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to provide you with the best and most comprehensive care possible.
Surgical orthodontics helps patients improve their bites, though it can also help with other aesthetic concerns, such as facial structure and symmetry. Surgery can only be completed after the jaw is finished growing. This typically happens by age sixteen for females and age eighteen for males.
Early Treatment
The earlier we catch problems with your child’s bite, the simpler they are to fix. The results are often better than if we wait and will require significantly less work. We may not need to keep braces on your child for as long when they are younger, which means less expense for you.
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist as soon as their dentist notices that there might be a problem, or before they are seven years old. We may not have to do anything at this age, other than monitor the child’s mouth. However, if we continue to watch your child, we can start treatment right away if something arises.
Early intervention can be beneficial. We will watch how your child’s mouth and teeth grow and develop, so if we see something that needs to be done, we can do it as soon as possible. We will also know exactly when to start treatment, if needed.
Adult Treatment
No matter your age, you deserve a smile that gives you confidence. Braces are not just for children anymore. With the latest advancements in technologies, we can get you the smile you deserve! Here at Martin A. Chee, DDS, we work hard to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer several different treatments that can be effective no matter how old you are. More and more orthodontic treatments are becoming available to give adults the smile that they want.
Orthodontic treatments are not just for your smile. Fixing your teeth can also dramatically change your oral health. When you have crooked teeth or a malocclusion (uneven bite), you may be prone to oral health problems such as gum disease and tartar buildup.
Braces For Teens
Braces are not as scary as most teens think. Technology has advanced a lot in recent years, providing us with newer styles of braces. The result is a faster, more comfortable, and more effective treatment. Braces come in different colors, styles, and materials, so your teen can customize their look and express their personality.
The first thing most patients wonder when they have to get braces is how long will they have to wear them. There is no easy answer to this question because it depends on several factors. For example, it depends on how early we catch the problem, what needs to be fixed, how your teeth respond to treatment, and how willing you are to follow directions.
It is typically recommended that children begin seeing an orthodontist at the age of seven. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier the problem can be to treat. There are also times when we find a problem, but may have put off treatment until they are older.
Dentures
If you are missing teeth, dentures can provide a positive solution to improving your oral health. We are proud to provide dentures that are designed to fit your mouth for proper function and unique comfort. Following your appointment, we will provide you with information on at-home care for your dentures. We strongly recommend scheduling follow up appointments for periodic denture cleanings.
Bridges
When your teeth are missing, it greatly affects your smile. At the same time, the missing tooth has the potential to negatively affect your oral hygiene because of unprotected gum exposure. Dental bridges are one of many options aimed at improving the appearance and function of your teeth by replacing the missing tooth or teeth. During your exam, we will discuss whether or not dental bridges are right for you.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the procedure where we apply a tooth colored plastic material to a patient’s tooth. Using a special light, the material hardens and bonds the material to the tooth.
Dental bonding is used to improve a patient’s smile. It can be used on cracked and decaying teeth. It also can be used for cavities. It can be used to change the shape and size of your teeth so you have a more uniform smile! It is also commonly used for receding gums by protecting the exposed teeth!
TMJ/TMD
If you have TMJ, it probably started with pain and discomfort in your jaw joint and the muscles used to move your jaw. Pain and discomfort do not always signal a problem and usually go away on their own.
However, if you are having headaches, trouble chewing, and pain in the face, jaw, and ear, you may be experiencing symptoms of TMJ. Some people complain about an uncomfortable bite. Some even feel dizzy or a pain in their neck.
Most people try to treat the symptoms at home with pain relievers and ice packs. However, dentists can help you if your home remedies are not working. We often suggest trying mouth guards, though you may need surgery or implants.
Periodontics
Periodontal disease is a serious issue that affects many people’s lives. Luckily our experienced periodontists are capable of treating periodontal disease in our patients, a field in which they have rigorous training and education.
The cleaning of calculus, or tartar, is a major component of treating periodontal disease. However, changes in the patient’s behavior are just as important. Making sure your dental hygiene habits are up to par is critical in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Crown Lengthening
Many people suffer from a condition that is often called "gummy mouth." This means that their gums have grown up over their teeth so their teeth look smaller than they should!
For people who suffer from a "gummy mouth," crown lengthening can really help. We actually reshape the extra gum and bone tissue that is covering your teeth so that your teeth are more visible. This can be done to just one or two teeth or your entire mouth!
Crown lengthening can also be done at the same time as other dental procedures. We not only reshape your gum and bone tissue but also repair any bad teeth that you may have due to decay or other damage.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery encompasses procedures treating a wide array of diseases, injuries, and defects in the oral cavity. It is an internationally recognized medical specialty. Our surgeons are knowledgeable and have received extensive training and education. We practice the highest standards of care and we also utilize cutting edge medical technology for our patients.
Some of the many procedures that fall under the category of oral surgery are removal of impacted teeth, insertion of dental implants, and cosmetic surgeries. We are also able to diagnose and treat certain conditions through oral surgery.