Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program of at least two years following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Better function of the teeth
• Possible increase in self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Better long term health of teeth and gums
• Guides permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduces the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aids in optimizing other dental treatment

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
• Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician.

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.

Yes, with a skilled provider such as Dr. Montano.

No, your treatment, your choice. The same cost here at Montano Elevated Orthodontics.

They generally take the same time, when using a skilled provider.

No, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re 8 or 80, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children/teens. Adults have denser bone tissue than children, so treatment may take a little longer, but age does not keep teeth from moving.

· Prevent gum disease
· Improved ability to chew food, better digestion
· Improved self-esteem
· Alleviation of speech impairment.
· Easier to brush, clean, and floss teeth.
· Reduced cavities
· Reduced grinding and chipping of teeth.
· Reduced risk of injury from protruding teeth.

While most orthodontics treatment starts between the ages of 9-14, some orthodontic problems are best corrected earlier. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7 to check for bite problems that only orthodontic records can identify.

No, a referral is necessary. We offer complimentary evaluations. Although many people believe their primary care dentist can spot developing orthodontic problems, in reality, many significant problems are missed by dentists due to their limited knowledge of orthodontics and lack of orthodontic x-rays.

In reality, many significant orthodontic problems are missed by dentists due to their limited knowledge of orthodontics and lack of orthodontic x-rays. Only an orthodontic specialist can properly detect early warning signs and recommend the most timely, simple, and effective correction of such problems. No referral is necessary to schedule a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Montano.

· Did you attend a full-time orthodontic specialist residency?
· Will you correct my bite and straighten all of my teeth?
· Can you show me cases you have treated that are similar to mine?
· How will your orthodontic treatment affect my facial profile?
· Did an orthodontic specialist treat your children’s smiles?
· Did an orthodontic specialist treat your smile?

· Experience and education
· Office environment
· Reputation of Orthodontist
· Member of AAO American Association of Orthodontics

Both are dentists, however; dentists are focused on overall oral health. Dentists treat tooth decay and failed teeth. They provide services such as Fillings, veneers, and crowns. Orthodontists are dental specialists that complete an additional two years or more of formal specialty education in moving teeth.

With advanced 3-D computer graphics. Invisalign® aligners adjust your teeth to the final position set by your orthodontist. When it comes to the manufacturing of your aligners, Dr. Montano precisely calibrates each aligner to fit your mouth at each phase of the treatment. As you swap each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will start to move gradually until you achieve the desired final alignment — and the smile you’ve always wanted.

Rinse your aligners with water every night. Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use to brush your teeth daily) and gentle, clear liquid soap to remove any debris or food particles that have accumulated during the day.

Generally, the same as braces here at Montano Elevated Orthodontics.

Schedule a virtual or physical complimentary consultation with our office to get started.

Invisalign Teen®’s convenient clear braces system makes it easy for you to achieve straight teeth. This system offers a number of benefits, including:

· Improved Appearance – Invisalign Teen® does not use metal brackets or wires to straighten teeth. Instead, it uses special transparent and smooth plastic that’s virtually invisible. With this revolutionary way of fixing teeth, you can show off your smile with confidence.
· Easy to Maintain – Invisalign Teen® is easily removable, making it easy to maintain. You don’t need to apply special care to your Invisalign® braces like you would in a set of traditional braces.
· You Can Enjoy Your Hobbies – Invisalign Teen® doesn’t have wires or brackets that can affect certain types of hobbies, such as playing sports or a musical instrument.
· No Need to Readjust Your Diet – You can continue to enjoy eating the foods you love with Invisalign Teen®. There’s no need to change your diet.

Get in touch with us today if you have any questions about Invisalign Teen.

The system used in Invisalign combines the 100-year-old science of orthodontics with advanced 3-D computer graphics. Invisalign® aligners adjust your teeth to the final position set by your orthodontist. When it comes to the manufacturing of your aligners, Dr. Montano precisely calibrates each aligner to fit your mouth at each phase of the treatment. As you swap each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will start to move gradually until you achieve the desired final alignment — and the smile you’ve always wanted.

Yes, If you have been told your teen is not a candidate for Invisalign you need to come in to Montano Elevated Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation.

No, aligners are only as good as the provider designing them.

Here at Montano Elevated Orthodontics Invisalign is affordable. We can adjust payments to fit into your budget. For a free consultation.