Adult Orthodontics
Improving your smile is not just for kids anymore.
You’re never too old to straighten your smile these days.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and poor bites can contribute to gum, bone and tooth loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) issues. Next to one’s eyes, the smile is the second place people look at when evaluating beauty.
At Patino Orthodontics we pride ourselves on having more experience with adult orthodontics than the average orthodontist. Many times, adults require different approaches to treatment due to many complexities children just do not have. Some of these complexities include: issues with TMJ/TMD, teeth that are crowned, teeth that are missing, teeth that are worn down, teeth that have bridges attached to them, teeth that were missing teeth that were replaced with implants, and periodontal issues (gum issues). Other challenges include the fact that many do not want braces and or need to be finished in short treatment times.
Today’s technology offers a variety of options for adult orthodontic patients. Between traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, we are here to help you make the right decision and choose a treatment that’s right for you.
Improving your smile is not just for kids anymore.
You’re never too old to straighten your smile these days.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and poor bites can contribute to gum, bone and tooth loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) issues. Next to one’s eyes, the smile is the second place people look at when evaluating beauty.
At Patino Orthodontics we pride ourselves on having more experience with adult orthodontics than the average orthodontist. Many times, adults require different approaches to treatment due to many complexities children just do not have. Some of these complexities include: issues with TMJ/TMD, teeth that are crowned, teeth that are missing, teeth that are worn down, teeth that have bridges attached to them, teeth that were missing teeth that were replaced with implants, and periodontal issues (gum issues). Other challenges include the fact that many do not want braces and or need to be finished in short treatment times.
Today’s technology offers a variety of options for adult orthodontic patients. Between traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, we are here to help you make the right decision and choose a treatment that’s right for you.
Improving your smile is not just for kids anymore.
You’re never too old to straighten your smile these days.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and poor bites can contribute to gum, bone and tooth loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) issues. Next to one’s eyes, the smile is the second place people look at when evaluating beauty.
At Patino Orthodontics we pride ourselves on having more experience with adult orthodontics than the average orthodontist. Many times, adults require different approaches to treatment due to many complexities children just do not have. Some of these complexities include: issues with TMJ/TMD, teeth that are crowned, teeth that are missing, teeth that are worn down, teeth that have bridges attached to them, teeth that were missing teeth that were replaced with implants, and periodontal issues (gum issues). Other challenges include the fact that many do not want braces and or need to be finished in short treatment times.
Today’s technology offers a variety of options for adult orthodontic patients. Between traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, we are here to help you make the right decision and choose a treatment that’s right for you.
Invisalign®
Keep in mind, Invisalign is just a tool, like a pair of pliers or a screwdriver. No two Invisalign providers offering Invisalign will perform the exact treatment on you. Therefore, it is in your best interest to find an Invisalign provider who not only is skilled in Invisalign, but experienced.
Patino Orthodontics is one of the top Invisalign providers in the world, based on the number of patients we treat using the product. There is no guessing at Patino Orthodontics as to the results you will achieve with Invisalign. We are shocked to hear some of the treatment plans being offered by general dentists who have limited experience with Invisalign, and less experience performing orthodontics. We urge all patients to seek any orthodontic care, including Invisalign treatment from a real orthodontist “specialist”, who has two to three more years of specialty training in moving teeth than a general dentists.
Many patients present with bad bites and crooked or spaced teeth that need a little more help than Invisalign can provide on its own. At Patino Orthodontics, we developed an Invisalign treatment protocol that combines other orthodontic appliances (when needed) to achieve greater results.
Hybrid Invisalign takes moderately severe cases and turns them into easy cases Invisalign can treat. Many adults love the combination approach because it allows them to get the best of both worlds – excellent results with Invisalign. In some instances we place braces on for a few months. Other instances we use appliances that are not visible. Some times we use braces for a month at the end of treatment to achieve a result that Invisalign just cannot do.
Esthetic Clear Braces
Lets face it, the number one orthodontic appliance still used around the world is braces. At Patino Orthodontics we use the most esthetic braces available offering you the least noticeable, esthetic smile. All braces are not the same. We utilize monocrystaline clear braces that not only look incredible but function better than any other bracket on the market.
We use many different brands of braces, including American Orthodontics.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
At Patino Orthodontics we are proud to say we are experts when it comes to using TADs in our treatment plans. TADs are miniture anchor pins/screws used to increase the ability for braces to move teeth. Many adults present with very complicated cases in which jaw surgery was the only way to correct the problem. When TADs were introduces into the orthodontic profession, many cases that were strictly surgical cases became combination braces/TAD cases. Please visit our before and after section and view some of the incredible things we do with TADs.
Orthognathic Surgery with Braces
The most complicated orthodontic cases are surgery/braces cases. At Patino Orthodontics, we work with some the best oral surgeons in Northern California providing patients surgery/braces treatment plans. In some patients, the jaws finish growing and do not line up correctly. Either caused by one or both of the jaws either under-growing or over-growing, surgically repositioning allows the teeth come together properly, and facial esthetics to be achieved.
Dr. Patino prides herself on eliminating the need for surgery in many patients that present with borderline discrepancies. From what our patients tell us, other orthodontists demand that they get surgery which they either do not want, or can not afford. In over half the cases Dr. Patino evaluates, she has been able to avoid jaw surgery and deliver a non-surgical correction that patients are pleased with. Most orthodontists refuse to perform this type of orthodontics because it generally is more difficult.
Summary
The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs while outlining a treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.
Remember, it is never too late to improve one of your greatest asset – your smile.
Have questions about braces or Invisalign?
Contact us today to schedule your free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Patino.