Treatment
Whether you’re an adolescent or an adult, traditional braces or invisible treatment, you will find that we constantly strive to provide our patients with the finest orthodontic care available. Our investment in advanced technology means a long-term investment in your future. As a result, we typically see our patients once every 8 to 12 weeks. Certain appointments that require more time will be scheduled in the morning or in the early afternoon. This will allow you to schedule most of your shorter appointments after school.
Dr. Furlong treats patients of all ages, during various stages of dental and facial development. The initial consultation (first visit) is when Dr. Furlong reviews her findings and recommendations. For children who are not ready to begin treatment, she recommends follow-up visits on a regular basis to monitor dental and facial growth and development. It's always a good idea to have a consultation when your dentist has a concern about orthodontics, even if your child is not ready for braces.
For young children who have a mix of primary and permanent teeth, typical treatment includes correction of jaw problems, harmful habits, and space management to prepare for the permanent dentition. These are considered limited treatment, interceptive treatment, or an initial phase of a 2-phased orthodontic treatment plan.
For adolescents who have most or all of their permanent teeth, we can address most tooth and jaw alignment problems with full braces, removable devices, or a combination. For older teens, invisible aligners may be an option.
For adults, correction of the teeth and bite is possible with braces, removable devices, or invisble aligners depending on the problem. More severe tooth and bite alignment problems often require the help of other dental specialists that work in conjunction with Dr. Furlong, as part of an interdisciplinary team approach. Examples include when jaw surgery, implants, bridges, crowns, or cosmetic bonding are planned before, during, or after orthodontic treatment.
Our braces include traditional metal as well as clear ceramic. For patients with unusually small or missing teeth, we can provide temporary veneers and replacement teeth with the braces. Dr. Furlong has been Invisalign certified since 2001, and she also uses Essix clear aligners and retainers.
We stress the importance of impeccable oral hygiene during treatment, and we offer fun incentives to our patients who demonstrate good home care. In fact, included with treatment is a thorough hygiene kit to help them achieve the goal of having the most healthy, beautiful smile possible.
Remember, orthodontic treatment is fun! With all of the choices and different types of treatment available, we can find something that fits you. Call us to reserve an appointment for your complimentary consultation and get started on the road to a straight smile today!