Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)

Braces for All Ages in Portland

The benefits of dental braces go beyond having straighter teeth or an improved bite. A beautiful, straight smile can do wonders for your overall quality of life and long-term oral health. At the dental practice of Jennifer Duncan, DDS, we proudly provide orthodontic solutions for children, teens, and adults in Portland.

Whether you're looking to correct crowded or crooked teeth, improve your oral health, or get your child started with proactive treatments, we can help. We believe in providing comprehensive and quality orthodontic care in a positive and comfortable environment. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!

CALL US: (361) 643-9557 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Treating Alignment Problems With Braces

Orthodontics is designed to diagnose, treat, and prevent tooth and jaw alignment problems. It offers a variety of solutions for bite issues, dental misalignment, and uneven jaw formation. Phase I braces for children can help prevent oral health problems later in life. Straightening your child's teeth makes their daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing easier because the spacing between their teeth is even.

In the past, dental braces had a reputation for being a bit awkward, but advancements in orthodontics have produced orthodontic solutions that are smaller, more comfortable, and less conspicuous. Lighter wires and sleeker brackets improve the appearance of braces and help keep irritation to a minimum.

With dental braces in Portland, our team can treat mild to complex cases of:

  • Gaps between teeth
  • Crowding
  • Crooked and rotated teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Open bite
  • Crossbite

Dr. Jennifer Duncan can plan your treatment based on your unique needs and smile goals. During the consultation, our friendly team will thoroughly evaluate your teeth, jaws, and gums using digital x-rays. We will also document any lifestyle habits, diet, and genetics that could be affecting your overall oral health. This information is important to create an orthodontic treatment that is tailored specifically for you. We are passionate about helping you achieve a healthier, straighter smile that you're excited to show off.

Why Are Dental Braces Important?

braces in PortlandIn addition to improving the appearance of your smile, straighter teeth also encourage better chewing, speaking, and biting. Correct alignment can also prevent digestion difficulties, abnormal wear of your teeth, excessive strain on gum tissues, and the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Correcting a misaligned bite or crooked teeth can also improve your facial structures.

Straight, evenly spaced teeth also pave the way for better oral hygiene and health. They make daily brushing and flossing more effective, ensuring plaque and food debris are removed. Better hygiene reduces the likelihood of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or total tooth and bone loss.

Phase I Orthodontics: The Foundation of a Healthy Smile

Around the ages of 6-9, most of your child's permanent teeth have erupted, and the jaw is stable. We recommend that you set up your child's first orthodontic appointment during this time. Scheduling a visit early on gives Dr. Duncan the chance to check how your kid's teeth, gums, and jaws are developing.

If any significant growth or development issues are found, we can intervene with Phase I pediatric orthodontics. The goal is to promote better bite development as your child grows. Phase I orthodontics reduces the need for more complex orthodontic treatments later. Dr. Duncan will perform a thorough evaluation, diagnose your child's situation, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Phase II Orthodontics for a Beautiful Smile

Portland bracesPhase II orthodontic treatment is what most people are familiar with. It involves the use of braces on the upper or lower teeth to correct misalignment and bite issues. Phase II orthodontics generally begins between the ages of 12-16, when most permanent teeth are in place. This stage involves customizing treatment to make sure each tooth is in its optimal position, and there's harmony with the bite function, lips, and cheeks. When alignment and spacing are established, your teeth look great and work together properly.

We can use metal braces to correct and realign the teeth and jaw. This treatment lasts an average of 12-20 months, but some teens and adults may need braces for up to 4 years. We monitor your treatment and adjust your braces as needed to ensure maximum alignment, function, and stability.

Orthodontic Expanders and Extractions

A palate expander is a device used in orthodontics to correct a problem with bite width or inconsistency between the upper and lower jaws. Simply put, it is used to widen the upper jaw and create more space for permanent teeth. Using an expander earlier in life can help prevent bite problems later on. An expander can eliminate the need for tooth extraction and can sometimes shorten the time needed for braces.

In some cases, we may recommend tooth extraction to achieve the best results. This can be an extremely effective way to achieve proper alignment when there are extra teeth or too much crowding to fit all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw.

At our practice, we understand that getting expanders or tooth extraction can make you or your child nervous. Our dentist's gentle touch and friendly chairside manner will calm your nerves and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Your Exceptional Portland Braces Services

Jennifer Duncan, DDS and our dedicated team look forward to meeting with you or your child to discuss the potential for correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues with braces. You can count on our team to provide quality Portland braces to help you achieve a beautiful, straight smile.

We believe finances shouldn't stand between you and dental care. That's why we offer CareCredit® as well as in-house financing if needed. Contact our friendly team today to schedule an appointment.

CALL US: (361) 643-9557 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

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