Orthodontics in Orlando, FL

Sand Lake Dental in Orlando provides premier orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Our skilled dentists use the latest techniques and technologies to straighten smiles in the shortest terms. We offer innovative orthodontic solutions, such as Fastbraces® and Invisalign®, for children, teens, and adults. Our compassionate staff educates patients on options that suit their lifestyle, needs, and budget. At Sand Lake Dental, we build relationships with people while making their smiles healthy, beautiful, and confident.

WHAT IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Orthodontic treatment is a type of dental care that addresses incorrectly positioned teeth and jaws. These services help countless people who have not been blessed with naturally aligned teeth. Our skilled specialists can address their cosmetic and medical concerns with cutting-edge treatments.

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites may cause head, shoulder, neck, and jaw pain. Patients also face an increased risk of early tooth decay since overlapping teeth are often more difficult to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can address all of these issues. It is a great investment that leads to a healthier mouth and a more confident smile.

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PROBLEMS THAT CAN BE CORRECTED WITH ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Our dentist may recommend orthodontic care if:

The patient’s teeth do not sufficiently fill their mouth, leaving many gaps.

The person has too many teeth trying to fit onto the dental ridge.

The individual has an overbite – the top teeth stick out over the bottom ones when biting.

The patient has an underbite – the bottom teeth sit further forward than the top ones when biting.

The person has an open bite – the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, and there is a gap or space between them.

The individual has a cross-bite – upper teeth fit inside the lower ones instead of overlapping them.

The patient has a midline shift – the center of their top teeth fails to align with the center of their bottom ones.

Before & After

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TYPES

During the initial consultation with our orthodontic specialist, patients discuss which type of treatment is right for them based on their needs. Two main categories of appliances can be placed to resolve dental issues. Here is a brief description of each of them:

FIXED ORTHODONTIC
REMOVABLE ORTHODONTIC

FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

BRACES

Braces are the most common type of fixed orthodontic treatment. They can be made of various materials and take different forms. Nowadays, patients do not have to choose traditional metal braces, which cause many aesthetic concerns. New models are available that look and feel much better. Modern braces are lightweight, minimalist, and can be made in various colors. They are more akin to a fashion accessory than a dental appliance. Braces are bonded to the teeth and adjusted using a series of bands and wires based on the patient’s needs.

Sand Lake Dental offers Fastbraces®, an innovative solution that helps achieve much better results faster. It brings the teeth into the normal eruption pattern – the way they should be. Fastbraces align the crown and the root simultaneously. They also help patients avoid bacterial infections and other issues. However, the main benefit of Fastbraces is that the treatment period is just 3-12 months, depending on the patient’s condition.

MAINTAINERS AND OTHER SOLUTIONS FOR KIDS

There are special fixed appliances that control thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Sand Lake Dental also offers maintainers that can be used after a baby tooth falls out. These devices prevent the other teeth from occupying the space while an adult tooth waits to erupt. They are often used if a child needs an infant tooth extracted prematurely. Our specialists can install all these appliances with maximum comfort in our dental office. We always provide outstanding treatment that helps patients get straight teeth.

TMJ DISORDER TREATMENT

Orthodontic care can help treat problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. Issues with the bite or misalignment of the teeth may cause problems with this joint, leading to pain, limited movement, clicking sounds, and other symptoms. Orthodontics realigns the teeth and improves the bite. It can help take pressure off the TMJ, allowing it to function properly. By correcting a poor bite, orthodontic treatment allows the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles, and teeth to work together harmoniously. It is crucial to address this issue at the early stages because this disorder may require jaw surgery after severe misalignment.

REMOVABLE ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

ALIGNERS

Modern orthodontics offers a wide range of removable appliances. Aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces and are virtually invisible. They can be worn daily and must only be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. We select and adjust these devices during an appointment in our orthodontic office.

Sand Lake Dental offers two types of aligners – Invisalign and Candid. These are the leading companies in the field of clear aligners. Their products provide maximum comfort and are highly effective at straightening teeth.

RETAINERS

Retainers are also common among orthodontic patients. They are worn on the roof of the mouth and used to prevent the teeth from moving back into their original position. Retainers are usually used as a follow-up treatment to braces.

LIP AND CHEEK BUMPERS

Lip and cheek bumpers are removable or fixed appliances that help create space in the mouth and align the teeth. They fit around the outside of the teeth and put light pressure on the cheeks and lips to gently push the teeth into alignment. These bumpers are often used in conjunction with braces to help expand the arch and prevent crowding.

MANDIBULA ADVANCEMENT DEVICE

A mandibular advancement device is an oral appliance that treats sleep apnea and snoring. It resembles a mouth guard and fits over the upper and lower teeth. The device moves the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps open up the airway during sleep. This allows patients to breathe easier through the night and reduces snoring. Mandibular advancement devices are a common treatment option for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

HEADGEAR

Headgear is an orthodontic appliance typically used together with braces to help move teeth into the proper position. The headgear attaches to the braces via a facebow that fits into the mouth. Straps from the facebow wrap around the back of the head and connect to a neck strap. Gentle pressure anchors the teeth in place and allows for improved tooth movement. Headgear provides added force to help properly align the teeth and jaws.

CONSULTATION & PREPARATION FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

During the first orthodontic appointment, our dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth, jaw alignment, and bite. We take X-rays, impressions, and photos of the teeth to aid diagnosis and treatment planning. Our doctors also use advanced digital scanning technology called iTero to create 3D models of the patient’s teeth and jaws. We then discuss what braces or aligners are recommended, along with an estimate of the total costs.

It is common for orthodontic treatment to last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the severity of the case. However, we can shorten this period with Fastbraces. Before placing orthodontic appliances, some preliminary dental work may be required, such as extractions or fillings, to make room in the patient’s mouth. Complimentary cleanings and fluoride care can also be provided to ensure that teeth and gums are healthy.

Throughout the treatment process, regular orthodontic adjustments will be required every four to eight weeks to facilitate gradual tooth movement. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and avoiding restricted foods are key aspects of preparation patients must commit to before starting their orthodontic journey.

CANDIDATES FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Children (Ages 7-12)

Orthodontic treatment typically begins between the ages of 7 and 12. Dentists can correct issues like crossbites, overbites, underbites and crowding to allow permanent teeth to erupt in the proper position. Early treatment also aims to guide jaw growth and development. Catching orthodontic issues in childhood when the body is still growing can prevent more invasive procedures later.

Teens (Ages 13-18)

The early teen years mark the transition from primary (baby) teeth to permanent ones. This is a great time to correct crooked teeth and jaws that are still developing. Common teen treatments include braces and retainers to alleviate crowding and properly align the bite. Adolescents can also benefit from tooth removal and complex procedures like jaw repositioning when necessary.

Adults

Adults seek orthodontic treatments for various reasons. Some people have underlying bite issues or malformed jaws that were neglected in childhood. Others experience changes as permanent teeth settle. Cosmetic reasons often motivate adults to pursue smile orthodontics to straighten their teeth and achieve a balanced facial profile. Treatments like clear aligners and lingual braces make the corrections more discreet. Although changes take longer in mature bones, adults can benefit greatly from orthodontics.

BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC CARE

Orthodontic treatment is crucial for people of all ages because it helps correct irregularities in the teeth and jaws. While this type of care is usually associated with teenagers, older people can also improve their dental health by correcting misalignments caused by trauma, tooth loss, gum disease, and other issues. Overall, the main advantages of orthodontic treatment include:

Improves The Ability To Clean Teeth

Straightening teeth makes them easier to clean and removes areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.

Reduces Risk Of Tooth Decay And Gum Disease

Well-aligned teeth have fewer places for plaque to build up, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Corrects Bite Issues

Orthodontics can correct underbites, overbites, crossbites, and other misalignments that may lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and wearing down tooth enamel.

Makes Teeth More Durable

Properly aligned teeth are more likely to withstand normal biting and chewing forces over time without fracturing or chipping.

Boosts Self-Confidence

Many patients report a boost in self-esteem when their smiles are straightened. Physical appearance affects confidence.

Can Eliminate Speech Impediments

Fixing gaps, overbites, and other issues allows for clearer speech and less lisping.

COST OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN ORLANDO, FL

The cost of orthodontic treatment in Central Florida ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. The pricing depends on the extent of correction needed and the type of braces or aligners used. More complex cases or newer styles of ceramic braces tend to be more expensive.

The price includes the initial examination, X-rays, 3D modeling, molds, appliances, and follow-up visits over the typical treatment period of 12-24 months (3-12 months for Fastbraces). Patients can use flexible payment plans to break up the cost over this timeframe.

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OUR DENTAL OFFICE OFFERS PREMIERE ORTHODONTICS

Sand Lake Dental prides itself on its thorough oral cancer screenings, which are more comprehensive than in other dental offices in Orlando. During a routine check-up, Dr. Maali and Dr. Duque carefully examine all soft tissues in the mouth, including under the tongue and along the insides of the cheeks, for any abnormalities. We utilize advanced screening technology to detect early signs of disease that may not be visible to the naked eye. We aim to help our patients avoid complications and stay healthy and happy.