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Orthodontic Services

Merrimack Valley Orthodontics

 Orthodontic Services for
Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts

About Orthodontics

Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gun disease, and lead to tooth loss.


Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain.


Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics treats the growth and development of teeth and the alignment of jaws in children and adults. Most common orthodontic services range from rapid palate expander (RPE) to dental braces and retainers.


Dr. Giordano or Dr. Bogle at Merrimack Valley Orthodontics will provide the comprehensive personalized orthodontic services you need. We believe that orthodontics involves more than “straightening teeth” — it enhances health and self-esteem and may improve a person’s overall quality of life. We are ready to help you join our group of success stories.

Orthodontics (Braces) for Children

It is best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required, and if it is the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. Although in most cases it is best to wait for all the permanent teeth to grow in, there are patients that benefit from early (Phase I) treatment. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth.


Early Phase I Treatment for Children

• Control of parafunctional habits: correct thumb-sucking and regulate abnormal       swallowing or speech problem  
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches  
• Prevent loss of space or gain space for permanent teeth to erupt  
• Reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions  
• Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth  
• Simplify later treatment  
• Improve the child's self image during formative years

Orthodontic Success Stories

One of our patients came to us with open bite, gapped front teeth, and teeth crowding issues. She started treatment at age 11 and wore braces for 26 months. She loves her new smile.
 

The parents of another patient of ours were concerned about both aesthetics and the health of the erupting permanent teeth when they brought him to the orthodontist at eight years old. The lower front teeth were crowded and they touched the palate, and the upper front teeth were extremely displaced from their normal positions.


After 20 months of Phase I treatment with an expander and partial braces, the patient's appearance and dental function was vastly improved.


Orthodontics (Braces) for Teens

Orthodontics for teens is important. It is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile. Orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Bad bites occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Bad bites affect the way you chew, clean your teeth, and smile.

The emotional side of an unattractive smile can affect self-esteem negatively. Teenagers whose malocclusions are left untreated may go through life feeling self-conscious, hiding their smiles with a protective hand or tight lips.



The most important reason for orthodontic treatment in children and especially during the early teenage years is growth. Adolescence is when the most growth and development is taking place. It is much easier for Dr. Giordano or Dr. Bogle and their team to correct crowding and discrepancies in the teeth and jaws when we can take advantage of rapid growth and changes already taking place in the teenage patient. The teeth move much easier with less discomfort in the growing patient.


Orthodontics (Braces) for Adults

Orthodontic treatment for adults can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile and an improved bite. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21.


Jaw surgery, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced fracturing of their teeth or tooth loss. Gum disease and bone loss is more prevalent in adults and may require periodontal treatment before, during, or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable. Adult orthodontic treatment can be more complex and require multi-specialty treatment coordination.

For more detailed information about Merrimack Valley Orthodontics visit our main website at www.123braces.com.

Call us today at 978-686-3838 to schedule an appointment for a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

We proudly serve the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire areas including the towns of Andover, MA; Haverhill, MA; Methuen, MA; North Andover, MA; and Salem, NH and beyond.


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