More Topics

About Orthodontics | Orthodontic FAQs | For All Ages | Early Prevention | Life with Braces | Brushing and Flossing | Retainer Instructions

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful, functional smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.

We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.

Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time varies and can last, in most cases, between one and three years (two years is the average). It is based on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be.

All children with baby teeth still present are clinically evaluated by Dr. Foley at the initial consultation where parental concerns are also addressed. At the conclusion of the consultation, a determination of the best time to start orthodontic treatment is made by the doctor. In some cases, there is a medical/dental benefit to early treatment. In these cases, children receiving Phase-One (early) orthodontic treatment could help to decrease or eliminate a developing dental/skeletal problem to provide quicker, less invasive Phase-Two (full upper and lower braces with straightening and bite correction of all adult teeth) treatment time once the majority of their adult teeth are erupted.

If there is nothing to be gained by early treatment, in most cases, treatment will be recommended when the majority of adult teeth have erupted. In the meantime, the child is invited to become a member of our very own 'Little Phillies Club'! Here, they are seen for free dental/skeletal observations periodically to determine the best time to start treatment. Members receive a free prize each visit and are enrolled in all of our office contests.

Before beginning your orthodontic care, your doctor will discuss all of your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take. Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide.