A healthy, functional, and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well aligned. While some people have a naturally well-aligned smile, many seek orthodontic treatment to correct overcrowded teeth, a gapped smile, or teeth that have drifted out of position due to extractions, harmful oral habits, and abnormal bite patterns. In some cases, orthodontic treatment goes beyond moving the teeth into their correct positions. Orthodontic care can also address the cosmetic and functional problems associated with skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Orthodontic treatment utilizes customized appliances to apply controlled, incremental forces that gently move the teeth into proper alignment. While conventional metal braces were once the only option in orthodontic care, patients today have several choices. Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology and innovations in care, a wider selection of orthodontic treatment systems is available. These days, orthodontic appliances are far less bulky, much less noticeable, and more comfortable than earlier generations of orthodontic appliances.
The type of orthodontic treatment and the length of time a patient undergoes orthodontic care varies, depending on the nature of the case. Orthodontic treatment ranges from the minor movement of a single tooth to the alignment of an entire bite. Although certain corrections can be achieved in a few months, more extensive ones can take a couple of years.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we understand all aspects of oral health and the cosmetic requirements of a beautiful smile. We're passionate about what we do and remain dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the benefit of a great looking and healthy smile. We offer a comprehensive selection of orthodontic services to help both adults and children improve the alignment, appearance, and health, of their smiles.
There's more to a straight smile than the sheer beauty of it. Well-aligned teeth support good oral health, optimal jaw function, and contribute to your overall well-being. Although every smile is different, the potential consequences of teeth that are either overcrowded, have spaces between them, have shifted, or don't come together in an ideal way remain the same.
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Simply put, it's easier to brush and floss your teeth. With fewer inaccessible nooks and crannies for food to get trapped, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease is lower.
Teeth that meet correctly and are not crowded, stick out, or protrude, are protected, as they should be by the lips and soft tissues surrounding the mouth. They are less vulnerable to trauma, getting "knocked out" or damaging fractures.
Straight teeth make all manner of oral function easier. The result is that you can bite into your food, chew, and speak, without difficulty or impediment.
Teeth and jaws that are well-aligned mean less wear on the teeth. When teeth don't line up or meet as they should, they often exhibit uneven and excessive areas of wear.
A good bite supports temporomandibular joint health and function. A less than ideal occlusion can affect your oral function and comfort. TMJ disorders are associated with a wide range of problems, including headaches, jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, as well as other types of head and neck pain.
With good oral health and well-being mutually dependent upon each other, a well-aligned smile is essential to overall wellness.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we provide integrated orthodontic care to help children and adults enjoy the benefits a well-aligned, beautiful, and healthy smiles. Whether your visit to our practice is for an orthodontic or dental checkup or consultation visit, we'll assess the look, health, and function of your smile and advise you if orthodontic treatment is right for your smile.
We also keep a very close watch on your child's developing smile and will let you know the best time for an orthodontic consultation and care. From checking the emergence of the baby teeth, jaw development, and oral habits to the premature loss of a baby tooth and the eruption and alignment of the permanent teeth, we carefully monitor your child's smile as they grow.
Even though the best time to begin orthodontic care is as a growing child, the truth is that one is never too old for orthodontic treatment. Today more and more adults choose orthodontic care with successful, healthy, and satisfying treatment outcomes.
However, with all the choices in types of braces and systems of care marketed today, it can often feel confusing which approach is best. Whether or not fixed, conventional braces, aligners, removable appliances, or other orthodontic care offer the best way to achieve optimal and timely results depends on several factors.
The severity of the malocclusion or bite problem
The degree of crowding or spacing of the teeth
If dental extractions are required
The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
How long orthodontic appliances are needed
If any additional, supportive appliances are required
Patient compliance with oral hygiene, appliance maintenance, and wear
As orthodontic treatment has become more widely available, and the appearance of braces has improved, the number of people getting orthodontic treatment has skyrocketed. Over four million people in the United States alone wear orthodontic braces, with 27% of this number being adults.
In the past few decades, advances in orthodontic care have facilitated more precise treatment planning with orthodontic appliances that are less bulky, more efficient, and increasingly cosmetic.
Smaller and streamlined bracket metal bracket design
Clear, cosmetic brackets
Self-ligating braces
Lingual Braces
Clear Aligners
3-D Imaging with CBCT
Digital Impressions
Intraoral Scanners and 3-D Planning Software
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs
Accelerated Orthodontics
Since their arrival on the scene over two decades ago, clear aligners have revolutionized the delivery of orthodontic care. Continuing to soar in popularity, this innovative method of orthodontic care offers many patients a more discreet, comfortable, and convenient solution for improving the alignment of their smiles.
Custom-made to the exact specifications of a patient's smile, clear aligners are designed to gently and incrementally move the teeth into their correct positions. As patients swap out one aligner for the next one in the prescribed series, they're able to witness progressive improvements in their smiles. Best of all, with treatment that is virtually invisible to the outside world, no one but the patient knows they are undergoing orthodontic care.
By transforming smiles with minimal interference to daily activities, clear aligners allow patients to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods and engage in recreational activities without the fear of breaking their orthodontic appliances or sharp poking wires. Moreover, as the aligners are completely removable, there's no need to struggle to brush and floss in between orthodontic brackets and wires.
While clear aligner therapy is a solution for every type of malocclusion, orthodontic treatment with this innovative method of orthodontic care offers an excellent option for many image-conscious teens and adults.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we maintain a position at the forefront of advances in care to provide patients with the highest quality orthodontic services. Whether you are a candidate for treatment with clear aligners, or another method of orthodontic care, we'll help you achieve a well-aligned and attractive smile.
While some children require early intervention or an initial phase of orthodontic care, most youngsters begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14. At this time, they are generally in the mid to late mixed dentition stage. This means they have a mix of permanent front teeth, permanent molars, and some baby teeth.
The benefit of placing braces at this stage is that the orthodontist can improve the alignment of permanent front teeth, guide the incoming new adult teeth into position, and utilize the child's growth and development to the best advantage.
Braces are generally worn for one to three years with an average treatment time of two years. If a child requires a space maintainer, habit control therapy, or exhibits significant jaw disharmony, treatment may begin earlier.
After orthodontic appliances are removed retainers are worn for a period of time to stabilize and maintain the results.
With the wide variety of orthodontic treatment options available to adults, the process of wearing braces is more convenient, more comfortable, more efficient, and much less conspicuous than ever before. Bulky metal braces are truly a thing of the past. The latest generations of metal appliances are substantially smaller and less unsightly than their predecessors. Moreover, an adult interested in orthodontic care can select braces that are hardly visible at all. Today's tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces, or removable clear aligners can all effectively deliver treatment to achieve successful and pleasing outcomes of orthodontic care.
For adults seeking orthodontic care, it's essential to keep in mind that achieving a successful outcome relies on healthy teeth and supporting bone. Adults seeking treatment sometimes exhibit the damaging consequences of uncorrected bites and poorly aligned teeth. Because their teeth are so jumbled and hard to clean, they may have extensive dental decay, display signs of gum disease, exhibit bone loss, or even had extractions. They may also suffer from worn-down teeth or TMJ joint dysfunction.
While it's critical to address outstanding dental issues before the start of orthodontic care, it's also important to continue maintaining the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues both during and following orthodontic treatment.
Although adult orthodontics requires an investment of time and resources, the payoff is well worth it. The value of a healthy and attractive smile is priceless. Thanks to modern orthodontics, having teeth that look good and function well is something that can be enjoyed at any age.
Everyone who has worn orthodontic appliances can attest that the day their braces or appliances are removed is a happy and gratifying time. Achieving a beautiful, well-aligned, and functional smile is the ultimate reward for having made a commitment to orthodontic care.
Almost every individual who has undergone orthodontic care will need to wear some type of retainer for a prescribed period of time. Retainers help to protect the teeth from relapse.
One of the reasons retainers are needed is because the teeth have a tendency to move back towards their original positions. The delicate fibers connecting the teeth to the jawbones have elastic memory. Once orthodontic appliances are removed, these fibers want to rebound to their natural positions and move the teeth out of their new alignment. Wearing retainers allow these fibers to reorganize in their new positions and to reset their memory.
Retainers are also extremely important because the teeth are part of a complex masticatory system and subject to forces that cannot always be predicted or controlled. Even after orthodontic treatment, any number of things such as tongue or lips postures, unfavorable growth of the jaws, oral habits, and periodontal problems can disrupt teeth alignment.
Remember, the benefits of orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime. Committing to wearing retainers is the best way to preserve your smile and to keep your teeth as straight and beautiful as the day your braces were removed.
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Proper orthodontic care improves the way teeth meet, supports efficient chewing and can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by making hygiene easier. Orthodontic treatment also addresses functional concerns such as speech, bite-related wear and jaw comfort.
At Bahri Dental Group we combine clinical assessment with modern appliances to tailor care to each patient's needs while emphasizing long-term oral health. A well-planned orthodontic approach considers tooth position, jaw relationships and facial balance to create outcomes that are both healthy and aesthetic. Patients receive guidance on oral hygiene and appliance care to help preserve results after active treatment ends.
Early evaluation helps identify developing problems that may benefit from timely intervention, and major professional organizations recommend that children have an orthodontic checkup around age 7. By this age a mix of permanent front teeth and molars is usually present, allowing the clinician to detect crowding, crossbites, excessive overbites and other growth-related issues. Early assessment does not always mean immediate treatment, but it helps determine the optimal timing for care.
During growth the jaws respond more predictably to guidance, so interceptive measures can simplify or shorten later treatment when indicated. The dental team will monitor tooth eruption, oral habits and jaw development and will advise parents if space maintainers, habit control or early appliances are appropriate. Regular dental checkups and close communication with your child's dentist support coordinated care through growth and development.
Modern orthodontics offers a variety of appliances including conventional metal braces, smaller tooth-colored ceramic brackets, lingual braces placed behind the teeth and removable clear aligner systems. There are also self-ligating brackets that reduce friction, temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for complex tooth movements and supportive removable appliances for specific problems. Digital workflows such as intraoral scanning and 3-D planning often integrate with these systems to improve precision.
Choosing the right option depends on the nature of the bite problem, the degree of crowding or spacing, skeletal relationships and patient priorities such as aesthetics and comfort. Compliance, oral hygiene and treatment goals also influence the recommended approach, and some cases require a combination of appliances to achieve stable, functional results. Your orthodontic team will explain the benefits, limitations and clinical rationale for the selected system during the consultation.
Clear aligners are an effective choice for many patients with mild to moderate tooth alignment issues and certain bite problems, and they’re especially popular with image-conscious teens and adults. Ideal candidates demonstrate good oral hygiene, have healthy gums and teeth, and are willing to wear removable aligners as prescribed for the prescribed daily hours each day. Severe skeletal discrepancies, major jaw misalignments or complex tooth movements may still require fixed appliances or combined approaches.
A clinical examination, digital records and imaging allow the orthodontist to determine whether aligner therapy can achieve the desired outcome and to plan any auxiliary measures that might be needed. Attachments, interproximal reduction or elastics are sometimes used with aligners to enhance tooth control and coordination. A clear, individualized treatment plan and ongoing monitoring are essential to achieving predictable aligner results.
Treatment duration varies with the complexity of the case and the type of correction required, ranging from several months for limited tooth movements to a few years for comprehensive bite correction. For many patients orthodontic care falls into typical windows such as approximately 6 to 18 months for focused cosmetic alignment and 18 to 36 months for full arch and bite corrections. Growth, biology, appliance selection and patient cooperation all influence the overall timeline.
Several factors can extend or shorten treatment time, including the severity of the malocclusion, whether extractions or surgical intervention are necessary, and how consistently the patient follows instructions. Regular visits, good oral hygiene and adherence to appliance wear dramatically improve efficiency and predictability. Your orthodontist will review estimated timing and milestones during the consultation and provide periodic updates throughout care.
Most follow-up visits are scheduled at intervals of about four to eight weeks to assess tooth movement, make adjustments and change archwires or aligner sets as needed. During these appointments the clinical team evaluates progress, addresses any soft-tissue irritation and makes minor repairs or refinements to keep treatment on track. Occasional appointments may be scheduled more frequently for specific procedures or to monitor complex movement.
Routine visits also include reinforcement of oral hygiene practices and instructions on appliance care to minimize risks such as decalcification or gum inflammation. Your orthodontist will review any behavioral factors, such as oral habits, that could affect treatment and suggest strategies to support optimal results. Clear communication about symptoms or practical concerns between visits helps the office respond promptly and maintain steady progress.
Mild soreness after an adjustment or when starting a new aligner is common and usually eases within a few days; over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods and warm salt rinses can provide relief. Orthodontic wax is helpful for covering poking wires or irritating brackets until a clinical adjustment is possible. Gentle oral hygiene and careful eating habits reduce the likelihood of broken appliances and additional discomfort.
If an appliance breaks, an attachment loosens or persistent pain develops, contact the orthodontic office for guidance so the issue can be corrected promptly and safely. The clinical team can provide specific at-home instructions and schedule an appointment when necessary to prevent treatment delays. For true emergencies such as severe trauma, seek immediate care and then coordinate with your orthodontist to manage appliance-related needs.
Retainers are essential to stabilize teeth after active movement because the periodontal fibers and surrounding bone need time to reorganize and adapt to the new tooth positions. Without retention, teeth can gradually relapse toward their original positions due to elastic memory in the soft tissues and ongoing functional forces from chewing, tongue posture or other habits. Wearing retainers as prescribed helps the tissues settle and preserves the treatment outcome.
Retention protocols vary by case and may include removable clear retainers, Hawley-style retainers or fixed bonded retainers placed behind the front teeth. The orthodontist will recommend a retention schedule based on the original problem, treatment mechanics and individual risk factors for relapse. Long-term monitoring and occasional retainer checks are important to ensure stability over time.
Adults can achieve excellent orthodontic outcomes at any age, and many choose treatment to improve function, address long-standing bite issues or enhance their smile. Treatment planning for adults often includes a careful assessment of tooth and periodontal health because prior dental work, gum disease or bone loss can affect mechanics and timing. Coordinating orthodontics with restorative or periodontal care ensures a comprehensive approach and lasting results.
Because adults may have limited jaw growth available compared with younger patients, some skeletal problems that require growth modification in children might need surgical or interdisciplinary solutions for adults. Maintaining rigorous oral hygiene and addressing existing dental conditions before starting treatment are critical steps. With appropriate evaluation and collaboration among dental specialists, adult orthodontic care can deliver durable functional and aesthetic improvements.
Contemporary orthodontics benefits from technologies such as intraoral scanners, 3-D imaging and digital treatment planning that increase diagnostic precision and patient comfort. Small, streamlined bracket designs and clear ceramic brackets reduce visual impact while self-ligating systems and temporary anchorage devices expand clinical options for efficient tooth movement. Clear aligner manufacturing has also advanced through digital setups and staged movements to deliver predictable results in suitable cases.
The office of Bahri Dental Group integrates these innovations to customize treatment plans, visualize outcomes and minimize the need for invasive steps when possible. Digital records and 3-D planning support tighter coordination between orthodontic and restorative care, improving both function and aesthetics. Patients benefit from shorter chair time, fewer impressions and a more transparent view of the proposed treatment journey when these technologies are used responsibly.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental and orthodontic needs and expectations of care.
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