Optimal Orthodontics

"Creating Healthy, Beautiful Smiles"

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Am I Too Old for Braces?

February 24th, 2015

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile at any age! A well balanced mouth and a healthy bite prevent uneven wear to teeth and reduces the risk of gum disease. In addition to these important clinical benefits, in a society where appearance matters, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:
• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.
Technology has evolved to the point where adult orthodontic care may be rendered using different treatment modalities, from braces to clear aligners. If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit us for a consultation. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

Welcome 2015

January 13th, 2015

Welcome to the New Year and our third year of hosting our "New Year, New Smile" campaign as we continue to give a special person the gift of orthodontics. You have the opportunity to nominate someone you know or yourself, and if selected, receive FREE orthodontic treatment. You can download a copy of the application under "News and Events" from our website http://www.optimalorthodontics.com/news-events We are very excited to give this gift and change the life smile of a very deserving person.

Another exciting change for us is Dr. Burnside's patients are now a part of Optimal Orthodontics-Scot E. Burgess, DMD PC! We are honored that he has entrusted his patient's care to us, and we are thrilled for Dr. Burnside as he ventures forward in retirement. So welcome to our practice and again congratulations Dr. Burnside we wish you well.

Adults and Braces

April 4th, 2014

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile at any age! A well balanced mouth and a healthy bite prevent uneven wear to teeth and reduces the risk of gum disease. In addition to these important clinical benefits, in a society where appearance matters, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:

  • Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
  • Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
  • A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
  • Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

Technology has evolved to the point where adult orthodontic care may be rendered using different treatment modalities, from braces to clear aligners. If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit us for a FREE consultation. Please visit our website or give our office a call at 541.923.7432 to schedule your appointment today!

Are Braces Right for Me?

March 12th, 2014

According to Preferred Consumer, it's estimated that 50 percent of people have teeth that are crooked, not aligned properly, or irregular. Fortunately, modern orthodontics has advanced to the point where corrective devices, such as braces and retainers, are less obvious, more comfortable, and can be worn for shorter periods of time.

So, with that being said, how do you know if braces are right for you? Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not braces could be in your future:

Crooked Teeth
As children grow, so do their teeth. And more often than not, certain teeth will grow in crooked. This isn't uncommon, as the majority of children will require some sort of teeth correction, whether that’s braces or retainers. Retainers are custom-made devices that either work to hold teeth in place or correct tooth alignment. They're often worn all day, aside from meals, at the start of the treatment period and then eventually are rolled back so they're just worn at night. Braces on the other hand are worn for at least a year and work to help straighten or position teeth.

Overbite or Underbite
The other main oral issue that orthodontics helps correct is uneven alignment, such as an underbite or an overbite. You might hear us refer to this as a "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." Braces can help rearrange your alignment so an overbite or underbite is less of a problem. Typically after the braces come off for this sort of treatment, patients need to wear a retainer to finish the treatment.

While braces are typically associated with dental issues in children, more adults are wearing the devices as well. According to USA Today, about one in every five braces wearers are adults; a sign that it's never too late to correct any oral issues. Part of this trend is due to significant technological advancements in orthodontics. For instance, new braces feel much better and come in a variety of styles — including clear — so they're far less obvious. Plus, the wires on braces are now made from advanced metals, which are stronger and lighter, so they get the job done much more efficiently. With so many people wearing braces these days (according to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, about four million people in the US wear braces at any given time and many more have worn them at some time in their lives), nicknames like "metal mouth" and "brace face" are almost a thing of the past. Technology has also advanced to the point some orthodontic treatment will not require braces at all. The entire treatment can be successfully achieved by wearing clear aligners over your teeth, removing them for meals. This prevents any discomfort that may be associated with traditional braces. What's more, insurance plans are increasingly covering orthodontic treatment, making braces a much more feasible option for families on a budget.

When weighing whether or not braces or aligners are in your future, it's important to study all of your options about the categories of braces and other treatments. Also be sure to contact your insurance provider to see what is covered and what will have to be paid out of pocket. It might take a few years of treatment, but braces can give you that winning smile for the rest of your life. Call our office with any questions you might have!

"Cheer for your Teacher Contest"

March 5th, 2014

It was a great day at Sage Elementary! Congratulations Mrs. Brockway!!!! Julia won our "Cheer for your Teacher" contest. She put together a great essay why Mrs. Brockway is the best teacher in Central Oregon and by doing so her entire class was given a pizza party compliments of Dr. Burgess. Mrs. Brockway was also given a gift card to purchase supplies for her classroom. Great job Julia!