Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of tooth misalignments and jaw irregularities (malocclusions) using braces, clear aligners and other appliances. Not just for aesthetic enhancement, orthodontics also serves to improve a patients overall oral health for a lifetime, and can even help with speech impediments. A properly aligned bite makes it easier to eat, smile and speak with a resulting increase in ones overall confidence.

An orthodontist is a dentist who chooses to specialize in the alignment of teeth, attending an additional two to three years of training beyond dental school in a university with an orthodontic residency program. While some general dentists do offer braces to patients, an orthodontist is the expert in recognizing and treating tooth alignment and bite issues.

Orthodontic problems, which often result from genetic factors but can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as finger sucking, must be diagnosed before treatment begins. Proper diagnosis involves taking photographs, x-rays, and digital dental impressions. These painless diagnostic procedures enable Dr. Tavakoli to make informative decisions about which treatment is right for you.

We recognize that outstanding results are dependent on maximizing the coordination of care between you and our practice. We are committed to delivering the best possible service in order for you to achieve your orthodontic objectives.

Some orthodontic conditions are easier to correct if theyre detected early. Interceptive orthodontic treatment helps prevent more severe problems later on, and gives an orthodontist control over where the permanent teeth come in by addressing the structure of the jaw and teeth while baby teeth are still in the mouth. By age 7, your childs mouth has grown and has enough sound structure to know how it will develop as the permanent teeth start to emerge.

Orthodontic treatment and a childs growth are meant to complement each other. By timing treatment to stages of dental development, your orthodontist can take advantage of your childs oral growth and development. Problems that can be treated in a growing child may alleviate more invasive procedures needed later.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that an orthodontist first evaluate a child as early as age 7 and even earlier if a parent or the family dentist notices a problem. By age 7, enough permanent teeth (first permanent molars and upper/lower incisors) have arrived for an orthodontist to evaluate relationships developing between teeth, jaw and bite. Dr. Tavakoli can determine what, if anything, needs attention.

The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment result. Since no two patients are alike, there is not a specific age that is best to begin treatment. Our initial examination allows us to evaluate and monitor, and in many cases, avoid potential problems or complications in the future.