3M Clarity Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
3M Clarity Aligners are nearly invisible clear aligners (like Invisalign) that straighten your teeth without wires or metal, close gaps, and help with crowded teeth so that you can smile with confidence. They are custom-fit and are designed to guide your teeth into their ideal position. Clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces and can be worn by teens and adults!
Traditional Braces
Even though there are many types of braces, traditional braces are still the most popular option. Great strides in technology have been made since they were first used, so they are becoming more comfortable and effective.
Traditional braces use stainless steel brackets and archwires to move your teeth into their proper position. Many teenagers like to decorate their braces with different colored rubber bands to give them a colorful and unique smile. You can choose a new color (or colors) during every adjustment!
Clear Braces
Most teens and adults are reluctant to get the orthodontic care they need due to the appearance of orthodontic appliances. That’s why we offer clear braces, which are much less noticeable than metal braces, but still give patients a smile they deserve.
Clear aligners are not the same as clear braces. Clear aligners are plastic trays that you wear over your teeth, like a shell. Clear braces are just like metal braces, but they are almost invisible. Clear braces have many advantages. They are almost invisible, giving patients who do not want the look of traditional braces another alternative.
Despite all of the advantages, there are some disadvantages to consider, too. They are typically more costly than traditional metal braces, though we offer payment plans for all patients. They can also become discolored by tea, coffee, wine, and other foods. Smoking can also cause discoloration.
Retention
After you have worn your braces for the appropriate amount of time, we move into the retention stage of your treatment. It is VERY important not to skip this step, or all of your hard work will not pay off as you had hoped. Your teeth may shift around or move back to where they were instead of staying in place.
During retention, you will have to wear retainers as your teeth adjust to staying in their new place without braces. You should wear your retainers as recommended by your dentist. Some should be worn only at night, while others need to be worn almost all of the time.
Brushing your teeth is easier in this phase, since the retainers are removable. All you have to do is remove your retainer, and then you will be able to brush your teeth better than you were able to when you had braces. You should also brush your retainer thoroughly before placing it back to your mouth.
Surgical Orthodontics
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is used for severe cases of bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities, and malocclusions. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is considered a dental specialty and helps complex cases involving the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. If your case requires surgical orthodontics, your orthodontist will work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to provide you with the best and most comprehensive care possible.
Morgan Orthodontics is specialized in treating patients requiring orthognathic surgery and works very closely with top oral surgeons. Dr. Kelly Morgan is highly experienced in treating these more challenging cases and has had surgery herself.
Surgical orthodontics helps patients improve their bites, though it can also help with other aesthetic concerns, such as facial structure and symmetry. Surgery can only be completed after the jaw is finished growing. This typically happens by age sixteen for females and age eighteen for males.
iTero®️and Trios 3D Intraoral Scanner
We take pride in providing modern, high quality care so you can have the smile you deserve. We are constantly improving our technology in order to provide patients with state-of-the-art dental care. The intraoral scanners allow us to take digital images of your smile.
The largest benefit of producing images with out scanner is that you won’t have to get impressions, which can be quite unpleasant. You won’t have to deal with the unpleasant taste of the gooey material, or the discomfort of molding trays. Instead the scanning process is quite comfortable. We can also 3D print molds from the digital scans.
Early Treatment
The earlier we catch problems with your child’s bite, the simpler they are to fix. The results are often better than if we wait and will require significantly less work. We may not need to keep braces on your child for as long when they are younger, which means less expense for you.
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist as soon as their dentist notices that there might be a problem, or before they are seven years old. We may not have to do anything at this age, other than monitor the child’s mouth. However, if we continue to watch your child, we can start treatment right away if something arises.
Early intervention can be beneficial. We will watch how your child’s mouth and teeth grow and develop, so if we see something that needs to be done, we can do it as soon as possible. We will also know exactly when to start treatment, if needed.
CONSTRICTED AIRWAYS IN CHILDREN ~ DON’T IGNORE THE SNORE!!!!
Poor sleep is not just a problem for adults. Studies show that children with constricted airways may experience poor sleep and snoring. There are many signs that a child may be experiencing sleep issues.
The most common symptoms are:
Adult Treatment
No matter your age, you deserve a smile that gives you confidence. Braces are not just for children anymore. With the latest advancements in technologies, we can get you the smile you deserve! Here at Morgan Orthodontics, we work hard to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer several different treatments that can be effective no matter how old you are. More and more orthodontic treatments are becoming available to give adults the smile that they want.
Orthodontic treatments are not just for your smile. Fixing your teeth can also dramatically change your oral health. When you have crooked teeth or a malocclusion (uneven bite), you may be prone to oral health problems such as gum disease and tartar buildup.
Teeth Whitening
A common request we receive is how to make a smile whiter and brighter. This is a relatively simple and quick treatment option that can be performed periodically. Certain foods and beverages, such as wine and coffee, stain the teeth and contribute to discoloration. The teeth whitening process provides a solution that lightens the shade of the teeth. Additionally, the process actually rids the teeth of plaque and tartar that tend to lead to dental problems.
Mouth Guards
Can you imagine what it would be like if you suddenly lost one or more of your front teeth? It would be difficult to smile, talk, and eat. Mouthguards prevent against injuries to your mouth and face, especially during organized sports. Our staff works hard to ensure that you receive a mouthguard that fits properly.
Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors, will help cushion a blow to your face. They also minimize your risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face, or jaw. A mouthguard will typically cover your upper teeth and help to protect the soft tissue of your tongue, lips, and cheek lining.
Our staff is dedicated to giving you a mouthguard that is both functional and comfortable. We understand that you want to keep your beautiful and straight smile for many years to come!
Sleep Apnea
Morgan Orthodontics has established the Adult Orthodontics & Dental Sleep Medicine Center at our Lansdowne office. Patients are evaluated for constricted airways that may be contributing to poor sleep, snoring, or sleep apnea. If mild to moderate sleep apnea is diagnosed, an orthodontic sleep appliance (TAP3) may be prescribed to improve the airway, decreasing episodes or apnea and snoring. Dental sleep appliances are a good alternative to uncomfortable CPAPs in some patients in addressing sleep apnea and are often covered by medical insurance.
Signs of sleep apnea may be snoring, waking feeling unrefreshed, excessive sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, and decreased energy and motivation. Prolonged sleep apnea can lead to other medical issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and a shortened lifespan.
Dental Monitoring
Morgan Orthodontics now has Dental Monitoring Scan Boxes available for patients to ensure the best possible treatment outcome with as few appointments as possible and in the shortest timeframe. Treatment is monitored on a weekly basis, virtually, using the digital scan box from the comfort home. Our team and doctors will be monitoring oral hygiene and the evolution of a patient’s treatment to provide the highest quality of care and the best possible patient experience. Patients and team members are able to communicate directly through the app to provide treatment recommendations, updates, and answer questions/ or concerns about treatment. Dental Monitoring keeps patients engaged and motivated through every step of treatment.
I-CAT 3D Imaging
Morgan Orthodontics is one of the only orthodontic practices in the area that has 3D cone beam imaging technology. It is one of the most innovative imaging systems in the dental industry. It provides enhanced feature for more detail than traditional panoramic x-rays for a more detailed diagnosis and treatment planning. It evaluates both children and adults for possible airway constriction that may be causing poor sleep, snoring, or sleep apnea.
Most importantly, it is one of the safest dental x-rays as it has significantly less radiation exposure than traditional panoramic x-ray machines.