Dr. Minns offers advanced ORTHODONTICS for the entire family

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. One in 5 orthodontic patients is an adult, age 18 or older. Dr. Minns can treat you with traditional braces or invisalign  to help correct the alignment of your teeth and give you the perfect smile you've always wanted.

Why Straighten My Teeth? Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak.  Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums.  Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems.  Teeth that work better also tend to look better.  An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset.  It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image—important qualities at every age.  A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life.

You may be surprised to learn that straight teeth are less prone to decay and injury.  Decay results when the bacteria in plaque (a colorless, sticky film composed of bacteria, food and saliva) feed on carbohydrates (sugar and starch) we eat or drink to produce acids that can cause cavities.  Plaque can also increase the risk for periodontal (gum) disease.  As for injuries to teeth, protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken in an accident.  When repositioned and aligned with other teeth, these teeth are most probably going to be at a decreased risk for fracture.

Untreated orthodontic problems may become worse.  They may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, and chewing and digestive difficulties. Orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints, sometimes leading to chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck. Treatment to correct a problem early may be less costly than the restorative dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.

What is Invisalign? Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and Dr. Minns, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.