Orthodontics

Dr. Allain was in the first group of general dentists to be trained and certified with Invisalign Orthodontic System. Dr. Allain trains with Dr. Gerald S. Samson, a board certified orthodontic who teaches nationally and internationally. Dr. Samson is a dual trained orthodontist/pediatric dentist based out of Marietta, Georgia. View Dr. Allain's Orthodontic Qualifications.

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What is Orthodontics?
- Orthodontics is the science of moving living teeth in living tissue, bringing irregular, improperly placed teeth back into positions intended by nature. It is commonly called "straightening teeth".
- There are many causes of misaligned teeth (malocclusion). You may have inherited from one parent a jaw too small to accommodate the large teeth inherited from the other parent. Teeth might then become crowded and overlapped. Other malocclusions may be due to early loss of a tooth, bad lip and tongue habits, birth development or accidents.
Can you tell if you need treatment?
- Crowded, unevenly spaced protruding/rotated teeth, mouth breathing or bleeding gums are signs that help is possibly needed.
- If your teeth do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed, or if any of the lower teeth bite outside the upper teeth, orthodontics is needed. Also, if front teeth do not chew properly, if lips don't come together normally, if the mouth is usually open, or if you breathe through your mouth—all these conditions usually indicate the need for treatment.
- If you are self conscious about having prominent teeth or too much space between teeth, corrective treatment should be considered.
- In every case, your orthodontist's opinion should guide you in your decision to undertake orthodontic care.
What is the best age for treatment?
- Remember that very few individuals have a perfect bite. In fact, today, many adults are being treated for orthodontic problems that were not corrected in childhood.
- Each problem determines its own best starting time. Length of treatment varies according to the problem.
- If you have a question (at any stage) it's best to check with the doctor right away. It may save time later in life.
What happens at the first appointment?
- You will be asked to supply a medical history during the first appointment.
- Your teeth, tongue and lips, face muscles and speech will be examined. The doctor can sometimes tell at the first examination if there is a problem that should be treated, how much time it will take and how much it will cost. Very often, before making his final determination he will X-ray and photograph the teeth and head and take impressions of teeth for making study models.
- These "diagnostic aids", as they are called, then become the textbook of your case. After the doctor studies them, he can tell more accurately what result to expect. Very often diagnostic aids can be prepared on the first visit.
What will orthodontic treatment cost?
- You will want to discuss treatment costs freely and frankly. Time for treatment and the nature of treatment are major factors in determining the fee.
- Of course, some cases are less severe and hence less costly; just as others may require several different periods of treatment or are more complicated in other ways and thus more costly.
- You can usually arrange finances on a convenient basis with an initial down payment and monthly instalments.
What kind of braces will you need?
- Custom-made orthodontic appliances or "braces" are chosen according to the problems being treated. They may be “removable" or "fixed" (temporarily cemented in place). They may be made of metal, plastic or both. All appliances will create gentle pressure and cause teeth to move into their proper positions. Under this pressure the body builds up new tissue to support the improved position of the teeth.
- A correct appliance, custom fitted into place, does not harm the teeth in any way. Before orthodontic treatment starts, all cavities must be filled. During Orthodontic treatment, you must brush your teeth regularly and avoid those foods discouraged by your doctor.
- First visits (when teeth are banded) may take several long appointments. The appointment times will be rotated, whenever possible, to suit the convenience of the patient.
What about patient responsibility?
- Being late for appointments or cancelling appointments during orthodontic care may have a detrimental effect upon the results of treatment and cause treatment time to be extended. So, keep appointments and always arrive on time.
- Teeth and gums must be brushed properly and frequently during orthodontic treatment.
- Successful orthodontic treatment requires more than the doctor's skill. It requires your cooperation. Certain phases of treatment are impossible unless you diligently follow instructions of the doctor.
- Orthodontic treatment is in no way a substitute for general dental care. Regular preventive dental visits remain as important as ever.

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