Orthodontics
Treatment
Complimentary Initial Consultation
Dr. Kim and his team members are always excited about meeting new patients. Your initial appointment will consist of a thorough clinical examination, panoramic x-ray, and a discussion of potential treatment options. During this appointment, we will address any questions that you may have regarding orthodontic treatment. The Pine Smiles team would love to show you how we can help you achieve optimal dental health and the smile of your dreams. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Early Prevention Treatment (Phase I Treatment)
By age 7, most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present — some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if found early. Early evaluation can prevent more serious problems from developing later and often simplifies later treatment and/or prevents surgery or tooth extractions. For these reasons, the American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Kim emphasize seeking an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Even if a problem is detected, Dr. Kim may take a "wait-and-see" approach, checking on your child as the permanent teeth come in and the jaws and face continue to grow. Typically, early treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances to guide the growth of your child's bones and create a better foundation for adult teeth as they emerge.
Adolescent Treatment
The majority of orthodontic patients are adolescents with treatment initiated after the primary teeth have been lost and the permanent teeth have erupted — there's still potential for growth that helps with some bite corrections. Correcting misalignments, improving function, and creating great smiles improves teenagers' self esteem and confidence. At Pine Smiles, Dr. Kim offers a full range of treatments specifically designed for each teenager, from traditional braces to "invisible" braces to Invisalign Teen.
Adult Treatment
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment — it is never too late to achieve the smile you have always dreamed of. With healthy gums and bone structure, teeth can be straightened at any age. Seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult can help avoid severe tooth decay, gum and bone loss, irregular wear of the tooth enamel, and TMJ/TMD pain. At Pine Smiles, Dr. Kim and his team offer a wide selection of treatments to meet the individual needs and desires of each adult patient, from traditional metal braces and ceramic clear braces to Invisalign.
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen
For patients who want the benefits of beautiful straight teeth without going through braces, Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear aligners suited to adults and teens with minor orthodontic problems. The Invisalign aligners gradually move teeth into proper alignment, making the process nearly invisible. A proper assessment will identify whether Invisalign is an ideal method for you.