Other Treatments

Early Orthodontics

At Berger Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic intervention can significantly impact a child’s dental health and overall well-being. Early orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, involves evaluating and addressing dental issues in children at a young age — typically between the ages of 7 and 10. By identifying and treating potential problems early, we can guide the growth of the jaw and teeth, creating a healthier, more functional smile that will benefit your child for years to come.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by the age of 7. At this age, many children have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth, making it an ideal time to detect and address any developing dental issues. Early evaluation allows us to:

• Detect issues such as overcrowding, misaligned teeth, bite irregularities, and jaw growth discrepancies early on enables us to create a proactive treatment plan.
• Address dental problems while a child’s jaw and teeth are still developing can prevent more complex issues from arising later, reducing the need for extensive treatment in the future.
• Early intervention can improve the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, leading to better, longer-lasting results. It can also make the treatment process smoother and less invasive.

Early orthodontic treatment can address a variety of dental and jaw issues, including:

• Crowded Teeth — Creating space for permanent teeth to emerge properly, reducing the likelihood of overcrowding and impaction.
• Bite Problems — Correcting overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites to ensure proper jaw alignment and function.
• Jaw Growth Discrepancies — Guiding the growth of the jaw to promote a harmonious and balanced facial structure.
• Protruding Teeth — Reducing the risk of injury to prominent front teeth by aligning them correctly.
• Oral Habits — Addressing habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting that can negatively impact dental development.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Early orthodontic intervention offers numerous advantages for your child’s dental health and overall well-being. One of the primary benefits is improved oral health. By aligning the teeth and jaws early on, it becomes easier for your child to maintain good oral hygiene, thereby reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Proper alignment helps ensure that all teeth are more accessible during brushing and flossing, promoting a healthier mouth overall.

Another significant benefit is enhanced functionality. Correcting bite problems and jaw discrepancies can vastly improve your child’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe properly. For instance, addressing an overbite or underbite can make biting and chewing food more efficient and comfortable, while correcting crossbites can eliminate potential speech impediments.

Boosted confidence is also a major advantage of early orthodontic treatment. A well-aligned smile can significantly enhance your child’s self-esteem and social interactions, fostering a positive self-image during their formative years. Children who feel confident about their smiles are more likely to engage fully in school activities and social events, improving their overall quality of life.

Furthermore, early intervention can often simplify and shorten any necessary orthodontic treatment during adolescence. By addressing issues early, we can guide the growth of the jaw and teeth, potentially avoiding the need for more invasive procedures later. This proactive approach not only saves time but can also reduce the complexity and cost of future treatments.

If you have any concerns about your child’s dental development or simply wish to ensure they receive the best possible orthodontic care, we invite you to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation at Berger Orthodontics. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

MARPE/MSE

What is MARPE?

MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw by applying gentle, incremental forces. Unlike conventional rapid palatal expanders, MARPE uses temporary miniscrews (also known as Temporary Anchorage Devices or TADs) that are anchored into the palate. These miniscrews provide additional stability and effectiveness, allowing for controlled and precise expansion of the maxilla.

The MARPE device consists of an expansion screw attached to a framework that connects to the miniscrews implanted in the roof of the mouth. When the expansion screw is turned, it gradually applies outward pressure on the maxillary bones, encouraging them to grow wider over time. This process creates more space in the upper dental arch, helping to alleviate overcrowding, correct crossbites, and improve overall bite alignment.

MARPE offers several significant advantages over traditional palatal expanders and other orthodontic treatments:

• Non-Surgical Approach — One of the most appealing aspects of MARPE is that it provides a non-surgical solution for expanding the upper jaw. This is particularly beneficial for adults and older adolescents who may otherwise require more invasive surgical procedures.
• Enhanced Stability and Control — The use of miniscrews ensures greater stability and control during the expansion process. This leads to more predictable outcomes and reduces the risk of unwanted tooth movements.
• Improved Airway Function — Expanding the upper jaw can also have a positive impact on airway function. By creating more space in the nasal passages, MARPE can help alleviate issues related to obstructive sleep apnea and improve overall breathing.
• Reduced Treatment Time — MARPE can often achieve the desired expansion more quickly than traditional methods. This means patients may experience shorter treatment times and faster results.
• Versatility — MARPE is suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who may not be candidates for other types of palatal expanders. Its versatility makes it an excellent option for addressing various orthodontic concerns.

What is MSE?

A maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) is essentially a palatal expander modified for adults. MSE is an effective non-surgical and non-extraction treatment approach for expanding the upper jaw, known as the maxilla.

A narrow maxilla is associated with nasal obstruction, crowded teeth, and hindered facial development. A narrow maxilla is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), gum recession and bone loss around the teeth

Conventional maxillary expanders, also known as palatal expanders, are commonly used to treat narrow maxilla. However, these are limited to children because the suture holding the maxillary bone together (known as the midpalatal suture) fuses around 12-15 years of age. MSE is innovative because it extends this timeline by directly connecting the expander to the palatal bone. MSE can be effective for young adults whose suture has already fused.

MSE works by widening the maxillary bone, thereby increasing the volume of the nasal and oral cavities. This decreases nasal airway resistance and gives the tongue space to sit upwards and forwards in the mouth, making the airway larger. The process is achieved by placing a custom-made expander along with 4-6 mini-screws along the midpalatal suture. The expander will split the suture, and a gap will form between the front teeth. Orthodontic treatment with braces, invisalign, or inbrace will close the gap and help achieve a stable bite. The expander will remain in place until the new bone at the suture forms in about 6 months.

MSE offers several benefits for patients, including:

• Open nasal passages
• Decreases nasal airway resistance
• Reduction of sleep apnea symptoms and complications
• More space for the tongue
• Create space for crowded teeth
• Correct crossbites
• Less pain and recovery time compared to jaw surgery

Airway Orthodontics

At Berger Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care that goes beyond just aligning teeth. Airway orthodontics is an emerging field focused on improving patients’ overall health by addressing issues related to breathing and airway function. By evaluating and treating jaw and dental structures that impact the airway, we can help alleviate conditions such as sleep apnea, snoring, and other respiratory problems, ultimately leading to better sleep and improved quality of life.

Proper airway function is essential for optimal health. When the airway is obstructed or narrowed, it can lead to a variety of issues, including disrupted sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even cardiovascular problems. Children with airway obstructions may experience behavioral issues, poor academic performance, and growth disturbances.

Airway orthodontics involves assessing the structure of the jaws, teeth, and surrounding tissues to identify any abnormalities that may be affecting breathing. Treatments may include:

• Palatal Expanders — Used to widen the upper jaw and nasal passages, promoting better airflow and reducing nasal obstructions.
• Orthodontic Appliances — Devices such as mandibular advancement splints or functional appliances can reposition the jaw to prevent airway collapse during sleep.
• Orthopedic Interventions — Techniques to guide the growth of the facial bones and jaw in developing children, ensuring a more open and functional airway.

The benefits of airway orthodontics extend beyond an improved smile. Patients often experience enhanced quality of sleep, reduced snoring, and relief from symptoms of sleep apnea. Better breathing can also lead to increased energy levels, improved concentration, and overall well-being.

TADs

At Berger Orthodontics, we utilize the latest advancements in orthodontic technology to provide our patients with effective and comfortable treatment options. One such innovation is the use of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs). These small, biocompatible screws are strategically placed in the mouth to serve as stable anchor points for moving teeth more precisely and efficiently.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are tiny titanium screws that are temporarily inserted into the jawbone or palate during orthodontic treatment. They act as fixed anchor points, allowing for controlled and targeted movement of teeth without relying on adjacent teeth for support. This minimizes unwanted tooth movements and enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

The process of placing TADs is minimally invasive and typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Once in place, TADs provide a stable foundation for attaching orthodontic appliances like braces, wires, or elastics. This stability allows for more efficient correction of complex dental and skeletal issues, resulting in shorter treatment times and improved outcomes.

TADs offer several distinct advantages in orthodontic treatment:

• By providing a stable anchorage point, TADs enable more precise control over tooth movement, leading to better alignment and bite correction.
• The added stability and control can shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment, helping patients achieve their desired results more quickly.
• TADs can be used in various orthodontic scenarios, making them a versatile tool for addressing a wide range of dental and skeletal issues.
• The placement and removal of TADs are straightforward procedures that involve minimal discomfort and recovery time.

The placement of TADs is generally quick and causes minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and most patients report feeling only slight pressure during the insertion. Afterward, any minor soreness can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Herbst Functional Treatment

At Berger Orthodontics, we are committed to providing comprehensive orthodontic solutions that address a wide range of dental and skeletal issues. One such effective treatment is the Herbst appliance, a functional orthodontic device designed to correct jaw misalignment, particularly in growing children and adolescents. By promoting proper jaw growth and alignment, Herbst treatment helps achieve a balanced bite and enhances overall facial harmony.

The Herbst appliance is a fixed orthodontic device used primarily to treat Class II malocclusions, where the upper jaw is significantly ahead of the lower jaw. The appliance consists of metal tubes and rods attached to the upper and lower molars. These components work together to push the lower jaw forward while restraining the upper jaw’s growth, encouraging proper alignment over time.

Herbst appliance functions by applying continuous gentle pressure to reposition the lower jaw forward. This pressure stimulates bone growth in the lower jaw, helping it catch up with the upper jaw’s position. The appliance is typically worn for 12 to 15 months, during which time the patient will have regular check-ups to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Herbst functional treatment offers several significant advantages for patients with jaw misalignment:

• Effective Jaw Correction — By addressing the underlying skeletal discrepancy, the Herbst appliance helps achieve a more balanced and functional bite, reducing the risk of future dental issues.
• Non-Surgical Solution — The Herbst appliance provides a non-surgical alternative for correcting jaw misalignment, making it an excellent option for young patients still experiencing growth spurts.
• Improved Facial Aesthetics — Proper jaw alignment can enhance the overall appearance of the face, creating a more harmonious and attractive profile.
• Enhanced Functionality — Correcting the jaw position improves biting, chewing, and speaking functions, contributing to better oral health and quality of life.
• Stabilized Results — Because the appliance promotes natural growth and alignment, the results tend to be stable and long-lasting, especially when followed by additional orthodontic treatments like braces.

The Herbst appliance is custom-fitted to each patient’s mouth to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. If you or your child are experiencing jaw misalignment or related issues, the Herbst appliance could be an effective solution. At Berger Orthodontics, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care and achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient.

Orthognathic Surgery

At Berger Orthodontics, we understand that sometimes orthodontic treatment alone is not enough to correct severe jaw misalignment. For patients with significant skeletal discrepancies, orthognathic surgery — also known as corrective jaw surgery — can be an essential part of their orthodontic care. This surgical procedure aligns the jaws properly, improving both function and aesthetics, and providing long-term benefits to overall oral health.

Orthognathic surgery is a specialized surgical procedure aimed at correcting abnormalities of the jaw bones and realigning them to achieve proper function and appearance. It is commonly used to treat severe cases of malocclusion (bad bite) and other jaw-related issues that cannot be resolved with braces or other orthodontic appliances alone. The surgery is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with your orthodontist to achieve the best possible outcome.

Orthognathic surgery can address a variety of conditions, including:

Severe Malocclusion — Cases where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly, such as overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites.

Jaw Discrepancies — Issues like asymmetrical jaws, excessively protruding or receding jaws, and extreme cases of jaw misalignment.

Sleep Apnea — Obstructive sleep apnea caused by jaw structure abnormalities can often be alleviated through surgical intervention.

Facial Imbalances — Correcting jaw discrepancies can enhance facial harmony and profile, improving overall aesthetics.

Orthognathic surgery is typically recommended for patients whose jaw discrepancies are too severe to be corrected by orthodontic treatment alone. Ideal candidates are usually those who have finished growing, as the jawbones need to be fully developed for the surgery to be effective.

If you believe you or your child may benefit from orthognathic surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Berger Orthodontics. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough evaluation and work closely with specialized surgeons to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how orthognathic surgery can help you achieve optimal jaw alignment and a healthier, more balanced smile

Retainers

The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you wear your orthodontic retainers. Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we recommend patients wear their removable retainers full time for 3 months and then ‘Nighttime for Lifetime’.

How to care for retainers

• Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
• Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
• Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
• Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A retainer cleaning solution, such as Retainer Brite™, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.

Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.

When Stronger Retention is required

• Mouth breathing
• Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
• Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture or abnormal tongue posture
• Playing a musical instruments with a reed
• Lip sucking
• Pen or pencil biting
• Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
• Severely rotated teeth

Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

Emergency Care

Occasionally, some patients will experience an injury to the mouth during treatment. Dental emergencies while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances generally fall into two categories.

Emergencies related to appliances

Sometimes, appliances might be broken or bent during your orthodontic care. If there are any disturbances, such as loose bands, loose brackets, broken or poking wires, please call our office for an appointment during patient hours. For your convenience and the convenience of scheduled patients, it is not always possible to handle emergencies on a walk-in basis. In the meantime, here are some helpful hints to remedy some of the problems you may encounter until our office can see you.

• If a tie wire is irritating your mouth, cover it with bees wax or tuck it under the arch wire with a blunt object like a pencil eraser or Q-tip.
• A loose band or bracket can generally be left in place until seen in our office. Call Berger Orthodontics, during patient hours, when you notice a loose band or bracket. We will schedule you to reattach the loose appliance, if indicated.
• A broken or poking archwire can often be bent in with a pencil eraser or cut with nail clippers. Call our office, during patient hours, if you do not feel the problem has been resolved properly.

direct injuries to the mouth & teeth

Following a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontic care or not, immediately ice the injured area and you should contact your regular dentist as soon as possible. Usually an x-ray of the involved tooth or teeth is needed to determine the extent of injury. If a tooth has been displaced, knocked out, or fractured, it is best to contact your family dentist first, since we may not have the necessary materials or anesthesia required to treat these injuries. If the appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will need to replace or adjust the appliances as soon as possible, after you have seen your general dentist, depending upon the comfort level of the patient.

If an orthodontic emergency arises where the patient is in pain after hours, please contact our office.  Information is available regarding who to contact for further assistance.