Retainers

After the braces come off, we need to "retain" the teeth in the correct position with retainers.  There are removable retainers and fixed retainers.  Typically, every patient receives some type of removable retainer and sometimes a fixed retainer.  The types of removable retainers include a hawley and a clear.  Both have their advantages and disadvantages and we try to match up the style of retainer with the patient's needs.

Hawley

Clear

Fixed retainers are just that.  They are fixed or "glued" to the teeth.  The are placed in a position which do not interfere with the bite and are behind the teeth so you cannot see them.  Hygiene can be more difficult with fixed retainers because flossing becomes more challenging.  So we try to reserve fixed retainers for cases that had severe crowding or large spaces.  Even with fixed retainers in place, we recommend wearing the removable retainers provided.

Missing Teeth

Commonly missing teeth are upper laterals, lower second premolars, and third molars.  Treatment timing is important.  The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen around age 7, after the permanent first molars and incisors have erupted.  If there are missing teeth, we can make certain decisions that will make treatment easier down the road.  Some of the decisions are to:

1.) Wait on treatment with the idea of opening space to eventually replace them one day with implants or bridges.  Before implants or bridges are placed, we need to make sure the patient's growth is complete.  A great source of information about orthodontic treatment to prepare for implants is: http://www.kokichorthodontics.com/single-tooth-implants

2.) Close space.  If we are closing space, we may decide to extract primary teeth sooner than they were supposed to exfoliate (fall out).  The space may close on it's own or need orthodontics to close.

New logo and website

We have a new look and a new website: www.KayandPaulus.com

Invisalign for Adults & Teens

Invisalign for Adults & Teens

Kay & Paulus Orthodontics provides braces and Invisalign.

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well. As an adult, you may be looking to improve on your smile for business or social reasons. Or perhaps you're a teen or the parent of a teen hoping to make the best of an inevitable situation. Either way, Invisalign can provide a simple way to accomplish this.

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you simply wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Drs. Kay & Paulus plan out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you've always wanted. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.
® INVISALIGN.COM 2011

Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets from 3M

Kay & Paulus Orthodontics use Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets from 3M.  They come in a sterile packet and are the most aesthetic bracket available for patients.  They are designed to blend with one's natural tooth color.  They resist staining and discoloration throughout treatment.
-From 3M Unitek

iTero Element Scanner

Kay and Paulus Orthodontics have a digital scanner.  It is called the iTero Element.  It takes a digital model of your teeth in a matter of minutes.  We then submit the scan to Invisalign for your orthodontic care.

4/29/15 Morning Huddle Joke

Q: What did the dentist say to the computer?
A: This won't hurt a byte