Seattle Orthodontist, Seattle Washington

Braces are not for everybody, but for most it is a great way to improve appearance and confidence. Braces are utilized by Kirkland dentist Dr. Shawn M. Keller to correct bite and appearance of teeth for individuals, the Kirkland dentist mainly uses braces with neuromuscular treatment to cure TMJ on patients.

Orthodontics is a facet of dentistry that is dedicated to the correction of crooked teeth a incorrect jaw position. A regular Kirkland dentist or Seattle dentist is able to perform these procedures, but usually do not unless they have some additional training in the area. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Shawn Keller is able to perform the procedure with the additional training he received in Las Vegas.

Some of the more common indications for needing orthodontic treatment are crooked teeth, crowded teeth, over-bite, under-bite, misalignment of front teeth, and widely spaced teeth. Chronic dental conditions, such as gum disease and tooth decay, are more likely to occur in patients with misaligned teeth and orthodontic treatment can be a preventive measure that will decrease the occurrence of future dental problems.
In some of the conditions, such as many missing teeth or periodontal ("gum") disease, may make orthodontic treatment difficult or inadvisable. While orthodontic treatment can often improve the appearance and bite of the teeth, it will not make your teeth healthier or prevent tooth loss due to cavities or periodontal disease. Nor is ortho dontic treatment a "cure" for jaw joint (TMJ) problems. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Shawn Keller does use braces with neuromuscular treatment so they can cure TMJ problems.

It is estimated that about 4.5 million people in the United States are currently undergoing orthodontic (some from a Seattle Orthodontist) treatment from a variety of dentist positions. Of those 4.5 million people, approximately 1 million are adults. This is a 30% increase over the last 10 years, and the numbers of adults undergoing treatment from an orthodontist is going up every year.
The College of Dentistry offers high quality care in a convenient setting for a Seattle Orthodontist. Patients are treated using contemporary and advanced techniques under strict infection control guidelines.

Teenagers and baby boomers are often the most likely to have orthodontic work done. The reasons for the increasing baby boomer appeal are that they tend to have more disposable income and are influenced by popular media. The most common reason for teenagers to go to a cosmetic dentist or Seattle dentist is simply that they need (or want) to have their crooked teeth corrected for appearance.

This is following information is subject to change at anytime due to changes at Dr. Shawn Keller’s practice: when you call a cosmetic dentist or Kirkland dentist the receptionist will ask what concerns you may have about your mouth or teeth. If it is clear that you should be seen by a particular person, that will be arranged. In any case, your first appointment will be for an initial examination to determine (1) whether you have a condition that would require "braces", and (2) if the answer is 'yes', whether it should be handled by a predoctoral or postdoctoral student, or referred to a faculty member. The cost of the treatment will be presented along with an estimate of the time it will take. There is no charge for the initial examination.

* Insurance Forms: Dental insurance may cover some, but not all, of the cost of your dental care. Most plans include coinsurance, a deductible and other expenses which must be paid by the patient. If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, please bring your plan information with you to your first visit. We will work with you to assure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. At the end of each visit you will receive all the information necessary to file your insurance claim. If you have questions regarding your coverage, please ask a member of our business office staff and we will work with you to find the answer.

         Standard braces are a series of metal from a Seattle Orthodontist, ceramic, or gold brackets that are cemented to each tooth. The brackets are connected by a wire held in place with either metal or latex ties. Treatment time may take an average of 1 to 3 years to complete during which the patient will periodically visit the orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks. The teeth are straightened by changing the ties and orthodontic wires over the course of the treatment. After treatment has commenced, a removable retainer will need to be worn so that the teeth will not move back to their misaligned position.
          Ceramic ("clear") braces are less noticeable than metal or gold braces. These brackets are made from a tooth-colored ceramic material. Although they may be less noticeable than metal or gold braces, they are more prone to stain and are not as strong. Because of this, they have a higher chance of popping off of the tooth. When the ceramic bracket pops off, a new ceramic bracket will need to be re-set. Therefore, using ceramic braces can prolong treatment time and can be slightly more expensive.
         Invisalign® Non-Invasive Straightening is an alternative to standard braces. Patients' undergoing orthodontic treatment using Invisalign has grown by 75% since 2003. Invisalign is comprised of custom-fit, non-metal, invisible, and removable trays which can effectively move teeth as long as they are worn for the recommended amount of time. Although results may vary, treatment time for an Invisalign procedure may take between 6 months to 1.5 years. Periodic visits to the dentist for checkups will be needed.
         Prior to beginning treatment, the dentist will take photographs and molds of the teeth. From these photographs and molds, the Invisalign custom-fit trays will be made, and a detailed treatment schedule will be determined. The dentist may need to reduce the width of some teeth, in order to create the space needed to allow the teeth to move into the properly aligned position. To straighten the teeth into the desired alignment, a series of Invisalign trays are used over the course of the treatment. Each set of trays are worn for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The patient will receive new sets of trays throughout the treatment. The teeth will progressively become more aligned with each new set of trays, until the final set of trays which are shaped for the teeth to be in the fully aligned and desired position. A removable retainer will need to be worn after treatment has commenced so that the teeth will not move back to the original misaligned position. Patients that require major orthodontic work may not qualify for the Invisalign procedure. Orthognathic Surgery/Surgical Alignment (Jaw Surgery): This procedure is reserved for misalignment of the jaw and other types of maxillofacial and mandible dysfunctions, such as people with Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome or TMJ.