ProviderOur Values
Proactive & Efficient Treatment
Our goal is always to opt for the most efficient, effective, and least invasive treatment possible for each patient, including our proactive approach to early intervention for children.
Exceptional Service
We want our patients to feel great about their orthodontic care! We'll be with you each step of the way providing guidance, support, and encouragement.
We also offer customized treatment planning, payment options, and easy post-treatment maintenance to make treatment as stress-free as possible.
Orthodontics For Everyone
We are dedicated to providing orthodontic solutions that fit our patients' lifestyles at every stage of life because a beautifully aligned smile is an asset at any age.
We feel proud to play a role in the renewed confidence and pride our patients feel as their teeth align and their smiles transform.
Early Assessments for Children
One of the best ways to ensure healthy oral development in children is an early evaluation by an orthodontist. This allows us to identify and treat emerging orthodontic issues and gently guide dental development.
When it comes to orthodontic care for kids, we aim to address isolated orthodontic issues now to reduce the need for more invasive treatments in the teen years. This approach allows us to take a long view and ensure that orthodontic treatment occurs at just the right time to achieve optimal results.
Orthodontics For Oral Health
There's no question that orthodontic treatment can create beautiful smiles. But orthodontics is about so much more than aesthetics. It's about helping patients establish good oral health that improves their day-to-day lives.
Better Oral Function
Improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws can help improve all aspects of their function, including biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems with these oral functions can be debilitating, and we take great pleasure in helping our patients overcome them.
Better Oral Hygiene
When teeth are misaligned or overlap, it can be challenging, if not impossible, to reach the entire tooth surface when brushing or flossing. Straight teeth allow for much easier access to the entire surface of the teeth.
For many of our patients, orthodontic treatment makes a huge difference when it comes to avoiding serious oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Long-Term Damage Prevention
Misaligned teeth can sustain a lot of wear and tear over time as they move against each other in uneven patterns during talking and chewing or as a result of compensatory movements. Straightening your teeth can help you avoid much of this wear and tear – and reduce the need for restorative dental treatments in the future.
Knowledge is Power for Patients
We believe that well-informed patients are more likely to be successful with their orthodontic treatment. For this reason, our team prioritizes patient communication.
We're always available to answer questions, and we make sure our patients understand each element of their treatment plans at each stage of treatment.
Here are a few initial questions we are frequently asked by new patients about orthodontics.
-
What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments focus on correcting the alignment of the teeth, lips, and jaws, which can have a number of aesthetic benefits. However, this is only part of the story. Orthodontic treatment also has a number of positive health implications.
This is true for a few reasons. First of all, misaligned teeth are simply more difficult to clean than straight, even teeth. This means that people with misalignments are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, misalignments in the teeth and jaws can cause difficulties with chewing, leading to digestive issues. These misalignments can also result in chronic neck pain and facial pain as well.
By improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can help resolve all of these issues.
-
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns.
-
At what age should someone seek orthodontic treatment?
We typically recommend that children have an orthodontic assessment for the first time at about age seven.
These early evaluations give us an opportunity to identify and treat emerging, isolated orthodontic issues and treat them promptly. In some cases, we can work with a child's developing upper jaw to guide healthy growth. This type of early intervention can help prepare for orthodontic treatment in the teen or adult years.
As far as adults go, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as their teeth and gums are healthy, adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond can benefit from orthodontics too!
-
How can I tell if I need orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know for sure if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment is to be evaluated by any orthodontist. You can request an appointment with us at any time (no referral needed!).
That being said, some signs that you should book a consultation include:
- Visibly misaligned teeth or bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic facial or jaw pain
- Difficulty brushing and flossing
-
What are my orthodontic treatment options at Orthodontic Specialists of Lake Oswego?
The two primary modes of orthodontic treatment we offer are traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Both treatment modalities can be customized for each patient's specific needs.
For children, early intervention in the form of jaw growth guidance with appliances like palatal expanders may also be used.
-
How much does orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on a number of factors, including the severity and complexity of your orthodontic issue, the amount of time it takes to correct it, and the type of treatment you choose.
Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes your budget into consideration. We're also happy to direct bill to your insurance company and to work with you on a financing plan to help take some of the stress out of paying for treatment.