Treatments

By clearly communicating what you can expect during the orthodontic process as well as what kind of results you can expect, we make patients feel confident in their care. Whether it be limited treatment, a full set of braces, Invisalign® or no treatment at all, Dr. Owens will always recommend what is best for you.

Braces

At Owens Orthodontics in Denver, we offer different types of braces based on your needs and lifestyle. As part of your orthodontics team, we will sit down with you and your family to assess which type of braces will get you the results you desire. We focus on open communication and collaboration to ensure true patient confidence.

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Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. No one can even tell you’re wearing them, which means you will be able to smile with confidence during treatment as well as after. Invisalign® is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the U.S. and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign®.

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Invisalign®

Why would I want Invisalign® over other options?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. The aligners are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. Invisalign® also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How does Invisalign® work?

You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Owens has recommended. You’ll visit Dr. Owens about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages nine to 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30. Both will vary from case to case. Learn more about Invisalign® on their website at www.invisalign.com.

Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics straightens your jaw and improves facial appearance. Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe. Moving the jaws also moves the teeth, so braces are always performed in conjunction with jaw correction. This helps make sure teeth are in their proper positions after surgery.

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Surgical Orthodontics

How does it work?

During your orthodontic treatment, which usually lasts six to 18 months, you wear braces and will visit your orthodontist for scheduled adjustments. As your teeth move with the braces, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions.

Surgery is performed in the hospital with an oral surgeon, and may take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery needed. In lower jaw surgery, the jawbone behind the teeth is separated and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as needed. In upper jaw surgery, the jaw can be repositioned forward or backward, or the jaw can be raised or lowered. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented.

When you have completed surgery, you should be able to return to school or work within two weeks. After the necessary healing time (about four to eight weeks), your orthodontist “fine-tunes” your bite. In most cases, braces are removed within six to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to maintain your beautiful new smile.

Early Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening, and physical and facial changes. The major advantage of early treatment is the ability to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

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Early Treatment

First Phase Treatment

Lay the foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth. The goal of first phase orthodontic treatment is to develop the right jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

Second Phase Treatment

Stay healthy and look attractive! The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly.
At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan was established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase, as dictated by the case. The second phase is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 18 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure that you preserve your beautiful smile.