Kids, Teens & Adults Welcome
Orthodontics
We love smiles at Adventure Dental, and we want to help all our patients smile with confidence. Our goal of orthodontic treatment is to obtain a smile that is aesthetic, functional, and stable. We also offer options for anyone seeking alternatives to traditional braces including Invisalign and clear braces. After orthodontic treatment, we provide retainers to train the teeth to stay in their new aligned position. Retainers are the insurance that the results gained during treatment will endure. We are teeth people. Let us know how we can help you feel good about your smile. After all, the consultation is complimentary.
What sets us apart
We use the latest technology and methods to efficiently treat our orthodontic patients. We use cutting edge appliances including the latest brackets, wires and Invisalign. What sets us apart even more is that we have 4 specialty doctors committed to both orthodontic and hygiene needs. Unlike any other practice in the Vancouver, WA, area, we have a hygiene team (hygienists and pediatric dentists) to support you through the experience. We also have a teen area to make flossing and brushing cool! In our office, patients have the unique opportunity to have their wires removed, a cleaning completed, and the wires replaced, all in one seamless visit. This saves your teen from missing excessive time from school and you from many hours and travel expense during total treatment time. Finally, our friendly pediatric dentists are better able to spot oral hygiene issues and take care of them through education and encouragement, or restorative work when needed, before they get out of control.
Vancouver Before & After Gallery
Here are some of our proud Vancouver-area patients, excited to show off their new and improved smiles.
Orthodontic Treatment
For Children
It's best for the orthodontist to see your child by age 7 so we can help you decide whether orthodontic treatment is required and when to begin braces or similar treatments. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, make space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early orthodontic treatment can simplify later treatment.
For Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.
Common Orthodontic Problems
True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful problem with your orthodontic equipment or braces that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.
General Soreness
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. Placing Orabase on the affected area may help; this can be found in your local pharmacy. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
Loose Wire
Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Headgear Does Not Fit
Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, the headgear may hurt less if it’s worn more, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.
Loose Appliance
If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.
Loose Bracket or Band
If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
Poking Wire
Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.