The Science of Orthodontics
Straight teeth are an asset at any age, and proper orthodontic treatment can also lessen the risk of future gum disease.
Recent advances in the field of orthodontics include more aesthetic braces for adults and children, lightweight alloy wires for greater comfort, and Tomographic X-rays of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) to allow more accurate diagnosis.
TMJ Therapy
Dr. Haught also performs orthodontics in combination with Corrective Jaw Surgery and TMJ Therapy. If you experience frequent earaches and headaches, or clicking sounds in front of the ear while chewing, please bring this to our attention. These symptoms can indicate disorder of the Temporomandibular Joint, which is located where the lower jaw meets the skull. TMJ disorder can be caused by injury, disease, or even stress, and if left untreated, severe jaw joint damage can result.
Growth Guidance
One of the most exciting aspects of our specialty is “interceptive” orthodontics for children 4-12 years of age; major strides have been made in this area. These growth guidance techniques can be removable or fixed to the teeth. Dr. Haught can gently widen young dental arches to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, correct early cross bite problems, maintain proper spacing, and encourage proper growth of the facial bones.
Mouth Guards for Athletes
For our patients involved in contact sports, we provide mouth guards to protect against injury and damage to appliances. We offer a mouth guard that is worn with braces and a custom fit mouth guard that is worn after the braces are removed.
Sterilization and Safety
Because we are sensitive to public concerns regarding infection control, we are aggressively meticulous in our efforts to ensure public safety. Our treatment personnel wear gloves and mask for all oral procedures. Permanent instruments are heat sterilized after each use, not just disinfected; and we use disposable one-time-use items when possible.
We invite questions about our sterilization process and new patients are welcome to tour our office prior to scheduling a consultation.