Heredity and environmental factors are the two causes of crooked teeth and bite problems. Having too much space in between the teeth or upper teeth that don't match lower teeth when biting down is usually inherited. Accidents, as well as habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking, can cause crooked teeth as well. Custom-made appliances, or braces, are prescribed and designed by Dr. Mascola and his team to address each individual case being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded to the teeth). They may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. By applying light, continuous forces in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position.

Our practice offers Damon System Brackets®, Speed, and 3M Unitek's SmartClip  and Clarity brackets as the appliances of choice for traditional "outside" braces. These bracket systems combine the advantages of pre-adjusted systems with those of differential tooth movement and light wire forces to produce unparalleled results - shortening treatment time, increasing patient comfort and improving esthetics. Not only are the braces smaller and more efficient, the wires are no longer just stainless steel. They can also be made of alloys of nickel, titanium, copper and cobalt, and some of the wires are heat-activated. These wires cause the teeth to continue to move during certain phases of treatment, which may reduce the number of appointments needed to make adjustments to the wires.

Contact our practice to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Mascola, and learn more about the orthodontic procedures and treatment options available to help you achieve teh beautiful and confident smile you deserve.