Spannhake Services
Interceptive orthodontic care is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. Interceptive care is exactly that, intercepting a problem before it gets out of hand. Treatment occurs at a younger age than conventional orthodontic care and is not typically as long either. The idea is to shift teeth, manipulate growth, create space for unerupted teeth, break habits and prevent trauma before it is too late. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 are best suited for this sort of treatment. Treatment usually lasts 6 to 15 months after which the child is monitored and the decision as to the need for a second phase is made. Most children will require a second, more comprehensive, phase of treatment in order to create a completely stable, functional and esthetic occlusion.
The primary reasons for considering interceptive care are as follows:
- To prevent improper growth of the jaws that may be causing an underbite, an overbite, crossbite or shifting bite.
- To eliminate a destructive habit such as thumb/finger sucking or tongue thrusting.
- To reposition one or more teeth that are occluding in such a way that they are damaging the enamel of other teeth.
- To prevent trauma to teeth that are too far forward. This is especially true of the athletically inclined.
- To reposition teeth that are cosmetically poor and the risk of peer ridicule and low self-esteem.
Invisalign Teen takes a modern approach to straightening teeth. The Invisalign tooth straightening system is a completely revolutionary and sophisticated tooth alignment system that utilizes an invisible plastic retainers, which are designed to slowly realign your teeth into the perfect straight smile that you\'ve always been dreaming of. Invisalign Teen is comfortable, affordable and effective. You can continue brushing and flossing the way you normally do. And without braces, it\'s easier to maintain better oral hygiene. Plus...without brackets and wires, you\'ll have the confidence of a great smile even during treatment. Invisalign Teen treatment makes sure that you achieve your straight smile in as comfortable and esthetic fashion as possible.
Having straight teeth is important not only for teens, but for adults as well. As we grow older, our teeth tend to grow inward, creating crowding - a common problem for many adults. As a result, it may be difficult to keep teeth clean and healthy. Straightening your teeth with the Invisalign system can treat the crowding and thereby help you maintain your dental health. It can also help you get the smile you\'ve always wanted! Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually undetectable aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you\'ll be proud of.
Dr. Spannhake and her staff specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Please contact our office to schedule a complimentary examination to see if the Invisalign treatment system is right for you.
We utilize the latest in computer-assisted video imaging. The computer captures and records patients’ pictures through the use of digital photography. These images can then be altered to simulate jaw growth, surgical procedures, and other treatment results.
PROPEL® Orthodontics provides innovative devices and procedures to shift teeth as quickly and painlessly as possible. The PROPEL® System can be used in combination with orthodontic appliances to help move teeth into their desired position 50% faster than teeth can move with orthodontic appliances alone. Dr. Spannhake is a PROPEL® Orthodontics provider, so you can enjoy a perfect smile faster than ever before.
What are TADs and how do they apply to orthodontics? TADs are tiny microscrews that are placed in the mouth by Dr. Spannhake. The TADs provide anchorage which allows for more accurate and efficient tooth movement. Manufactured of medical grade titanium, and engineered with smooth contours, TADs are not irritating to gum tissues or lips. Small in length (6-10mm), they are virtually undetectable. TADs remain stable in the mouth providing stability. This allows Dr. Spannhake to move only the desired teeth with the utmost accuracy, resulting in better smiles achieved quickly and more comfortably.
Dr. Spannhake is experienced with soft tissue laser techniques; this new technology enables them to easily reshape the gum tissue and expose healthy tooth structure. The soft tissue laser may be used to cosmetically reshape the architecture of the gums and improve the appearance of a "gummy smile" or an asymmetric gumline. The laser can also be used to remove excess gum tissue around an unerupted tooth so that a bracket may be bonded and orthodontic movement can be initiated.
No more impressions. The Itero scanner takes a digital impression of the teeth; eliminating the need for traditional impressions. The result is a more accurate diagnostic model, Invisalign aligners or an orthodontic appliance. The Itero scanner is capable of mapping your mouth to help Dr. Spannhake treat you more effectively.
