Lakeshore Orthodontics is dedicated to providing your family with the very best orthodontic care in a supportive and caring manner. We believe our office should be a friendly, welcoming environment that patients enjoy visiting. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the severity of the situation, we feel it is necessary to make changes to ensure the safety of our patients and team. The office may appear different, but our mission remains the same.
Colorful Braces
Browse your future braces colors
Fun and Functional
Traditional metal brackets are still the most popular type of braces used during orthodontic treatment. Most teenagers actually prefer the metal brackets because they allow for the personalization of the braces using our colored elastic ligatures ("O's"), which hold the wire into the braces.
The colored elastic O's can be changed every 5-6 weeks at the adjustment appointments. Some of the popular color combinations include school colors, neon colors, and holiday color combinations.
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Benefits for you:
Bite alignment | Chewing | Speech
In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion,” happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all. There are seven broad types of bite problems that are common in children and adults.
Crossbite: When upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. Can be caused by misalignment of teeth (including baby teeth) or a misalignment of the bone; can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth.
Underbite: The lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw.
Open bite: Anterior open bite: Occurs when the back teeth are together, and the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. This can result from excessive sucking, tongue thrusting or mouth breathing.
Deep bite: When the bite is closed, the upper front teeth cover the bottom teeth too much.
Crowding: Insufficient space for the teeth. This can be a result of big teeth or inadequate space in the jaw or both. This may result in teeth that overlap, are rotated, or take on a crooked/staggered appearance.
Spacing: Too much space between teeth. It can result from missing teeth, undersized teeth, oversized jaws, or a combination of these conditions.
Protrusion: Front teeth that stick out (“buck” teeth). Teeth may appear protrusive because the upper jaw is too far forward, the lower jaw is too far back, the teeth grew in at an angle, or a combination of these conditions. Sometimes people who have protrusive front teeth also have a deep bite.
If any of these common bite problems exist in a child’s mouth, they likely will not self-correct. Untreated problems tend to get worse with time. Many times, the bite problems are best treated while the child is still growing. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy bite. When teeth and jaws line up in the right way, the force created to bite, or chew food is evenly distributed. A healthy bite is important for clear speech.
Cleaning | Cavities
It’s important that you take good care of your teeth during orthodontic treatment. By brushing and cleaning in between your teeth regularly, you’ll keep your teeth and gums in top condition and ensure that your orthodontic treatment will deliver the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible. Successful orthodontic treatment is a result of a team effort between you, your orthodontist and your dentist. You as the patient play the key part. Most importantly you must keep your teeth, gums and braces clean while you are in orthodontic treatment. Plaque is the enemy.
Plaque is a sticky colorless film that collects on your teeth. It’s composed of bacteria, food debris and saliva. When plaque and trapped food are left on your teeth and around your braces, they can cause cavities, swollen gums, bad breath, and permanent marks on your teeth. You should brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal or snack. If you can’t brush right away after a meal, be sure to at least rinse your mouth well with water until you can brush.
At least twice a day, clean between your teeth, then brush your teeth and braces until they are spotlessly clean. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft, end-rounded bristle toothbrush or power toothbrush that’s in good condition. Brush around all the parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth-fronts, sides, and backs and chewing surfaces for at least 2 full minutes. Be sure to brush your tongue and roof of the mouth too. Brush your gums gently and thoroughly.
Inspect your teeth and braces regularly and carefully to make sure they are spotless. When your braces come off, you’ll see that your extra efforts have been rewarded with a healthy, great-looking smile that’s good for life.
Reduced risks: Grinding, Chipping, & Injury
Orthodontic treatment can help reduce several common dental problems by creating the optimal bite alignment (occlusion) between the upper and lower jaws. Grinding (or bruxism) not only wears down your teeth, it can cause increased sensitivity and tooth loss. Other effects include facial pain, earaches, and headaches. In severe cases, patients can experience chipping and broken teeth and lost fillings. You can also cause injury to your tongue and cheeks from the unconscious biting that occurs with bruxism during sleep. While there are several causes for this condition, properly aligned teeth and a good bite (occlusion) can help reduce the severity of the problems.