Orthodontic Services

Dr. Terrah specializes in Orthodontics! Highly educated, she obtained her undergraduate degree at Indiana University in Bloomington. She then went on to complete dental school at Indiana University School of Dentistry. After graduating and receiving her DDS, she obtained her specialty certification in orthodontics, as well as a Master of Science degree in Dentistry at the Indiana University School of Dentistry Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics program in Indianapolis, Indiana. While at IUSD, she also completed a research manuscript which was published in The Angle Orthodontist – An International Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Braces and aligners are used to assist in the alignment and straightening of teeth to improve overall appearance, as well as function (bite). Having braces or aligners isn’t just about improving your smile; it’s also about improving your overall dental health! Comprehensive orthodontics can be used to correct malocclusion, overbite, underbite, cross bite, deep bite, “crooked teeth”, and other flaws of the teeth and jaws. Braces or aligners may be used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to make improvements to the bite.

Traditional metal braces are still the most popular type of braces as they produce high quality, predictable results, as well as being the most cost-effective choice for orthodontic treatment. Ceramic braces are popular with children and adults who want a less visible option for orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® aligners offer the least noticeable option for orthodontic treatment.

Your first visit will begin with a consultation with Dr. Terrah and the treatment coordinator to go over the best options for your orthodontic care, based off your goals and dental needs. Dr. Terrah will address any questions you may have regarding your treatment choices and will provide a plan for your orthodontic care.

Metal Braces

Metal braces made from stainless steel brackets and wires remain the most popular choice for braces and are very effective.

Clear Brackets

Virtually invisible, there are several advantages clear brackets have over traditional braces and aligners. Clear braces combine tieless braces with high technology archwires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with truly spectacular smile and facial results. Available from skilled orthodontists, clear braces combine the best of traditional clear braces and invisible aligners to deliver a discrete treatment experience with results that go beyond straight teeth.

Invisalign^®

Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.

Palatal Expander Device (PED)

Both removeable and fixed PEDs can be used to address crowding and other issues by expanding the upper jaw to make more room to accommodate tooth and/or jaw alignment.

Additional Services

Retainers

Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical Orthodontics involves orthognathic surgery and is done to correct misalignments or other abnormalities in the upper jaw and lower jaws. For this type of orthodontics, we work closely with an oral surgeon to create a treatment plan. This surgery and orthodontic treatment solution can help improve speech, breathing, chewing and appearance.
Orthognathic surgery can involve surgical procedures such as an osteotomy (bone cutting), bone grafts, or distraction osteogenesis (stretching of the bone) and orthodontic (braces) care. Orthognathic correction is conducted in stages, and the course of treatment can last a few months up to one year or more.

In order to perform the procedure successfully, the jawbones will be repositioned in accordance with one’s specific needs. Inconspicuous incisions are usually made inside, and if needed, outside the mouth to allow for surgical plates, screws, wires and rubber bands to be used to hold your jaws in their new positions.

Craniofacial Orthodontics

This field of orthodontics is highly specialized and requires the involvement of an oral surgeon as well as our team. Craniofacial Orthodontics help treat a congenital birth defect know as cleft lip or cleft palate.

Cleft lip is an opening/split in the upper lip and cleft palate is an opening/split in the roof of the mouth (palate). Cleft lip and cleft palate result when these developing facial structures in an unborn baby do not close completely.

A series of surgeries can restore normal function and achieve a more normal appearance with minimal scarring.

A cleft lip is usually repaired between the ages of 3 to 6 months. Some children require a lip adhesion or a device such as a molding plate to bring the parts closer together before the full lip repair. A child with a cleft lip that is repaired will have a scar on the lip under the nose.

A cleft palate is usually repaired between 9 and 12 months of age. To repair the palate, the soft palate muscles from each side are connected to each other and the normal barrier between the mouth and nose is created.

Additional surgeries are needed to improve the appearance of the lip and nose, close the opening between the mouth and nose, help breathing, and stabilize and realign the jaw. Once the permanent teeth grow in, braces are often needed to straighten the teeth.

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