Lancaster PA's Cosmetic and Family Dentistry Office

Orthodontics is the branch of dental care that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities using a variety of corrective devices.

At Smilebuilderz we have the very best orthodontic treatment center under the direction of Dr. Shawn Faust.

Orthodontic problems, also referred to as malocclusion, meaning “bad bite”, includes missing teeth, extra teeth, jaws which are out of alignment and crowded teeth. Most of these type problems are inherited but some can present as the result of an accident, thumb sucking, and losing baby teeth later in the child’s life.

Whatever the problem or just to prevent orthodontic problems, a consultation with Dr. Faust will provide all the information you may need or want (See “Consultation” window below)

Orthodontic treatment corrects the alignment of teeth, jaws and lips and prevents physical health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties. Orthodontic treatment also results in a gorgeous smile and improved self esteem.

The ideal age for starting orthodontic treatment ranges from three to twelve years of age. It is important that Dr. Faust, evaluate your child at an early age. Orthodontic treatment of children will be shorter than for adults’ because the bone around a young child’s teeth and their jaw bones can still be molded by dental braces as the child continues to grow. Orthodontic braces can also help to correct continued thumb and finger sucking, or the use of a pacifier.

Dr. Faust recommends that adults also give serious consideration to orthodontic treatment even though the growth period of the facial bones is no longer a factor and jaw bones might have to be altered through surgery.

Adult orthodontics can correct gum disease and bone loss which, left untreated, will eventually lead to tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment in adults can also correct chewing and digestive difficulties. Sometimes orthodontic braces are used as the end treatment for TMJ in adults and children as well. This TMJ treatment requires using orthodontic braces to move and stabilize the jaw in a new position thus reducing pressure and pain.