Samuel Daniels, D.D.S., M.S., P.L.L.C.  

Orthodontic Treatment

Dr. Daniels gives each patient a treatment plan based on his diagnosis starting on the first visit. The treatment plan includes x-rays, impressions for study models, photographs, and what he sees at your first visit. Dr. Daniels' goal is to properly align teeth through gently moving them. Treatment time varies depending on age, patient cooperation, and severity as well as complexity of the orthodontic condition. On average, treatment lasts between 10-24 months depending on the patient's needs.

Dr. Daniels' Clincial Staff

Retention

 Retainers are a very important part of orthodontic treatment.  When braces are removed, we deliver your retainers.  Dr. Daniels asks his patients to wear their retainers for at least two years after their braces come off.  Depending on whether a patient wears his or her retainers can predict the final orthodontic result.  We want patients to have straight teeth for a lifetime, so remembering to wear retainers is essential.  Patients should wear their retainers all the time except while eatting, brushing, flossing, or playing active sports.

"Retainers are easy. I don't understand why people don't wear them. You put so much work in, you don't want to mess it up."                                    Zak Walton

Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) corrects irregularities with the jaw and teeth.  In these cases, it is common to experience difficulty chewing, talking, and sleeping.  Orthognathic surgery not only helps treat these symptoms but improves the facial profile associated with severe jaw and teeth irregularities. 

Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can sufficiently correct the problem. This is sometimes the case with the latest advances in orthodontics.  Dr. Daniels will determine if orthognathic surgery is the best treatment option for you.

Early Treatment

The recommended age to schedule an orthodontic exam depends entirely on the individual patient. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age (in most children) several permanent teeth have erupted, so Dr. Daniels can evaluate for possible orthodontic treatment by examining the bite relationship of the back teeth and the front teeth.

Phase I or early/interceptive treatment occurs usually between the ages of 7-10 and lasts between 6-12 months depending on the patient.  The main goal of this type of treatment is to first concentrate on any larger orthodontic problems so later when more teeth erupt, the problem is reduced. Often times, a patient can avoid surgery and teeth removal with early treatment. 

Phase I treatment is only a partial treatment. Patients who undergo early orthodontic treatment will most likely require another phase of treatment after all the permanent teeth erupt, called Phase II treatment.  Many bite conditions cannot be addressed until all these teeth have erupted. 

Between these two phases the patient receives retainers and enters a “resting period” while Dr. Daniels closely monitors growth and development. 

Parents are kept well informed of the future treatment recommendations.  Phase II treatment usually includes braces to move the teeth to finish correcting and perfecting the patient’s smile. 

Some children do not need early interceptive treatment. When early treatment is not recommended, Dr. Daniels will later see the patient and watch his or her growth and development over time. Then at the appropriate time, he will recommend starting treatment. 

Adult Treatment