An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completed a 3-year residency focusing on correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws.

Dr. Kellerstein is a trained orthodontist.  Aligning your teeth and jaws is his specialty.  While some orthodontists use hygienists or assistants to provide most of the work, Dr. Kellerstein does all the work himself.  He will consult with you directly (not an office co-ordinator), he will put on your braces, he will do all of the tightenings, and he will make himself available to answer any questions you may have about your treatment.  If you want specialized, personalized care, this office is the right fit for you.

Generally age 9 is a good guideline.  But if you or your dentist is concerned about something in particular, you can certainly come sooner.  Remember, the consultation is free.

Braces include brackets, which are bonded directly to the teeth or sometimes attached to a band placed on a molar tooth, and arch wires that connect all the brackets. It is the arch wire that does all the work — the brackets merely serve as attachment points to the teeth. The wires use a steady, gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Elastics are sometimes worn to help align the upper teeth with the lower teeth.

In general, hard and crunchy or sticky foods can damage braces and you should avoid  them.   De-boning meats and removing pits from fruits help reduce risk of damage.  Generally, softer foods should be eaten at the beginning of orthodontic treatment and following appointments when adjustments are made.

Did you know that about 35% of our Orthodontic patients today are adults. Many adults are electing to correct problems that were never treated when they were children. Partially this is because treatment options have changed so much in the last few years. Advances in orthodontics have made braces more comfortable and effective than in the past.  In addition, some cases can now provide virtually invisible braces which many adults like.

In general no.  There will likely be some adjustment period as you get used to your new braces.  Contact sports or playing instruments  in particular, but in general wearing braces will not stop you from performing your usual routines and activities.  For contact sports, we definitely recommend you wear a mouth guard to protect your braces or appliance.

With the new advances in orthodontics, most patients are seen generally between every 4-8 weeks.

Orthodontic treatment begins with a desire to straighten teeth and make smiles more beautiful, confident, and healthy. At the free initial exam, Dr. Kellerstein will evaluate your bite and position of the teeth. Treatment is recommended when the bite is misaligned and doesn’t allow the teeth to come together in a position that is healthy for the teeth, gums, and bones around the teeth. Crowding and spacing of the teeth will be evaluated and may warrant treatment. If there is past damage to teeth from thumb sucking habits or if there is difficulty with chewing, then treatment is certainly warranted.

No.  Some general dentists offer orthodontics to patients, but they lack the training that orthodontists have.  If you aren't sure, just ask "Are you an orthodontist?"  If the answer isn't yes, that person is not the best choice to provide you with orthodontic care.

The Invisalign system uses clear plastic aligners to help straighten the teeth. These aligners are custom-fitted to a patient’s mouth. These Invisalign aligners are to be worn at all times. Generally, every two weeks the patient receives new Invisalign aligners that will help gradually shift their teeth into proper position. Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on your teeth. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also the timing of the force application.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Invisalign is only for "easy" orthodontic cases. In essence, good candidates for Invisalign are patients who have healthy teeth and gums and have teeth that are misaligned.  The skill, experience and planning of the orthodontist is a determining factor of the treatment results for your Invisalign. Remember, Invisalign is an orthodontic technique, not a product.

Invisalign will not affect your daily activities. Since you only remove your trays when you eat and drink, your daily routine and habits can remain the same.