ProviderOur Values
We believe that great orthodontic care is about more than just straightening teeth. At our Sturbridge orthodontic clinic, you can expect:
Exceptional Service
We want you to feel like a rockstar throughout your entire orthodontic journey. Our team is here to provide guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way. We also offer customized treatment planning, payment and financing options, and post-treatment maintenance to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Proactive & Conservative Treatment
We take a less-is-more approach to orthodontics. Our goal is always to choose the most efficient, effective, and conservative treatment possible for each patient, including early intervention for children.
Orthodontics for Everyone
Straight healthy smiles have no age limit. We offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment, from modern braces to Invisalign clear aligners, tailored to the needs of children, teens, and adults. Because everyone deserves a smile that they are proud of.
Early Assessments for Children
Early evaluation by an orthodontist is one of the most effective ways to promote healthy oral development in children, allowing us to identify and address developing orthodontic issues promptly.
Orthodontics for Oral Health
There's no question that orthodontic treatment can create beautiful smiles, but it is about so much more than esthetics. It's about helping patients establish good oral health and improve their daily lives.
Better Oral Function
Improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws can help improve their actual function – biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems with these basic functions can be debilitating, and we take great pleasure in helping our patients resolve them.
Enhanced Oral Hygiene
With a straight smile, it’s much easier to access all the spaces between your teeth with your toothbrush and floss. For many of our patients, orthodontic treatment makes a significant difference in preventing oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Long-Term Damage Prevention
Misaligned teeth can sustain a lot of wear and tear over time as they move against each other in uneven patterns during talking and chewing, or as a result of compensatory movements. Straightening your teeth can help you avoid much of this wear and tear – and reduce the need for restorative dental treatments in the future.
Knowledge is Power for Patients
We believe that being well-informed helps patients succeed with their orthodontic treatment. For this reason, our team focuses on clear communication with patients.
We are always here to answer questions and ensure our patients understand every part of their treatment plans at every stage.
Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions from new patients about orthodontic treatment at Sturbridge Orthodontics.
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What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments are designed to align the teeth and jaws, which can have a number of esthetic benefits. However, this is only part of the story. Orthodontic treatment also has a number of positive health implications.
Firstly, misaligned teeth are harder to clean than straight, even teeth. This makes individuals with misalignments more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, teeth and jaw misalignments can impair chewing, which may cause digestive problems. These misalignments can also lead to chronic neck and facial pain.
By aligning the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can help resolve all of these issues.
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What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist in diagnosing, preventing, managing, and correcting misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns.
To become an orthodontist, candidates must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of dental school. After dental school, a two- to three-year orthodontic residency program is required.
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At what age should someone seek orthodontic treatment?
We usually suggest that children have their first visit to the orthodontist by age seven.
These early assessments allow us to spot and address emerging, isolated orthodontic problems early on. In some cases, we can guide the healthy growth of a child's developing upper jaw. This type of early intervention can help prepare for orthodontic treatment in the teen or adult years.
As far as adults go, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as their teeth and gums are healthy, adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond can benefit from orthodontics too!
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How can I tell if I need orthodontic treatment?
The best way to determine if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment is to have an evaluation by an orthodontist. You can request a consultation with us at any time (no referral needed!).
That being said, here are some signs that it might be a good time to book a consultation:
- Visibly misaligned teeth or bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic facial or jaw pain
- Difficulty brushing and flossing
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What are my orthodontic treatment options at Sturbridge Orthodontics?
The two primary modes of orthodontic treatment we offer are Damon™ self-ligating metal and clear ceramic braces, as well as Invisalign clear aligners. Both types of treatment modalities can be customized for each patient's specific needs.
We compare these treatment options in depth here.
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How much does treatment with braces or Invisalign cost?
Orthodontic treatment costs depend on various factors, including the severity and complexity of your orthodontic problem, how long it takes to fix it, and the type of treatment you select.
Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that considers your budget. We're also happy to help you submit insurance claims and work with you on a financing plan to take some of the stress out of paying for treatment.