Helping You Achieve a Beautiful Smile
Dr. Martin Lang and Dr. Jonathan Lang and their staff are committed to helping you achieve a beautiful smile. At Lang Orthodontics, we personalize the treatment plan and present individualized treatment options based on your unique orthodontic problem. We work hard to keep abreast of the newest technology and treatment options and incorporate evidenced-based research into our practice. We are Invisalign® preferred providers.
Phase I Orthodontic Treatment
We prefer to evaluate our patients around the age of 7, when the first permanent molars have come into the mouth and the incisors or front teeth have begun to erupt. This allows the orthodontist to diagnose problems early and to take corrective action. Some problems that can be treated early include crossbite, openbite due to thumb-sucking or finger habits, severe tooth crowding, ectopic teeth (teeth that have erupted and are severely out of alignment), and growth imbalances of the mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw).
If left uncorrected these dental problems may lead to growth abnormalities of the face and jaws.
Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
Phase II Orthodontic treatment may be necessary for some patients even though those patients have completed Phase I Orthodontic treatment. This phase is usually initiated when most of the permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth. This phase is to gain final ideal alignment of the permanent teeth for aesthetics and optimal function.
Treatment Options
Self-closing Metal Braces
These braces are small, smooth, friction-free brackets that will straighten your teeth in fewer visits with less discomfort than braces with wires that are ‘tied in’ with elastic ligatures.
Ceramic Braces
Clear, ceramic braces are less noticeable and provide an aesthetic choice to metal braces. There are a few more limitations with ceramic braces than with metal.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are metal brackets cemented to the inside surface of the teeth resulting in no visible orthodontic hardware.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners that allow you to straighten your teeth without visible braces. Ask us if you may be a candidate for this technique.
Teen Invisalign®
This is a specialized Invisalign® product for the growing adolescent between the ages of 11 and 19 years of age.
Metal Brackets
These brackets are affixed to the surface of the teeth and a wire is attached to the bracket with an elastic tie that is available in various colors.
Functional appliances
Some Orthodontic problems are caused by a growth imbalance between the upper and lower jaws, resulting in a malocclusion that is difficult or impossible to correct with normal braces. Many times these problems can be addressed with functional appliances such as the Herbst® appliance and the MARA® appliance. These are generally cemented to the teeth and worn for 24 hours per day from 12 to 16 months. The purpose is to reposition the lower jaw in a forward direction to eliminate the severe overbite and to correct the molar relationship. These appliances are utilized in growing children.
Functional appliances can also be used to help adults who have sleep apnea. The functional appliance is removable and worn while sleeping. The appliance temporarily repositions the mandible which results in an increased airway space and consequently better nocturnal breathing.
Our Offices
Our Lutherville and Ellicott City offices provide the utmost in terms patient comfort. Don't believe us? Follow the link below for a picture tour and see for yourself.
