Airway Orthodontics with Dr. Silva
Dr. Silva brings specialized training in airway orthodontics to our practice. This advanced approach considers how dental and jaw alignment impacts breathing patterns and overall wellness—not just cosmetic appearance. For some patients, breathing issues during sleep or while awake may be connected to dental alignment, and addressing these concerns simultaneously can provide significant health benefits.
Airway orthodontics evaluates the relationship between your jaw position, tongue placement, and airway passages. By optimizing these relationships through orthodontic treatment, we can potentially improve breathing capacity, sleep quality, and even posture for suitable candidates. During your consultation, Dr. Silva can assess whether you might benefit from this specialized approach.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
We offer several orthodontic solutions to address varying alignment needs and personal preferences. Each option has distinct advantages, and our team will help you determine which approach best suits your specific situation.
Traditional braces remain an excellent option for many patients, particularly those with more complex alignment issues. Modern brackets are smaller and more comfortable than older versions, with various options for both visibility and treatment efficiency. For patients seeking a more discreet option, clear aligner therapy like Invisalign provides nearly invisible treatment for many common alignment concerns.
For younger patients, early intervention orthodontics can guide jaw development and create space for emerging permanent teeth, potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatment later. This preventive approach addresses growth and development issues during the optimal window when children’s bones are still growing.
Retention After Treatment
Completing active orthodontic treatment is a significant milestone, but maintaining your results requires ongoing attention. We provide custom-made orthodontic retainers to preserve your newly aligned smile for years to come.
We’ll develop a personalized retention plan based on your specific treatment and risk factors for relapse. This typically includes wearing retainers full-time initially, then transitioning to nighttime wear. Regular check-ups during the retention phase allow us to monitor your alignment and make any necessary adjustments to your retainers.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
The advantages of orthodontic treatment for adults and children extend far beyond cosmetic improvements. Properly aligned teeth function better mechanically, distribute biting forces more evenly, and are easier to clean effectively. This can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and premature wear over your lifetime.
For many patients, the confidence that comes with a beautifully aligned smile transforms how they interact socially and professionally. Children and teens with alignment issues often experience improved self-esteem after treatment, while adults frequently report wishing they had addressed their alignment concerns sooner.
Functional benefits include potential improvement in speech problems related to tooth position, reduced risk of jaw pain or TMJ disorders for some patients, and more efficient chewing. For those receiving airway orthodontic treatment, benefits may also include improved breathing and sleep quality.
Why Choose Floss Lincoln Park for Orthodontics
At Floss Lincoln Park, our approach to orthodontics combines clinical excellence with personalized care. Our doctors pursue ongoing education in the latest techniques, including Dr. Silva’s advanced training in airway orthodontics through her participation in the University of Florida School of Dentistry’s prestigious Mastership program with the Academy of General Dentistry.
We understand orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in your health and appearance, which is why we take time to thoroughly explain your options and develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns. With our digital-forward approach and convenient scheduling options, achieving your ideal smile alignment has never been more accessible.
Orthodontic Treatment Costs & Payment Options
Estimated Range: $3,800–$7,500
Monthly Payments Starting At: $103
At Floss Lincoln Park, we provide comprehensive orthodontic services, including airway expansion, with treatment costs ranging from $3,800 to $7,500. Through our partnership with CareCredit, monthly payments can be as low as $103, helping make orthodontic care more accessible. We also work with a wide range of dental insurance providers to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Contact us today to schedule your consultation—financing options and insurance acceptance are available to help make your care affordable.
Orthodontics Services
A properly aligned smile offers benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics—it can improve your oral health, speech clarity, and even your overall confidence in social and professional settings. Misaligned teeth and improper bites can lead to uneven wear, difficulty cleaning between crowded teeth, and potential jaw pain or TMJ issues. Fortunately, modern orthodontic treatments provide more comfortable, discreet, and efficient options than ever before for patients of all ages seeking to correct these concerns.
Following orthodontic evaluation, we offer several treatment options to achieve both function and aesthetics for your smile. These may include Invisalign clear aligner treatment, airway orthodontics, TMJ/TMD treatment, traditional braces, or retainers depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is best to start orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when the permanent front teeth begin to emerge. This allows us to identify potential problems early and determine the optimal timing for treatment. While many patients begin treatment between ages 9-14 when most permanent teeth have erupted, adults of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment – sometimes monitoring growth is the best approach.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost at Floss Lincoln Park?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary based on the type of treatment and duration needed. Clear aligners like Invisalign and other orthodontic options are available through Dr. Silva, who provides orthodontic services at our practice. We offer comprehensive treatment plans with no hidden fees and work with numerous dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment. We also provide Care Credit financing and in-house payment plans to make treatment more accessible. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss all available payment options to fit your budget.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case, your age, and how well you follow instructions. Average treatment times are 18-36 months for comprehensive treatment, 6-18 months for limited treatment focusing on specific issues, and 12-24 months for clear aligner treatment. Factors that can extend treatment include missed appointments, poor oral hygiene, not wearing aligners as directed, or broken appliances. We’ll provide a more specific timeline during your consultation.
Will orthodontic treatment hurt?
You may experience some discomfort when braces are first placed or aligners are changed, but this is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than sharp pain, and discomfort usually subsides within 2-3 days. Modern orthodontics uses lighter forces than in the past, making treatment more comfortable. We provide wax for braces and tips for managing any initial soreness.
Can adults get orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely! About 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than treatment for children because adult bones are no longer growing, but the results are equally effective. Adult treatment options include traditional braces, clear braces, lingual braces (behind the teeth), and clear aligners. Many adults choose less visible options like clear aligners or ceramic braces for professional and social reasons.
How do I maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment?
Excellent oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment to prevent cavities and gum disease. For braces wearers: brush after every meal and snack, use fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush if possible, floss daily with special orthodontic floss threaders, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. For aligner users: brush and floss before inserting aligners, clean aligners daily with the cleaning system provided, and never eat or drink anything except water while wearing aligners.
What happens after my braces are removed?
After active orthodontic treatment, you’ll enter the retention phase, which is crucial for maintaining your new smile. You’ll receive retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. Initially, retainers must be worn full-time, then gradually reduced to nighttime only. We recommend wearing retainers indefinitely to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Regular retainer check appointments help ensure long-term success.
