Why Choose Dr. Watanabe?

Orthodontics aren’t just for an attractive smile, though that is one reason to consider them. Many times, part of comprehensive dental treatment includes a referral to an orthodontist. If your bite isn’t quite right—the teeth don’t align correctly—you may have difficulty chewing properly, biting into your food, or even speaking. Treatment is usually started at a young age while the jaw is still growing and able to be adjusted without invasive procedures.

Why Orthodontics?

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Passive Self-Ligation System

The braces you are used to seeing, brackets on the teeth with clear or colored elastics holding the wires in place, are not the best option. At Jerry H. Watanabe DDS, MS, we use Damon Clear, the best-known brand of passive self-ligating braces, Damon Braces, and the Pitts 21 3D Self-Ligating System.

Passive self-ligating braces begin as regular braces do, with special brackets adhered to the teeth and wires across the brackets. Instead of using elastics to hold the brackets, we use a “gate” that slides to lock the wire in place. This system is more comfortable both in moving the teeth and in everyday life. The light-force used in the gating system reduces the force necessary for adjustment, resulting in more comfort, superior aesthetic results, shorter treatment time, fewer extractions, and better hygiene for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation today!

Invisalign

Invisalign braces are customized, clear aligners made especially for you. The aligners are created using the image from a 3D optical scan. No molds are necessary. Each image is used to make a “roadmap” of your teeth now on through to the desired result. This roadmap is the basis for the creation of the Invisalign aligners. The force is calculated and the predicted outcome of the process can be seen on a computer.

Each aligner moves the teeth and is worn for the prescribed length of time, which readies you for the next aligner until you reach your best smile. The aligners are cut to fit your gum line for maximum comfort. These are the best clear aligners on the market.

In-office 3D X-Ray

Our i-CAT cone beam, 3D X-ray system provides superior dental imaging to view the entire mouth: teeth, soft tissues, nerves, and bone. Every patient is screened for potential OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) which may lead to sleep apnea in the adult patient. The adolescent with a diminished airway may develop significant health problems including ADHD and cognitive impairment. Dr. Watanabe may recommend an ENT professional consult (Ear, Nose and Throat) for the possible removal of adenoids and tonsils, in addition to orthodontic therapy to improve your child’s airway and sleep patterns. These X-rays are completed with minimal radiation and create the best images to use for orthodontic treatment planning.