Orthodontic Treatments in Lorain & Rocky River, Ohio

Typically starting between the ages of 7-9, we focus on early orthodontic intervention to identify and correct issues that are better treated now rather than waiting for them to worsen in the traditional phase of treatment. These problems can include crossbites, open bites (such as those caused by thumb sucking), and insufficient space for all permanent teeth to erupt. Typical treatments involve bite correction appliances, limited braces, or clear aligners, with an expected treatment time of around 12-18 months. Dr. Ian has extensively studied early treatment during his residency and with Dr. Charles Canepa, allowing him to tailor his approach using methods like retainers and traditional braces. He particularly enjoys working with children, ensuring that he curates a treatment plan based on your child's specific needs and communicates clearly with both of you to avoid any surprises.

We can provide traditional braces for our child, teen, and adult patients. Our offerings include metal and esthetic rhodium brackets designed to address various malocclusions in adolescents and adults. Depending on your treatment plan, we may incorporate braces with bite correction appliances, an expander, or have you use rubber bands between your upper and lower teeth to achieve optimal bite alignment. 

Typically, appointments are scheduled every 6-8 weeks unless we are fine-tuning your smile at the end of your treatment. Each treatment plan is uniquely tailored and will be carefully explained so you and/or your child will know exactly what to expect, whether it involves traditional braces, clear aligners, or retainers. We also emphasize the importance of early orthodontic intervention when necessary.

Sometimes, we need the help of bite correction appliances to address bite issues and create enough space for all of your teeth before placing traditional braces. 

Using our 3D scanner, we design your appliance to be 3D sintered for a perfect fit, ensuring that placement is a seamless and painless process. Once your expander is placed, it is already activated and expands on its own, gently and consistently reaching a pre-determined position. Dr. Canepa will evaluate this position and activate it further if needed, eliminating the hassle of remembering to crank it or the discomfort of pinched gums during placement! 

These appliances typically remain bonded for the first 6-8 months of treatment, paving the way for effective early orthodontic intervention. After this phase, you may transition to clear aligners or retainers as part of your ongoing treatment.

Just like with expanders, we sometimes utilize bite correction appliances before placing traditional braces or alongside clear aligners to ensure your straight teeth align properly when you bite. We frequently rely on these appliances when the control required exceeds what rubber bands can achieve. Many times, we can successfully correct your bite during the 6 months leading up to your braces placement! Dr. Canepa will assess your bite with you and, if necessary, explain what to expect with these bite correction appliances and any recommended retainers.

Clear aligners are an excellent choice for many malocclusions and serve as effective bite correction appliances. With Dr. Canepa's specialized education and meticulous planning, you may be surprised at how many cases can be successfully treated with clear aligners! These aligners are designed to be worn for 20 hours a day and changed every 7 days. Most cases can be completed in approximately 12 months, with appointments scheduled every 10-12 weeks. This makes clear aligners a perfect esthetic option for individuals with busy lifestyles. They can be followed by retainers to ensure lasting results, especially in the context of early orthodontic intervention compared to traditional braces.

Retainers play a crucial role in orthodontic treatment, especially after using traditional braces. Dr. Canepa prefers clear retainers worn at night as they help maintain your beautiful smile. These bite correction appliances are ready immediately after your braces are removed, preventing any unwanted movement of your teeth. Plus, we utilize digital scanning technology, eliminating the need for outdated impressions. This approach is particularly beneficial for those considering clear aligners or exploring early orthodontic intervention.