Dr. Ernie Gardner

Piedmont Orthodontic Associates - About Orthodontics

Orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, and treatment to achieve function, balance, and harmony between the teeth and face. Aside from the fact that crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to poor oral health, an attractive smile can greatly enhance a person's self-esteem and self-confidence. Orthodontics can enhance one's quality of life at any age.

Orthodontic treatment can address the following problems:

  • The upper teeth protrude
  • The upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth
  • The upper teeth fit behind the lower teeth
  • The front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are together
  • The teeth are crowded or overlapped
  • There are noticeably large gaps between teeth
  • The line between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth do not line up properly

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should first visit an orthodontist no later than age 7. The primary advantage of early treatment is that a child's natural facial growth can be influenced and augmented to avoid more costly and invasive procedures in the future. Also, as the child experiences rapid skeletal growth, Dr. Gardner can use this natural growth for smile enhancement.

There are several options of braces in varying degrees of visibility. We offer mini stainless steel braces, gold braces, and clear braces. For adults that may be concerned about wearing traditional braces, we are pleased to offer the Invisalign® System, clear plastic aligners that gradually move teeth into the correct position.

No matter what your age, your appearance is an important aspect of your life. If you are unhappy with your smile, have crooked teeth or an uneven profile, it is never too late to begin orthodontic treatment. In fact, almost 30 percent of orthodontic patients are adults. In addition to enhancing their smiles, many adults seek orthodontic treatment to improve the function of their bite, improving oral health.