Orthodontic treatment does far more than create a straighter smile.
Proper bite alignment affects how teeth wear over time, how effectively gums and bone support the teeth, how comfortably the jaw functions, and how easily teeth can be cleaned to prevent decay and gum disease. At Biddeford Saco Dental Associates in Saco, ME, Dr. Amanda Paradis provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, combining clinical expertise with advanced technology to deliver beautiful, functional results that last a lifetime.
Invisalign® Clear Aligner Treatment
Invisalign clear aligner treatment straightens teeth discreetly and comfortably without traditional braces. Custom-fabricated transparent aligners gradually move teeth into proper alignment over several months to a year, depending on the complexity of the correction needed.
Invisalign® Advantages:
- Virtual invisibility during wear
- Removability for eating, brushing, and flossing
- No dietary restrictions
- Comfortable, smooth plastic with no brackets or wires
- Predictable results are visualized digitally before treatment begins
Dr. Paradis uses advanced iTero digital scanning to capture precise impressions and plan your Invisalign treatment with exceptional accuracy, allowing you to preview your anticipated results before the first aligner is worn.
Traditional Metal Braces Options
Traditional metal braces remain the most effective orthodontic system for correcting a wide range of alignment and bite concerns with precision and predictability. Modern metal braces are significantly smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than earlier generations.
Metal braces are ideal for:
- Moderate to severe crowding or spacing
- Significant bite discrepancies, including overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- Complex three-dimensional tooth movements
- Cases requiring precise control over tooth position
Dr. Paradis uses high-quality brackets and precision archwires to deliver reliable, predictable tooth movement with results that stand the test of time.
Empower Braces & Self-Ligating Technology
Self-ligating braces use a built-in mechanism to hold the archwire rather than elastic ties, reducing friction between the wire and bracket. This reduced friction allows teeth to move more freely in response to wire forces, potentially reducing overall treatment time and the number of adjustment visits required.
Benefits of self-ligating braces include:
- Faster tooth movement in many cases
- Fewer adjustment appointments
- Easier oral hygiene maintenance
- More comfortable treatment experience
Dr. Paradis evaluates whether self-ligating brackets are appropriate based on the specific movements required in each case.
Clear Braces & Aesthetic Choices
Clear ceramic braces use tooth-colored or translucent brackets that blend with natural tooth color, offering a less visible alternative to metal brackets while retaining the clinical effectiveness of traditional braces.
Clear braces are popular among:
- Adults seeking a professional appearance during treatment
- Teens who prefer a more discreet orthodontic option
- Patients with complex alignment needs who want aesthetic brackets
Dr. Paradis offers clear braces for patients seeking the effectiveness of traditional braces with improved aesthetics.
Dentofacial Orthopedics & Facial Development
Dentofacial orthopedics guides the growth and development of the jaw and facial bones, addressing skeletal discrepancies that affect bite, facial balance, and airway function. This phase of treatment is most effective during active growth in childhood and early adolescence.
Phase I orthodontic treatment may be recommended for children ages seven to ten when skeletal concerns are identified that will worsen if left untreated. Early intervention can create space for erupting teeth, correct crossbites and underbites, guide jaw growth, and reduce the complexity of Phase II treatment later.
Dr. Paradis evaluates facial growth patterns and jaw relationships carefully, recommending early intervention only when it provides meaningful long-term benefit.
Orthodontic Care For Children & Teens
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven, when first molars and incisors have erupted, and developing concerns can be identified. Most children do not require immediate treatment, but early evaluation establishes a baseline and allows monitoring of growth and development.
Teenage orthodontic treatment addresses alignment and bite concerns during the optimal window when permanent teeth have erupted, and growth is still occurring. Dr. Paradis works with teen patients to select treatment options that fit their lifestyle, comfort level, and aesthetic preferences.
Retention & Long-Term Alignment Stability
Retention is as important as active treatment. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift following orthodontic correction, and consistent retainer wear prevents relapse and preserves the alignment achieved through treatment.
Retention options include:
- Removable clear retainers worn nightly
- Fixed bonded retainers on the back surfaces of front teeth
- A combination of fixed and removable retainers for maximum stability
Dr. Paradis provides retainers at the completion of active treatment and advises on a wear schedule that maintains results long-term. Regular retention check appointments ensure retainers fit properly and alignment remains stable.
Expert Orthodontic Care Under One Roof
At Biddeford Saco Dental Associates, Dr. Paradis brings dedicated orthodontic expertise to a comprehensive multi-specialty practice. Patients benefit from coordinated care where orthodontic treatment is integrated with general dentistry, pediatric care, and restorative services under one roof.
Call our Saco, ME office or book online to schedule your orthodontic consultation with Dr. Paradis.