What Technology & Services Do We Offer?
Braces
How do braces straighten crooked teeth?
Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are: the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them. The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your “ideal” bite. In other words, it reflects the way we want you to look after treatment. To discuss getting braces, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.
The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind.
Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed every day.
Different Types of Braces
Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They love using different colors of ligature ties. These braces are much smaller than ever before.
Self-ligating metal brackets reduce friction between brackets and wires by eliminating use of ligature ties. Thus, it can reduce total treatment time.
Translucent clear braces are the most popular with adults. You have to be very close to someone to be able to see them.
Two-Phase Treatment
Advantages of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal health, functional result that will remain stable throughout your life.
Our Goals in First Phase Treatment
First phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Sometimes children exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age.
Benefits of Two-Phase of Treatment
Because of rapid growth, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment. This treatment utilizes appliances that help direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. In essence we are setting up the foundation to the house, establishing and providing adequate room for the eruption of all the permanent teeth. Early orthodontic treatment may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving conditions untreated until all permanent teeth have fully erupted could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces alone.
When Early Treatment is Indicated
If Phase I Treatment is indicted, our Treatment Coordinator will review diagnostic records, types of appliances, approximate length of treatment time and an estimated cost. While two phases of treatment are not always necessary, Phase I Treatment may minimize or eliminate the needs for a second phase of treatment.
Observation or Resting Period
In between Phase I and Phase II Treatments, we put our children into an observation phase. During this time we monitor the eruption of remaining permanent teeth. We don’t recommend a retainer during this time because it may interrupt with the eruption of the permanent teeth. At the end of Phase I, your child’s teeth are not in their final position. This will take place in the second phase of treatment.
Second Phase Treatment: Establishing a Functional and Beautiful Smile!
Phase II Treatment begins when all permanent teeth have fully erupted (in our practice this includes the second molars). Our goal is to establish an exact location where the teeth are in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue and also allowing the jaw to be seated in the correct position. Diagnostic records will be taken to allow Dr. Bob and Dr. Ron to determine the best individual treatment plan for your child.
When the second phase of treatment is initiated, braces are usually placed on all of the teeth, and the average length of treatment runs about 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful GOOD smile. A GOOD Smile Lasts a Lifetime!
In-Ovation® Systems Braces
Your Choice for a Beautiful Smile.
We happily offer our patients In-Ovation System Braces.
In-Ovation is a new and technically advanced system that can give you the radiant smile you have always wanted more quickly than traditional braces, and without the need for unattractive, unsanitary and uncomfortable ties or elastics. Best of all, there’s never a need to have your braces tightened! Using light, gentle forces, In-Ovation makes the path to a beautiful smile faster and more comfortable than you ever thought possible!
Traditional Braces
Elastics and ties used in older braces put pressure and friction on teeth which slows treatment and causes discomfort
In-Ovation
With the In-Ovation system, teeth are free to move more quickly, easily and comfortably.
A Beautiful Smile is Fast and Easy!
With In-Ovation, you can achieve amazing results faster—often, depending on your treatment needs, months sooner than with other braces.
With In-Ovation, You Can Have:
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Faster results
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Shorter appointments
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Fewer office visits
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Greater comfort
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Improved facial proportion and appearance
Attractive Advantages for You:
In-Ovation comes in three styles that look great and are comfortable to wear. Ask your doctor which In-Ovation bracket is best for you!
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In-Ovation R is smaller and has a lower profile than other self-ligating brackets. With no elastic or metal ties, you will have less irritation, less plaque build-up and less difficulty keeping your teeth clean
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In-Ovation C is a translucent ceramic bracket that offers fast and comfortable treatment with the added
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In-Ovation L MTM offers a superb alternative to tray aligners for patients requiring 6mm of movement or less. Completely invisible, L MTM self-ligating “quick clips” work within a few short months to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted.
Learn more about In-Ovation on their website at www.gacinovation.com
Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment
Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment
Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment can straighten your teeth without the use of actual fixed braces. To discuss a number of clear aligner treatment options with Good Orthodontics, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.
For more information about various Clear Aligner treatment solutions offered by Drs. Ron and Bob Good, please visit companies like Sure Smile and Invisalign.
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Clear Aligner treatment solutions use a series of clear removable appliances to straighten your teeth without traditional brackets and metal wires.
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The appliances are made through a combination of Dr. Bob Good and Dr. Ron Good‘s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology.
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You wear each set of appliances for almost two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
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As you replace each appliance with the next in the prescribed series, your teeth will incrementally move, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Bob Good and Dr. Ron Good have prescribed.
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You will visit Dr. Bob Good and Dr. Ron Good about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
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Total treatment time may average 9-15 months and the average number of appliances worn during treatment may be between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case depending on the complexity of your malocclusion and Dr. Good’s treatment plan.
SureSmile Aligner
SureSmile Aligner
The clear way to your ideal smile.
Good Orthodontic treatment with SureSmile Aligners can help you to achieve your ideal smile faster, easier, and more discretely than you ever thought possible.
What is SureSmile Aligner?
SureSmile Aligner is a series of transparent, removable and virtually invisible clear aligners designed to progressively straighten your teeth into their ideal position.
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Virtually invisible
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Comfortable
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Removable
How does SureSmile Aligner work?
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A 3-D model of your teeth is created that allows Dr. Good to analyze your bite from every angle possible.
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Using this model and our state-of-the-art treatment planning software, movement of each tooth is calculated with unparalleled precision.
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Dr. Good determines your optimal and completely customized treatment plan.
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Your custom aligners are made using industry leading clear Essix plastic materials.
Your smile deserves a clinician developed treatment plan.
Most importantly, the SureSmile Aligner system gives you the peace of mind that your treatment plan is developed by an orthodontic specialist. Drs. Bob and Ron Good have invested in state-of-the-art equipment and software that allows them to see your teeth “root to crown” at every angle imaginable. You can be confident that your personalized treatment plan is fully customized and designed for a long-term healthy, GOOD smile.
Take the first step towards a more confident and healthy smile.
Call Good Orthodontics to schedule your consultation today!
Orthodontic Dictionary
Appliances: Anything your orthodontist attaches to your teeth which moves your teeth or changes the shape of your jaw.
Archwire: The metal wire that acts as a track to guide your teeth along as they move. It is changed periodically throughout treatment as your teeth move to their new positions.
Band: A metal ring that is cemented to your tooth, going completely around it. Bands provide a way to attach additional appliances to your teeth.
Bond: The seal created by orthodontic cement that holds your appliances in place.
Bracket: A metal or acrylic (clear bracket) part cemented (“bonded”) to your tooth that holds your archwire in place.
Coil Spring: A spring that fits between your brackets and over your archwire to open space between your teeth.
Elastic (Rubber Band): A small rubber band that is hooked between different points on your appliances to provide pressure to move your teeth to their position.
Elastic Tie: The tiny rubber band that fits around your bracket to hold the archwire in place. They come in a variety of colors.
Headgear: Headgear uses an external wire apparatus known as a facebow to gently guide the growth of your face and jaw by moving your teeth into proper position. The force is applied to the facebow by a spring-loaded neck strap or head strap. The straps have a safety release that disconnects if the facebow is pulled or snagged.
Headgear Tube: A round, hollow attachment on your back bands. The inner bow of your headgear fits into it.
Hook: A welded or removable arm to which elastics are attached.
Ligature: A thin wire that holds your archwire into your bracket.
Mouthguard: A device that protects your mouth from injury when you participate in sports or rigorous activities.
Palatal Expander: A device that makes your upper jaw wider.
Retainer: An appliance that is worn after your braces are removed. The retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth to hold them in place. Most retainers are removable, while others are bonded to the tongue-side of your teeth.
Separator or Spacer: A small rubber ring that creates space between your teeth before the bands are attached.
Tie Wire: A fine wire that is twisted around your bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Wax: Wax is used to stop your braces from irritating your lips.
Orthodontic Procedures
Banding: The process of fitting and cementing orthodontic bands to your teeth.
Bonding: The process of attaching brackets to your teeth using special orthodontic cement.
Cephalometric X-ray: An x-ray of your head which shows the relative positions and growth of the face, jaw, and teeth.
Consultation: A meeting that takes place after your initial exam, this appointment with Drs. Bob and Rob and/or the Treatment Coordinator is to discuss your treatment plan.
Debanding: The process of removing cemented orthodontic bands from your teeth.
Debonding: The process of removing cemented brackets form your teeth.
Impressions: The process of making a model of your teeth by biting into a soft material that hardens into a mold of your teeth. These impressions will be used to prepare your treatment plan.
Invisalign: An alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear custom-molded aligners. Invisalign can correct some, but not all, orthodontic problems.
Ligation: The process of attaching an archwire to the bracket on your teeth.
Panoramic X-ray: An x-ray that rotates around your head to take pictures of your teeth, jaw, and other facial areas.
Diagram of Terms
Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment for some patients. Headgear creates forces that guide the growth of the face and jaws. It also is used to move teeth into better positions or to prevent teeth from moving.
Maintaining constant use of your headgear will achieve the best results. If instructions on usage are not followed, treatment will take longer and our treatment plan may have to change.
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Always be careful when removing your headgear. If the headgear is removed carelessly, the part that fits in your mouth and attaches to your teeth could injure your lips, cheeks, face and possibly your eyes
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Never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected
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Never lift the headgear over your face
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Never wear the headgear when running or playing sports
Take your headgear with you to every appointment. If it becomes soiled, we will tell you how it should be cleaned.
Your teeth may be tender for the first few days of wearing your headgear. This tenderness will disappear as you adjust to the new pressures.
Let Dr. Bob Good and Dr. Ron Good know if you continue to be uncomfortable for more than a few days. Wearing headgear is necessary for your treatment. Following the instructions exactly, will help you to complete your treatment without any changes in your treatment plan.
Removable Appliances
Removable appliances, unlike conventional braces, are used to retain teeth in their corrected positions and in some cases, to influence growth of the jaws in order to effect changes in facial structure. In addition, they are often used before and in conjunction with fixed appliances.
Removable appliances are not utilized to treat all orthodontic problems. It takes skill, and experience to recognize conditions that will respond favorably to removable appliances. Timing of such therapy also is very important.
Since removable appliances can easily be taken out by the patient, there may be a tendency not to wear them as we have prescribed. This means your teeth, jaws and muscles may move back toward their original positions.
Removable appliances require care. Although you may notice an effect on eating and speaking along with an increase in the flow of saliva, you will eventually adjust to the appliance.
Gnathologic Orthotic
BIOESTHETICS
Our goal at Good Orthodontics is to provide all of our patients with the highest quality of orthodontic care. Our aim is to educate our patients to allow them to choose excellence and to enjoy the long term benefits of that decision.
The objective is to provide excellent facial and smile esthetics as well as optimal functionality - BIOESTHETICS*. We strive to provide much more than just straight teeth. Drs. Bob and Ron Good focus on the entire gnathologic system which includes addressing the skeletal structures (upper and lower jaws and facial framework), the dentition (teeth alignment), the musculature (muscle function), TMJ (temporomandibular joints) and evaluation of the airway. There are many factors that determine how one's teeth fit together and function. The goal is that the system be balanced and function in harmony.
A gnathologic orthotic is a removable orthopedic appliance that is often indicated as a means of accomplishing these goals. This appliance is fabricated on a jaw motion simulator which mimics each patient's particular jaw movements and bite relationship. It is not merely a bite or night guard. The gnathologic orthotic is utilized as an invaluable diagnostic aid and therapeutic measure to obtain a healthy and comfortable jaw joint position. It is a highly sophisticated appliance and is not misconstrued with a night bite plate.
DIAGNOSTIC
The key to achieving successful treatment outcomes begins with making the proper diagnosis. In order for Drs. Bob and Ron to prescribe the appropriate treatment, it is important for them to accurately determine the bite and jaw relationship. As the patient wears the gnathologic orthotic, it simulates an ideal bite or occlusion. This eliminates the proprioception (unfavorable muscle memory patterns) which is dictated by improper tooth positions (malocclusion) and causes the lower jaw to assume a compensated position. Allowing the muscles to relax enables the lower jaw to seat properly in the jaw joint socket.
Drs. Good will adjust and refine the orthotic until a comfortable jaw position is established. After identifying the optimal and comfortable jaw position, the appropriate treatment can then be prescribed. This treatment may include coronaplasty, (occlusal adjustment to balance the bite), orthodontics, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery), restorative/prosthetic therapy, periodontal therapy or some combination of these modalities. It is necessary to design and select an orthodontic treatment plan that is customized for each patient according to their facial, skeletal and dental makeup. By going through this important diagnostic procedure, our patients and our doctors are better able to decide which treatment is best for them.
THERAPEUTIC
The orthotic appliance is not only used in diagnosis, but also as an orthopedic treatment device to address bite disharmonies and associated symptoms. Not everyone with a malocclusion (bad bite) is aware of existing problems. Some patients may express a myriad of symptoms. These may include facial pain, headaches, muscle soreness, jaw joint degeneration, jaw clicking, popping and locking, restricted jaw opening, loose teeth, wearing down of teeth, hearing deficit, ringing in the ears, dizziness, etc. These symptoms are often classified as TMD, (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), and/or MPD, (Myofascial Pain Dysfunction). An improper bite is much like when the gears of a machine or a car are out of alignment. There is more wear and tear on the system . . . the tires become worn and there is a mechanical breakdown. Wearing an orthotic affords a differential diagnosis identifying those symptoms that are attributed to the malocclusion as well as establishing the optimal jaw position. Many patients experience significant relief of their symptoms from this orthotic therapy.
PROTECTIVE
Although a smile may look good, the jaws and muscles may not be balanced and consequently not functioning optimally. If this is the case, the patient is subject and prone to have tooth wear, bone and tooth loss, muscle soreness, degenerative changes in the TM Joints, etc.. It can take many years before a patient is aware of the damage that is occurring.
A well-adjusted gnathologic orthotic that both simulates an ideal bite and affords an optimal jaw/TM Joint relationship protects the gnathologic system. It serves to minimize harmful forces and helps to prevent further breakdown and deterioration.
An orthotic may also serve as an excellent retainer in cases when optimal treatment goals are not attainable, when compromise treatment plans have been elected. In addition, the gnathologic orthotic may be worn to protect dental work for patients who have a history of bruxism (grinding of teeth) and to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of TMD. While in some situation sit may not be the final solutions, it is an effective interim measure.
*BIOESTHETICS is the study of living things in their natural environment of healthy function and beauty.
- Dr. Robert Lee
GNATHOLOGY is the study of the masticatory system, including its physiology, functional disturbances and treatment.
GNATHOSTOMATICS is the physiology of the mouth and jaws.
Retainers
Once the active phase of orthodontic treatment is completed, your braces are removed. The next step is called retention. Retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions.
You must wear your retainers as instructed. otherwise, your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost.
Dr. Bob Good and Dr. Ron Good will determine how long you need to wear your retainer. Time varies with each patient. Some people may need retainers for an extended period of time in order to eliminate shifting of the teeth. In some cases, permanent retention may be necessary. The retention phase is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!
Remember, wear them in your mouth, not in your pocket. Retainers work when you follow our instructions.
Clean your retainers! After meals, clean all parts of the retainer with a brush.
Handle your retainers with care. Retainers are easy to lose. If you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safety.
Home Care
Check braces once a week for anything loose or bent. If a bracket or band comes loose or you break a wire, please call our office at so that we can arrange an appointment long enough to repair it. Try to explain what has happened by using the diagram provided. Be as specific as possible with the receptionist. If you lose your rubber bands, call us so we can mail you some more or drop by the office and pick some up.
Sore Teeth
After braces are placed in the mouth, it is normal for the teeth to be sore for about 2 or 3 days. Tylenol or Advil will help relieve this discomfort. Some irritation to the cheeks and tongue is normal, but if you feel anything sharp is poking you or any sores are developing, please call our office.
Elastics
Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed every day. Any time missed in wearing your elastics will only make your treatment take longer, so remember these things:
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You are responsible for placing the elastics on your braces between appointments. Make sure to wear them as instructed. Remove them only when brushing your teeth, gums and braces after meals. Then put them back on immediately
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Always carry a few elastics with you, so if one breaks you can replace it right away. If your supply is low, call the office and we will mail you an additional supply of elastics
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If you forget to insert your elastics one day, don’t double up the next day — just follow your regular instructions
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Elastics become worn out. When they lose their elasticity, they don’t provide the proper pressure on your teeth and jaws. It is very important to change them as directed, even when they are not broken
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If your elastics break frequently, a wire or band loosens, or a hook breaks off — call our office immediately. Don’t wait until your next appointment. These problems need to be corrected as soon as possible!
Washington Office: 724-225-1114
Mt. Lebanon Office: 412-344-4663
Pleasant Hills Office: 412-655-4660
Brushing & Flossing
BRUSH AFTER EVERY MEAL!
Use a toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste, and use circular, vibrating motions around the gum line for about 10 seconds on each tooth.
Brush every tooth slowly. Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down, and also be sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Floss nightly after brushing to remove the plaque missed by brushing.
Carefully pull waxed floss between wire and braces. Floss carefully around the braces and the gum area. Also be sure to floss around each tooth.
Brushing & Flossing
Orthodontic Brushing and Flossing
Brush after every meal.
Use a toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste.
Brush every tooth slowly.
Use circular, vibrating motions around the gumline for about 10 seconds on each tooth.
Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down. Also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Floss nightly after brushing to remove the plaque missed by brushing.
Carefully pull waxed floss between wire and braces.
Floss carefully around the gum area.
Floss carefully around the braces.
Floss around each tooth.
Results
Proper Oral Hygiene
Improper Brushing and Flossing
CBCT Imaging Machines
All three of the Good Orthodontic locations are equipped with CBCT Imaging machines. This technology provides a wealth of information to enhance our diagnosis and treatment planning for the patient. The scan provides a closer look at the TMJoint in order to determine degeneration. We can also study the airway and bone density around each individual tooth. In addition we are able to determine exactly where impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, and ectopic teeth are in the oral cavity. We are so excited to be using this advanced technology!
We are pleased to provide this service to referring professionals that may need a CBCT scan for an implant, extraction, or other procedures for their patients. Simply call any of our offices to schedule an appointment for your patient. A thumb drive of the patient's scan is included in the fee for future use.