Dr. Thomas Christie and staff members will post thoughts and research information in this section. You will also hear from some parents who have experienced The Orthodontic Center in addition to adult patients.
Please let us know your thoughts by clicking on comment at the bottom of each entry or just read the posts to learn more about us. If you are looking for information on specific subjects, go to the listing to the right and click.
If you would like to chat with us further, then please call us at 203.259.3341.
Affordable Orthodontics
At one point, orthodontic treatment was available to only the wealthy but lucky for everyone, things have changed. Over the years, braces have become much more patient friendly and affordable.
Back in the 1960’s and earlier, it would take 3-5 appointments over a couple of months just to get the braces on. They were literally made as you went along fitting them on the patient. Today braces are easier to place because the orthodontist doesn’t have to place the wires on each individual tooth plus they are bonded directly to the outside surfacs of teeth instead of having a metal band cemented totally around the tooth. Appointments do not last nearly as long…braces can be placed on the teeth in one 40 mintue appointment.
Advances in wires which cause teeth to move have also aided in controlling costs.
Another very important factor in keeping costs to a minimum is the use of trained Dental Assistants. Our office has employed these individuals not only in the clinical area but also at the front desk, in the administration areas, and in our xray and appliance laboratory.
The Fairfield Orthodontic Center provides gentle treatment in the shortest amount of time with minimal interference in work or school schedules. We use the most aesthetic braces available at a very affordable fee. We are also able to offer treatment with no down payments for those paitents who need or want such arrangements.
Call us at The Fairfield Orthodontic Center, 203.259.3341
Posted by Dr. Christie | Comment (0)
Dentists Provide Free Dental Care on Smile Day
As reported by the Fairfield Citizen News, eight local dentists joined 13 others from throughout the region (Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull, and Derby) to give free dental care and supplies to children as a part of “Give Kids a Smile day.”
Participating dentistst included Drs. Jeffrey Warren, Tryphose Charles, Brian Amoroso, Cynthia Bartolone, Jon Davis, Edward Finnigan and our own Thomas Christie of Fairfield and Drs. Mahzar Alhadid and Salvatore Pizzino of Southport.
86 children received free detal care including orthodontia.
Posted by Valorie | Comment (0)
Early Treatment of Orthodontics
For many years, orthodontics waited until all of the permanent teeth were in to begin treatment of children. Many disadvantages were evident with this waiting, however. In many cases, permanent teeth needed to be removed in order to gain enough room to align the teeth properly. Because of this, facial profiles often became less attractive. Faces may have become “flat” in appearance; smiles could have shown too much gum tissue; lips could have become pencil thin rather than full and attractive; noses may have looked larger that they really were, etc.
As orthodontists, we have always had the option of treating early but in the past, long term advantages were minimal because our treatment basically amounted to holding or maintaining space. If the jaws were too small, there was not enough room for all the permanent teeth!
Because of my extensive research on the topic of early vs. later orthodontic treatment, our pracitce, The Orthodontic Center in Fairfield, Connecticut, has for the last 16 years used early treatment to not only hold space but to gain space. This has been accomplished through the use of accurate “Facial Print” growth predictions to maturity. Treatment is now planned from maturity for the rest of the child’s life.
Because of the effectivenes of the Facial Print technology, I recommend that children be seen for the first time at four or five years of age to check facial development and then in most cases, treatment doesn’t begin until the patient is six or seven years old.
For more information about the FACIAL PRINT, go to “How We Keep You Smiling” on this site or call us at The Orthodontic Center, 203.259.3341
Posted by Dr. Christie | Comment (0)
First Orthodontic Check Up
The right time for an Orthodontic check up is no later than age 7. Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic check up no later than age 7.
At The Orthodontic Center in Fairfield, CT, here are a few reasons for an early visit:
1. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
2. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
3. Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to guide jaw growth,correct harmful oral habits and guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position.
We support and are guided by the American Association of Orthodontists.
Posted by Dr. Christie | Comment (0)
The Orthodontic Center in Fairfield, CT
All parents would probably like to know what the future holds for their children. Success. Health. Happiness. Unfortunately, for most things in life, the future is unpredictable, relying on personalities, environment and even to some extent, luck.
But there is one aspect of your child’s future that you can control and that is the ability to identify facial growth patterns and embark upon an orthodontic treatment plan that will provide your child with enhanced appearance at maturity.
Through the use of computer based technology, we can project entire facial and jaw-growth at an early age. This information is then used for early preventative orthodontics and eliminates invasive and costly therapy. With facial growth forecasting, the avoidance of extractions and incorrect orthopedic procedures is the ultimate reward.
Dr. Thomas Christie, Director
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