Dr. Alger supports the journey to a straight, healthy smile!
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment often require minor surgical procedures to achieve the best possible results. Dr. Alger provides surgical solutions to pave the way for a healthy, happy smile.
What orthodontic procedures does Dr. Alger offer?
Dr. Alger works alongside orthodontists to craft healthy smiles for patients receiving orthodontic treatment. To support overall smile goals, Dr. Alger is able to perform the following procedures:
Tissue Grafts
Patients who have orthodontic treatment are sometimes more prone to gum recession that leave the roots of teeth exposed. If this is the case for you, Dr. Alger can treat affected areas with tissue graft procedures to correct recession and strengthen gums.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
An attractive smile is determined by straight teeth and healthy gums! When excessive gum tissue covers tooth enamel, teeth can look short and the smile can appear gummy. Esthetic crown lengthening, in addition to orthodontic treatment, can improve the appearance of your smile.
Frenectomy
A dense band of connective tissue – called a frenum – extends from the lip to gum tissues. When this tissue fiber attached too close to the teeth, it can interfere with orthodontic treatment by causing spaces to open up between teeth that have already been straightened with braces. A minor procedure called a frenectomy is often required to prevent teeth from drifting apart after braces have been removed.
In less than 30 minutes, Dr. Alger utilizes a simple three-step procedure to relocate the frenum – in which a dental laser may be used. It is recommended that this procedure be performed before the braces are removed.
Implants
Sometimes, in the event of a missing tooth, an orthodontist will prefer to keep the space open and recommend a dental implant. It is typically the case that implants are placed after orthodontic treatment is completed, especially in the case of teenagers who require time to allow their bones to stop growing. Dr. Alger will work closely with both your orthodontist and dentist to create a dental implant treatment plan.
Eruption of Impacted Teeth
When a tooth will not erupt into the mouth on its own, Dr. Alger can surgically uncover the tooth, reflecting back the gum so that the orthodontist can guide the tooth into the position with proper orthodontic treatment.
Soft tissue or bony impacted teeth sometimes will not erupt into the mouth on their own. That was the case with this patient’s upper right canine tooth.
Dr. Alger was able to surgically uncover this young man’s canine tooth. His orthodontist was then able to move the tooth into proper alignment.