Orthodontic Treatment at Dann Orthodontics in Orlando, FL

Orthodontic care aligns teeth and jaws that are not correctly aligned to enhance oral function, hygiene, and comfort. The most common problems treated are crowding, bite problems, and jaw discrepancies.

Dann Orthodontics provides individualized care for children, teens, and adults. Treatment options include traditional braces, clear (ceramic) braces, Invisalign aligners, and orthognathic surgery designed to promote proper alignment and long-term dental health.

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Orthodontic Services

1. Braces (Traditional and Ceramic)

Regular braces (metal and fillings), in addition to clear-ceramic braces. Even metal braces today are smaller and less obvious. The ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as the metal ones, won’t stain teeth, and are hardly noticeable, so that’s an option. The practice also offers self-ligating braces (Empower), which utilize a clip instead of elastic bands, allowing for lighter wires that generate less friction and result in greater comfort and often shorter treatment times. In this way, smaller brackets also facilitate oral hygiene during treatment.

2. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are custom-made, removable plastic trays (aligners) that straighten teeth without traditional braces. Aligners are removable, allowing normal eating and cleaning. Invisalign Teen features wear indicators and replacement trays designed for growing mouths. An orthodontist assesses each case to determine the suitability of Invisalign.

3. Early Treatment

Children should have an orthodontic check-up by age 7 (per American Association of Orthodontists guidelines) to identify jaw growth issues or crowding. Early treatment can guide jaw development and incoming teeth into better positions, simplifying later treatment phases. Addressing problems early “paves the road for a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.”

4. Retainers (Post-Treatment)
   After braces or aligners, patients wear custom retainers to maintain their teeth in their new positions. A retainer keeps teeth from shifting back to crooked positions and protects the investment in treatment. A personalized retainer is crafted from a model of the patient’s teeth. It is worn full-time initially, usually transitioning to nighttime wear. Regular follow-ups ensure adjustments and maintain alignment.
5. Orthognathic Surgery
   For more serious jaw issues that cannot be treated by braces or aligners. Surgical intervention is applied when the positioning of the teeth and/or the bite cannot be corrected through traditional orthodontic treatment. It includes serious overbites and underbites, as well as congenital issues that interfere with chewing or speech. Braces are often used before and after surgery for tooth movement. At the same time, the osseous corrections are performed by the surgeon, with careful planning by the team.
6. Additional Treatments
   Other appliances may be employed as needed. For instance, palatal expanders gradually widen a child’s upper jaw to relieve crowding or crossbites. Dental “slenderizing” (interproximal reduction) can create space without extractions by shaving small amounts of enamel between teeth. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) – tiny, implant-like anchors – provide stable points for moving challenging teeth, remaining in place for a few months to assist complex movements.

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Technology & Unique Features

Dann Orthodontics uses advanced technology to improve comfort and efficiency. The iTero® Intraoral Scanner is used in place of messy putty impressions: a small digital wand scans the teeth to create a precise 3D model of the patient’s mouth. This digital model is more comfortable for patients and accurate for planning braces or Invisalign treatment.

The practice also offers a diode laser (940 nm) for certain soft-tissue procedures. Laser therapy can treat gum inflammation, reshape gum tissue, expose unerupted teeth, and perform minor gingival surgeries like frenectomies or operculectomies. Laser treatment is generally fast, nearly painless, and reduces bleeding and recovery time.

Custom appliances like palatal expanders (for growing children) and self-ligating Empower® braces are also part of the treatment options. Empower braces use built-in clips for the archwire, allowing lighter forces and fewer adjustments. Palatal expanders are adjusted gradually by turning a screw, gently widening the upper jaw over several months.

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Meet the Experts

Dr. Carl Dann IV, D.D.S., M.S., is the lead orthodontist at Dann Orthodontics. He is a third-generation orthodontist who graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master’s degree). After UNC, he joined the family practice (founded in 1965) and completed specialized orthodontic training. Dr. Dann has received academic honors – including a Senior Award for Excellence in Orthodontics – and co-authored five research papers on orthodontic treatment. He is a member of professional organizations (American Association of Orthodontists, Florida Association of Orthodontists, etc.) and actively participates in continuing education and teaching.

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Insurance & Payment

Dann Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans with orthodontic benefits and helps maximize coverage, although this depends on the policy. At the initial appointment, patients should provide their insurance card and notify the office of changes in coverage since these can impact their payment. If they qualify for benefits, these will lower the out-of-pocket expenditure for treatment.

The practice accepts cash and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). CareCredit financing is also available for flexible payment plans. A cash discount is offered for patients who pay in full at the start of treatment. Dann Orthodontics provides in-house financing and family discounts (for siblings) as part of its financial program.

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Schedule Your Appointment

To schedule a consultation or ask questions, you can contact us by phone or schedule an appointment online through our website.