Dr. Bukholts doesn't do a hurry-up, exam/diagnosis/treatment plan first appointment. She takes time to learn more about you and your goals. As a trained Roth-Williams orthodontist, she performs a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, bite and jaw (temporomandbular joints) to evaluate both your functional and esthetic needs. And she will answer questions and concerns you have about orthodontics.

It's only after a complete study of your goals, dental history and records that Dr. Bukholts makes the thoughtful, informed diagnosis that will guide your treatment. Whatever kind of orthodontic care is necessary, we'll make another appointment to explain your customized treatment plan and options. During treatment, Dr. Bukholts will carefully track your progress with the latest hi-tech techniques, including articulator mounted study models to ensure the proper relationship between teeth and skull for minimal joint strain and improved stability. Complete treatment updates to document progress milestones will also be provided to ensure that you are always completely informed.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Many patients want to know exactly how much time their orthodontic care will take. The answer is that it varies from patient to patient depending on many factors. While the average treatment is between 1 and 2 years, the process can be sped up by new-tech braces and procedures, or slowed down by the severity of the problem or lack of compliance. The doctor will give you an informed estimate based on her findings in the diagnostic exam.

All braces are not created equal. Sure, they're all designed to move your
teeth. But today's less-noticeable high-tech options including In-Ovation®
and Invisalign® are made to gently put every tooth in its optimal place
faster – with fewer visits and less discomfort. Another new in-office
procedure: Dr. Bukholts uses mini-implants, which allow teeth to be
moved more accurately in a shorter period of time.

Whichever method you select, always make sure that you follow the
doctor's maintenance and care advice for better, faster results!

In-Ovation®

These state-of-the-art, self-ligating brackets are designed to put every tooth in its optimal place. They have no "O" rings or elastic bands like old-gen braces. Instead, a clip interacts with the wire on the bracket door causing lower friction for faster tooth movement. In-Ovation brackets demand less chair-time, fewer appointments and are more comfortable for patients; the bracket options include ceramic as well as metal. Although elastics are not needed, Perfect Smiles can provide color bands for young fashionistas.

Invisalign®

No more brackets or wires. This high-tech treatment uses a series of virtually invisible clear aligners to move teeth gently, comfortably and quickly. They're so discreet, most people won't realize you're wearing them, which makes Invisalign an excellent choice for professional and social situations. Other advantages include fewer appointments, less chair time and easy maintenance. Aligners are easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing so you don't have to skip your favorite foods, or change your cleaning routine.

Incognito™ Lingual System

iBraces/Incognito are lingual braces whose advantages are apparent: nothing shows on the front of the teeth so it's virtually impossible to spot them. Completely invisible from the outside, these high-tech appliances are precision engineered in a laboratory for each individual tooth of the specific patient. The remarkable flat design of the gold alloy brackets provides maximum comfort, plus is easy to keep clean. As the name states, these braces are placed "behind" the teeth on the tongue, or lingual side. The only one who knows you are having orthodontic treatment is you.

Mini-Implants

New technology has changed what was once major, in-hospital implant surgery into a minimally invasive in-office procedure. Dental mini-implants allow teeth to be moved in a highly predictable manner for excellent results in a short period of time. Minis are like nano-sized screws (1.8mm) that anchor tooth movement in the jawbone. This cutting-edge technique is considerably less expensive than traditional implant surgery, but equally effective.

Check out these before and after photos of Dr. Bukholts' patients. Then, imagine what Perfect Smiles Orthodontics can do for you, your confidence and your smile.