Other Treatments

TMJ/TMD Treatment

What Is TMD? (Temporomandibular Disorder)

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a complex and chronic musculoskeletal disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is characterized by pain and dysfunction of the muscles that control jaw movement and other associated structures. TMD can affect both sides of the head, face, ears, and jaws. It is estimated to affect 5-12% of adults in the general population.

TMD can be caused by a wide range of factors, including stress, teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), whiplash injuries, or even gum-chewing habits. Aging can also play a role in the onset of TMD because it weakens the muscles around the jaw joint and decreases cartilage flexibility. Regardless of the cause, diagnosing and treating TMD is critical for restoring quality of life and preventing further damage to the jaw joint.

Treatment for TMD in Omaha, NE, may include physical and occupational therapy, medications, or in severe cases, even surgery. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques and eating soft foods may also be recommended. If the condition is severe enough, surgery may also be recommended to correct any structural abnormalities or damage in the jaw joint.

Symptoms of TMD

Temporomandibular Disorder is characterized by a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• • Pain in the jaw, face, and neck
  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
  • Clicking noises when moving the jaw
  • Dizziness and ringing in the ears

These symptoms can be experienced either simultaneously or separately. TMD may also be accompanied by tenderness of the muscles around the jaws and limited movement of the jaw joints.

However, it doesn’t stop there. Other common signs are problems with teeth grinding or clenching, a feeling that your upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, pain while chewing and eating cold foods, difficulty speaking clearly, popping sounds as you open your mouth, and changes in how you bite down on food.

Depending on the severity of the condition, TMD can significantly affect one’s quality of life by causing difficulty eating, sleeping, and performing daily activities. Moreover, severe cases may exacerbate persistent headaches and other complications such as jaw locking or dislocation. In these cases, medical attention from an orthodontist in Omaha, NE, like Dr. Weber, is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Accelerated Treatment

Speed Up Your Treatment With Propel

Accelerated orthodontics is an innovative approach to achieving beautiful, healthy smiles faster than ever before. This advanced treatment option uses specialized tools, advanced diagnostic methods, and monitoring techniques in addition to traditional braces or Invisalign aligners to maximize the benefits of orthodontic therapy while minimizing time spent in the orthodontist’s office. As a result, patients can achieve their desired results quicker with less discomfort and possible recurrence after treatment.

Furthermore, accelerated orthodontics in Omaha, NE, can cost significantly less than regular orthodontic treatments due to its shorter overall duration. So, if you are looking for a fast and efficient way to achieve your best smile yet, accelerated orthodontics may be right for you! Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Weber here at Weber Orthodontics about The Propel Excellerator™ Series.

Propel is a next-gen orthodontic technology developed by Propel Orthodontics to reduce treatment time and improve patient comfort. This cutting-edge system utilizes chair-side devices that can be used in conjunction with traditional braces and Invisalign. The Excellerator Series helps move teeth faster than ever before and is capable of reducing treatment times by up to 50%. And here at Weber Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the outstanding Propel Excellerator Series as a safe, efficient, and cost-effective way to achieve quick results!

How Does Accelerated Treatment Work?

The process begins with micro-osteoperforations (MOPs), which are tiny perforations made around your teeth. These small pinholes work to stimulate a natural inflammatory response that accelerates tooth movement. The process is generally quick and easy, taking only minutes, and can be performed with or without numbing the area. Depending on your unique orthodontic needs, only one or two treatments may be needed!

The beauty of Propel in Omaha, NE, is that it stimulates a natural process that works with your own biology and does not involve the use of any medications or extra appliances. There’s no need for surgery either, and there’s no downtime required following the treatment—you can get back to living your life right away! The Propel Excellerator Series is an efficient way to achieve positive results quickly, providing patients with beautiful smiles in less time than traditional orthodontic treatments require.

Here at Weber Orthodontics, we strive to provide our patients with the best possible orthodontic care and experience. Dr. Weber understands that not everyone is able to commit to a lengthy treatment plan, so we are proud to offer our innovative accelerated orthodontics solutions as an efficient and cost-effective way of attaining beautiful smiles in a fraction of the time.

Airway Orthodontics

Achieve Better Rest With Improved Breathing & Oral Health

Good sleep is essential for overall physical and mental well-being and so much more. However, many are unaware of the link between oral health, quality breathing, and good rest. At Weber Orthodontics, we understand that poor oral health can impede normal breathing, leading to interrupted sleep or even sleep apnea in more severe cases. That’s why we strive to provide our patients with comprehensive orthodontic care that emphasizes how improved breathing can lead to better rest and a healthier life.

We’ll work with you step by step to create an individual treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Depending on the severity of the situation, our treatments may include orthodontic appliances such as braces, retainers, and oral splints that reposition the lower jaw forward to open up the airway for improved breathing.

When Should You Or Your Child See An Airway Orthodontics Expert?

If you or your child is experiencing difficulty sleeping, snoring, or respiratory issues during sleep, it could be a sign that there is a tooth or jaw issue that is impacting your rest and ability to breathe. It is essential to seek out an airway orthodontics expert in Omaha, NE, like Dr. Weber, if your quality of life has been affected by any of the following:

• • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
  • Day and nighttime mouth breathing
  • Jaw pain or discomfort in the mornings
  • A history of upper respiratory infections
  • Unusual breathlessness during physical activity
  • Difficulties sleeping due to mouth dryness, excessive snoring, or in general

At Weber Orthodontics, we have years of experience providing treatment for patients struggling with breathing and sleeping issues due to poor oral health. We believe that everyone should be able to get the rest they deserve, which is why we offer tailored care based on your individual needs. Plus, our orthodontic team is highly trained and well-equipped with the latest technology and treatments to help ensure you can breathe easily once again.

What Is Airway Orthodontics?

Airway orthodontics is a special type of orthodontic care that focuses on the relationship between oral health and breathing. This form of treatment utilizes custom-made appliances, such as mouth guards, night guards, and jaw repositioning devices to improve airways while sleeping, as well as our usual orthodontic services to properly align teeth and jaws. It works to maximize airflow in the upper airway passages by allowing patients to breathe better during sleep.

The benefits of airway orthodontics in Omaha, NE, are numerous. By improving airflow, these treatments can reduce snoring volume and severity, help with sleep apnea, lessen fatigue associated with poor rest, reduce dry mouth symptoms, and even relieve asthma or other respiratory issues. Additionally, proper airway management may help prevent long-term damage to teeth and gums caused by poor oral health. So if you need airway orthodontics—you need Weber Orthodontics!

Two-Phase Treatment

What Is The Advantage Of Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment here at Weber Orthodontics offers a number of benefits to all of our patients. It can improve the appearance and function of the teeth, jaw, and facial muscles while also helping to create a healthier smile. Additionally, early orthodontics can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and speech problems by correcting any underlying issues that may arise during development. And by starting treatment early, we are able to take advantage of the growth period before permanent teeth come in so that we can address any misalignment or discrepancies right away.

Our early orthodontic treatment in Omaha, NE, also helps reduce overcrowding and bite problems that could potentially cause more serious damage if left untreated. Not only does this mean fewer long-term problems down the line, but it saves time at later visits because there will be less correction necessary. Plus, early orthodontic treatment often requires shorter and less invasive processes. This can help make treatment more manageable, approachable, and comfortable for our patients.

Phase One

In Phase One of our orthodontic treatment, we focus on aiding the development of the jaw to ensure that all permanent teeth fit comfortably in the upper and lower jaws. For young children, this is especially important since they often tend to show early signs of jaw issues as they grow. Dr. Weber can provide the necessary treatment at an early age to correct any misalignments and prevent future problems from occurring. And here at Weber Orthodontics, our team is experienced in assessing the needs of your child’s oral health and providing corrective treatments for children as young as six and seven years old.

Resting Period

Between Phase One and Phase Two of our orthodontic treatment, there is a resting period. This resting period is essential to ensure that the teeth are in their correct positions before proceeding with Phase Two. During this time, we leave the permanent teeth alone to establish themselves in their new positions and further develop the jaw. Dr. Weber will monitor the progress through routine check-ups to ensure that the teeth and jaw are developing properly. If needed, we may remove baby teeth with the appropriate caution in order to give room for the permanent teeth to better settle into place.

Phase Two

You are almost certainly already acquainted with the second and final phase of our early orthodontic treatment. Following the resting period, during which the upper and lower teeth have been allowed to settle into place, we will begin to fine-tune and address any remaining orthodontic issues. This can be achieved with either our traditional braces or Invisalign, depending on the severity of the problem at hand.

The length of time required for treatment in this phase varies depending on the individual but can range from 12 months up to 24 months. Once finished and their teeth are in ideal alignment, we’ll provide a helpful retainer to ensure that your young one’s teeth remain perfectly positioned throughout their life. And with that—we’re all done! Thanks to our early orthodontic treatment in Omaha, NE, here at Weber Orthodontics, your child’s oral health will be in the best state possible.

Surgical Orthodontics

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry that focuses on correcting jaw misalignment and irregular facial proportions. This form of treatment involves both orthodontic braces and surgical treatments to create an improved alignment of the teeth and jaws. The goal of this type of orthodontic treatment is to improve facial aesthetics, dental health, and overall function.

One of the main benefits of surgical orthodontics is that the result is often much more dramatic than what could be achieved with braces alone. Surgical orthodontic treatment in Omaha, NE, can correct a variety of issues, including underdeveloped jaws, overcrowding, protruding teeth, and asymmetrical facial features. This type of treatment can also help to reduce a person’s risk for oral health problems related to misaligned or improperly functioning teeth.

Surgical orthodontic treatments may involve changing the shape of the jawbone, repositioning the lower or upper jaw, or reshaping parts of the face (such as the chin or nose). Depending on the individual case, surgery may take place in combination with traditional braces over a period of time or as a single treatment. It is important to note that surgical orthodontics requires close observation and care by an experienced orthodontist, such as Dr. Weber at Weber Orthodontics.

When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Needed?

There are several situations when surgical orthodontics in Omaha, NE, may be needed. In some cases, the issue causing misalignment or irregular facial proportions has been present since birth and can only be corrected through surgery. If you or your child experiences extreme overcrowding that cannot be resolved through traditional braces alone, you may also benefit from surgical intervention to create more space on their jaw. Additionally, if a patient is having difficulty breathing or speaking due to jaw irregularities, then surgery may be necessary for correction.

A few more signs that you could benefit from surgical orthodontics include:

• • A severe underbite or overbite
  • Jaw pain caused by a facial imbalance
  • Difficulty chewing food due to jaw misalignment
  • Inability to close the mouth completely or comfortably

If you or someone in your family is experiencing any of the difficulties mentioned above, we encourage you to swing by Weber Orthodontics and speak with Dr. Weber about the potential benefits of surgical orthodontics!

Laser Soft-Tissue Recontouring

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is an oral condition where the upper gum line appears to be overly visible when a person smiles. This may be due to excessive gum tissue appearing above the teeth, the appearance of an abnormally short upper lip, or having teeth that are too small in comparison to the overall size of the mouth. The amount and visibility of gums around the teeth varies from person to person and can have a significant impact on one’s facial appearance.

Gummy smiles can sometimes be caused by genetics, as some individuals naturally have more pronounced gums than others. However, this is only sometimes the case. Other contributing factors may include excessive jawbone growth, misalignment of teeth, or wearing down of teeth due to grinding or acid erosion.

The good news is that there are treatments available for gummy smiles right here at Weber Orthodontics to improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence. Though, depending on your unique circumstance, what orthodontic solution you need may vary. Still, our most common solution to a gummy smile is something we call laser soft-tissue recontouring in Omaha, NE.

How Soft Tissue Recontouring Can Help Your Smile

Laser soft-tissue recontouring is a minimally-invasive orthodontic process that can help correct excessive gingival display, or “gummy smiles.” This treatment involves gently reshaping the gum line and removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of the underlying teeth. The result is an even, symmetrical smile with less visible gums.

The benefits of soft tissue recontouring are numerous. It can not only improve the appearance of your smile but also potentially reduce problems caused by oral bacteria due to an overly large gum line. In addition, it can increase self-confidence by making smiles look brighter and more attractive!

Here at Weber Orthodontics, we use safe and time-proven methods to reshape gums and achieve desired results. We take into account the underlying cause of a gummy smile before suggesting any treatment plan so that you can rest assured knowing your unique needs are being fully considered. Whether you’re looking for a quick orthodontic fix or a long-term solution, our knowledgeable team is here to help.

What Role Does Gummy Smile Treatment Play In Achieving A Perfect Smile?

Gummy smile treatment in Omaha, NE, is an essential part of creating a perfect smile that braces and jaw surgery may not necessarily achieve. By laser soft-tissue recontouring the gums, Dr. Weber can create a more proportionate tooth-to-gum ratio, which will result in a more aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, with excessive gum tissue removed, teeth become more visible, and the overall appearance of the smile becomes much brighter.

If you’re unhappy about your gummy smile and want to explore treatments to improve it, the Weber Orthodontics team is here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Zoom Whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening With Zoom

Teeth whitening in Omaha, NE, is an increasingly popular way to restore the natural, bright-white shine of healthy teeth. Unfortunately, over time, teeth can become discolored from a variety of sources, including aging, orthodontic issues, and tobacco use. Tooth discoloration can even be caused by something as simple as your diet if it includes foods like coffee, tea, and soda.

Fortunately, Zoom Whitening here at Weber Orthodontics offers quick and easy solutions for achieving a brighter, healthier smile.

Zoom Whitening is one of the most advanced forms of professional teeth whitening available today—providing dramatic results in just 45 minutes! This revolutionary system uses intense light technology to break down surface stains on your teeth and get them looking their best. With the expertise and talent of Dr. Weber performing the treatment at our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll receive top-notch care that makes sure your experience is comfortable and safe.

When you come into Weber Orthodontics for teeth whitening, Dr. Weber will begin your initial free consultation with a full examination of your teeth. This helps us determine the right professional whitening treatment for you. If we agree that Zoom Whitening in Omaha, NE, is the best choice for you, the process begins with a simple cleaning and prepping of your teeth.

The Whitening Process

Once your teeth are prepped, your lips and gums will be protected with a desensitizing cover, and the Zoom Whitening treatment will begin. First, a unique, FDA-approved hydrogen-peroxide gel is applied directly to the surface of your teeth, which helps to loosen and break down any surface stains. Then a high-tech blue-LED light is used to activate the gel and supercharge its effects. This light works by releasing energy onto molecules in the gel, causing them to break down into smaller molecules that can penetrate even deeper into the discolored tooth enamel.

As we mentioned earlier, the entire process takes about 45 minutes, and during this time, Dr. Weber will periodically check on you to make sure you’re comfortable and that everything is going according to plan. Once the treatment is finished, you can already expect to see a noticeable improvement in your tooth color and brightness after just one treatment! Additionally, the treatment is safe and pain-free; however, some patients may experience slight tooth sensitivity for a few days following their visit. But don’t worry—Dr. Weber will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your teeth after the Zoom Whitening process and before any future treatments.