Two-phase Orthodontic Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment consists of two separate times when a child receives orthodontic treatment. A first phase of treatment is done while the child still has many "baby" teeth. A second phase takes place when the child has most or all of his/her permanent teeth. Braces or other appliances may be used during the first phase.

A first phase of treatment is initiated to: 

1. Prevent a problem from developing (preventive treatment). 
2. Intercept a developing problem (interceptive treatment).
3. Guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth (growth modification)

Your orthodontist will judge if your child will benefit from a first phase of treatment. 

Most patients will require a second phase of treatment with traditional braces to complete the alignment of the teeth and jaws that was started in the first phase. 

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call: 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

The Social Benefits of Straight Teeth

Having straight teeth goes hand in hand with self-confidence. Those with straight teeth tend to flash their smile more often. In addition to the health benefits of straight teeth previously discussed, the social benefits are increasing in this day and age.
Studies have shown that first impressions are paramount and our teeth play an essential role in how we are initially perceived by others. Specifically, western cultures value an attractive smile and a recent survey has shown that people usually perceive those with well aligned teeth as smarter, more successful, happier, healthier, and more trustworthy. Furthermore, another study has shown that people with "ideal" smiles were more likely to be hired when compared to those with crooked teeth.

If you feel uncomfortable with your teeth or have a tendency to hide them when you smile, modern orthodontic appliances have evolved significantly and you can nowadays chose from a wide variety of esthetic and clear braces or aligners. No one needs to know you are straightening your teeth!

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call: 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

What Orthodontics can do for you

Orthodontists receive an additional 2 to 3 years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align your teeth and fix your bite.
If you're one of the many people who have teeth that don't line up correctly, you may be self-conscious about your smile. Misaligned teeth also can cause various dental health problems.
Fortunately, Orthodontics can solve many of these problems.

"The shortest distance between two people is a smile"









Healthy smile
Straight, well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain. And well aligned-teeth can help you avoid such problems as abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue.

Beautiful smile 
Smiles come in many shapes and sizes. A pleasing smile can be a big plus for you on the road of life. It engages others and shares warmth. Orthodontics can help bring out the best in you. The orthodontist will work with your existing teeth and jaws to remove any distracting problem when you interact with others so the natural beauty of your smile can come out.

Confident smile 
Your smile is an essential part of who you are and how others see you. Orthodontics is an investment in you, your future, your potential. Smile and enjoy life.

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call: 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

Why Choose Invisalign?

Perhaps you're a teen or the parent of a teen looking to straighten your teeth without having to put your life on hold or an adult looking to improve your smile for social or business reasons or why not for your Wedding day!

Don't let metal braces hold you back!

Benefits for Adults
- Invisalign aligners are made of a virtually invisible plastic.
- Most people won't even notice you're going through treatment.
- No need to feel self-conscious about how you look.
- Live life the way you want. No irritating wires to worry about and no food restrictions.
- Better oral hygiene. It allows you to continue brushing and flossing normally since aligners are removable.

Benefits for Teens
- With Invisalign Teen, you can straighten your teeth without metal wires and brackets. You're free to enjoy the things that you enjoy the most.
- No one needs to know you're straightening your teeth.
- Eat with freedom.
- Keep doing what you love.
- Boost in self-esteem.

Is it right for me?
A consultation with an Invisalign-certified Orthodontist will tell if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call: 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

What are the different types of braces that you can choose from?

Traditional Metal Braces v/s Ceramic Braces

Lingual Braces placed from inside for improved esthetics

Wild Braces with different shapes for kids who want more fun

 Removable Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign Aligners being inserted on teeth. Almost invisible.
Available for Adults and Teens

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call: 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

Early orthodontic treatment

Classic orthodontic treatment is usually started between the ages of 9-12.

Headgear

However, sometimes, treatment can be started earlier, around the age of 7-8 in some cases, even when the patient still has some baby teeth. This may keep more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter or less complicated.

Face mask

When early treatment is recommended, it doesn't necessarily mean that the child will wear braces.

Typically, it involves the use of materials and techniques to guide the growth of young bones as adult teeth are emerging, creating a better environment for those new permanent teeth.

Expander

These appliances may be removable or "fixed" in the mouth. They may be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.

No matter when treatment begins, the purpose is to use gentle pressure to direct not only the teeth, but also the jaws into their proper positions.

When advised, early orthodontic treatment may be beneficial.



Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

Signs your child may need to see an orthodontist

An uncorrected bad bite may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, poor self-esteem, abnormal wear of teeth, difficulty in chewing and speaking, and stress on bone and gum tissue. 

Here are some signs parents can watch for that indicate the need for a visit to the orthodontist, possibly even before permanent teeth come in: 

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty in chewing or biting
3. Breathing through the mouth
4. Thumb sucking beyond age 6
5. Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. A jaw that is too far forward or back
7. Protruding teeth
8. Upper and lower teeth that don't meet
9. An unbalanced facial appearance
10.  Grinding or clenching of the teeth

When advised, early orthodontic treatment may be beneficial and may reduce or prevent further orthodontic problems in the future. 

Better safe than sorry!

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

What are the main teeth straightening problems that Invisalign can treat?

Invisalign corrects a wide variety of dental problems involving gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, overly crowded teeth, and crossibte.

Gapped teeth

Overly crowded teeth

Crossbite

Underbite

Overbite

Open bite

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

When is the right time to see an Orthodontist?

Age 7 is the right time to see an orthodontist according to the American Association of Orthodontists. 

While your child's teeth might appear to be straight, there may actually be a problem that needs to be evaluated by an orthodontist.

If you recognize any of the following issues with your child, schedule a check-up with an orthodontist. It may be one of the most important actions you can take to ensure your child's healthy smile. 

- Early or late loss of baby teeth

- Difficulty in chewing or biting

- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth

- Grinding or clenching of the teeth

- Thumb or finger sucking

- Speech difficulties

- Facial imbalance

- Jaws that shift or make sounds

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

Invisalign for Teens - The Clear Alternative to braces

“Does Invisalign work for kids?” - “My child is going through his/her adolescence, so he/she really doesn’t want to wear braces”- 

I invariably get asked these questions by worried parents who are eager to fix the teeth of their child. Adolescence is a period of stress and strain as well as change. So oftentimes, adolescents have enough on their minds to worry about braces that can affect their confidence in smiling. 

Well the good news is that you can straighten your teeth without having to deal with metal braces and wires.

NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW YOU ARE STRAIGHTENING YOUR TEETH!

You can still do all the things that you love because Invisalign aligners are:

 -Clear, plastic, virtually invisible!

Your friends won’t probably notice you’re wearing them. You can still take pictures and enjoy a better smile every day.

- Removable.

This means you can take them off and enjoy your favorite foods, ex. chewing gum, popcorn … Eat with freedom!

- Super comfortable

Aligners are smooth and perfectly molded to your teeth and therefore do not irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips and cause ulcers.

 Keep doing what you love!

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

Orthodontics for Adults

        It's Never Too Late To Be Your Best       

You're never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Today, adults make up at least one in every five orthodontic patients. 

     

Advances in Orthodontics have made treatment much more comfortable, successful, and esthetic than ever for people of all ages.

Here are common questions asked by adults who are looking to improve their smile:

Is orthodontic treatment effective for adults? 

Yes. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children. Orthodontic forces move teeth in the same way for both adults and children.

Do appliances have to show? 

Many options are available today to minimize the appearance of braces. Appliances today are smaller and transparent, and some like Invisalign are next to invisible. We, as orthodontists, can advise you as to what options are recommended for your particular needs. Pay us a visit at our clinic located in Beirut, Lebanon for a complimentary consultation.

Will orthodontic treatment fit my lifestyle? 

You can do almost anything during orthodontic treatment like sing, play a musical instrument, give a conference, kiss, and dine out. If you're like the vast majority of adult patients, you'll adjust quickly. Today's new techniques and materials have made orthodontic treatment more comfortable than ever.

I've been treated for gum disease. Can my teeth be straightened?

We will consult with your dentist and/or periodontist about the health of your gums. If you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, you will continue regular supervision with your dentist and in many cases, tooth alignment can improve the health of the gums.








Will my treatment take the standard 2 years to finish?

One part of adult orthodontics involves what is called "limited treatment". This type of treatment commonly treats esthetic and/or functional problems limited to the alignment of teeth as well as spacing problems and minor protrusion of teeth without correction of the bite. This,  in essence, addresses the individual treatment needs of every patient. The limited treatment can take as little as 3-4 months for minor cases and averages 6-8 months for standard cases.


Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website: www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. To make an appointment, you can call 
+961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344.

What are the benefits of Invisalign over braces?

Braces have been around for a long time now and their efficacy does not have to be proven.

However, Invisalign and other clear aligner techniques that are part of the broad term of “invisible braces” or “invisible orthodontics” have introduced a few advantages and added benefits over the traditional braces, especially when adults are concerned.

• They are made of a clear thermoforming material that makes them virtually invisible (no metal, no wires).
• Invisalign aligners are removable. Therefore, they are removed when eating, making oral hygiene easier.
• Allows you to eat whatever foods you enjoy. You don’t have to change your eating habits since they are removable (no broken braces).
• They are custom-made and perfectly molded to your teeth, making them much more comfortable than braces (no rubbing or cutting of cheeks and lips due to poking wires).
• Less visits to the orthodontist, making it ideal for your busy schedule. 

Invisalign Smile
(wearing invisible aligner)

So with clear aligner treatment, you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing, to eating whatever you like.  If there is a special occasion coming up, you can just take your aligners out for that time and put them back in your mouth when you are ready. Additionally, Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.





Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. Just make sure to call ahead for an appointment (landline: +961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344).

The most common questions asked during an Invisalign® consultation

A very fulfilling and gratifying aspect of my job in the past few years has been to provide an opportunity for those teen and adult patients who have been reluctant to have braces that they consider objectionable, to undergo orthodontics and get the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted, thanks to the relatively new and high-tech Invisalign®.

These are the most common questions that are asked by patients during a consultation to see if they are good candidates for Invisalign®:

Q: How does it work?

A: Invisalign is a revolutionary technology that aligns teeth using 3-D computer imaging technology from start to finish. Unlike the metal that reveals that the patient is wearing brace, Invisalign works invisibly to align the teeth. It uses a series of transparent customized set of aligners that are removable and perfectly molded to your teeth. The patient replaces each aligner with the next in the series after about 2 weeks and the teeth will continue to move into the desired position, millimeter by millimeter, week after week.

Q: How long would the treatment take?

A: The total treatment period may range anywhere between 3 and 18 months. This depends on the nature of the problem and the degree of teeth malposition and bite improvement required.

Q: How much does Invisalign cost?

A: The cost of Invisalign treatment can be comparable to that of braces when the treatment is short and limited to a few months. It depends on the kind of treatment you need and how long it takes. Flexible payment options are available to fit the family’s budget.

Q: Who can benefit from Invisalign?

A: Most people can benefit from Invisalign orthodontics. They include adults and most teens with erupted second or 12-year molars. If you are a teen, ask us if your treatment can begin now or if you might have to wait a little longer. 

 

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. Just make sure to call ahead for an appointment (landline: +961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344).

What are the benefits of straighter teeth?

One of the most recurrent questions I have been faced with throughout my career as an Orthodontist focuses on the “why”.

“Why do we need to have our teeth straightened?” “Why should we go through a process that might be long in some extreme cases?” “What would I gain?” etc…

The benefits are actually many.
Let’s explore each one of them separately:

Balanced smile

Easier Cleanings
We often notice in cases where the teeth are crooked, a high concentration of plaque and tartar. After aligning the teeth, it becomes easier to maintain a good oral hygiene and therefore the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and gum disease can be reduced.


Healthier Gums 
Properly positioned teeth can help gums “fit” tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.
Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crooked or spaced too far apart.


Decreased Risk of Abnormal Wear and Trauma
A common situation that I often encounter is chipped and worn out teeth that are due to bad positioning within the jaw.
When teeth are properly aligned, they reduce the risk of expensive procedures required to repair the effects of abnormal force, such as tooth chipping, breaking, or wear. Furthermore, properly aligned teeth can be less stressful on the supporting jaw bone and joints.


Improved Chewing and Speech
Sometimes, speech problems may result from poorly positioned teeth and jaws. Chewing and speech can improve with the correction of the bite.


More Beautiful Smiles
A well documented fact based on many surveys and research is the added confidence people get from achieving an attractive smile. The first impression we get when we first meet someone is often influenced by their smile. Getting your teeth straightened will make you feel less self-conscious and more secure when having to smile in public!

Crooked Teeth

Find out more on how Dr. Patrick Anhoury can help you have the perfect smile by visiting the Specialized Group Practice Website www.specializedgrouppractice.com or drop by our premises in Sodeco Square, Bloc B, 10th floor, Beirut, Lebanon. Just make sure to call ahead for an appointment (landline: +961-1-612761, mobile +961-76-934344).