About
Welcome to Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics in Indianapolis, IN, your family orthodontist!
We are located at 9333 N. Meridian Street Suite 301 Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Choosing an Orthodontist is a Serious Decision
There is a lot to think about when choosing an orthodontist for your family. That decision should be based on the orthodontist’s expertise and experience, and a commitment to providing the most advanced orthodontic treatment in a convenient and comfortable office.
Due to advances in treatment technology utilized by Dr. Biggs and Dr. Hansen, most patients are seen for orthodontic adjustments once every 8-12 weeks, not every 3 to 4 weeks, as some parents might remember from their own previous treatment. This is due to the enhanced efficiency of “Self-Ligating” brackets and light force memory wires. No tightening of braces is needed in our practice. In addition, you will be offered the choice of clear braces for no additional fee.
“There is a difference in Orthodontists … you deserve to have a choice.”
“Make the choice that’s right for your family … schedule a consultation and experience the difference.”
“A referral is not necessary to schedule a consultation.”
Patient-Friendly Atmosphere
From the very first visit to Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics, it is evident that the doctors and staff strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Netflix and Wi-Fi in the reception area create an environment in which kids can be kids, and adults can stay connected to their office or home.
Personal Consultations
Prior to beginning treatment, patients and parents visit the office for a consultation appointment. Your consultation will be conducted personally by Dr. Biggs or Dr. Hansen, and will provide an opportunity for questions regarding the type and duration of treatment, as well as other important information. Patients are pleased to discover that due to the early intervention utilized by Dr. Biggs and Dr. Hansen, Herbst® and Headgear appliances are not used on their patients. Also, due to this early growth management, the extraction of teeth is now rare.
State-of-the-Art Treatment
Dr. Biggs and Dr. Hansen have integrated the most advanced technology available in orthodontics into their practice, including digital x-ray technology and 3-D imaging and 3-D printing. Computer terminals at each treatment chair allow the doctors to view complete treatment records and images with the click of a mouse. Patients’ records can therefore be made available immediately when needed for consultation with your family dentist, or other specialist.
Individualized Treatment Process
Every patient’s orthodontic treatment is based on an individualized treatment plan developed by Dr. Biggs and Dr. Hansen. The practice’s unique patient management system concentrates on state-of-the art technology (including low-radiation digital workflow) and patient-centered aesthetics. Their success in achieving excellent treatment results, with an appointment sequence that is convenient for patients.
Meet the Doctors
Business Office
- Carol
- Sheila
- Stacey
Financial Coordinator
- Michelle
Clinical Staff
- Kristi
- Stephanie
- Tonya
- Stacey
- Heidi
- Jessica
- Abbey
Front Office
- Audrey
- Sheri
Records Staff
- Miranda
- Marissa
- Brandi
- Hailie
What is Orthodontics?
A healthy, functional and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well aligned. With orthodontic treatment you can correct the cosmetic and functional problems associated with teeth that are either overcrowded, have spaces between them, or that have shifted over time due to extractions, habits, or abnormal bite patterns. Orthodontics can also address skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Orthodontic treatment ranges from the minor movement of a few teeth to the alignment of an entire bite. In certain situations, orthodontics may also be used to align the teeth before and after the surgical correction of severe jaw discrepancies.
Orthodontics utilizes the principles of physics to slowly move teeth into their proper positions. This is performed by using a selection of corrective appliances, including braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Designed to apply incremental and controlled forces to move the teeth in the desired direction, these appliances are adjusted on a regular basis throughout the course of care. Once a malocclusion is corrected and the teeth are completely aligned, retainers are often placed to help ensure that the result remains stable.
Orthodontic treatment time depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the malocclusion and the unique needs of each particular case. Some corrections can be accomplished in a few months while others can take a few years. However, for many malocclusions the average length of orthodontic treatment time in our office is 15 months.
Why an Orthodontist
When considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, schedule a consultation visit with an orthodontist. As a specialist with several years of advanced training in the field of dentofacial orthopedics and methods of tooth movement, your orthodontists has a comprehensive knowledge of facial growth and development as well as the expertise to align teeth and improve jaw relationships. Skilled and experienced in using all types of braces and appliances, your orthodontist is well equipped to achieve the most attractive and stable outcome of care. Whether an orthodontic case requires minor tooth movement, interceptive care, comprehensive orthodontic treatment, or complex orthognathic surgery to correct significant problems with jaw development, your orthodontist is trained to provide the highest level of care.
When should my child see the orthodontist?
How long do you have to wear braces?
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on a number of factors. Treatment time can be influenced by such factors as growth as well as your compliance with care. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
How often do you need to be seen after your braces are placed?
Because of the technology we use in our office you can benefit of longer time between appointments. Made of high-grade stainless steel, our metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. Ceramic braces we use are made of a clear ceramic material, and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. Invisalign and other aligner treatments use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten you teeth and having no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments.
Orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately 8-12 weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have a special adjustment are required.
Can adults wear braces?
Empowered by the knowledge that one is never too old to have orthodontic care, greater numbers of adults are actively seeking treatment for either crooked teeth or jaw problems, as well as to address teeth that have shifted over time due to extractions, habits, or abnormal bite patterns.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions well. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons it is important for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to be diligent in maintaining their oral health throughout care.
