Orthodontic Teeth Alignment & Straightening Dental Treatments

Orthodontics are an excellent means of correcting crooked teeth. They can dramatically affect your appearance, but importantly, orthodontics can correct TMJ disorder as well as reduce your susceptibility to dental decay and periodontal disease.

Typically, orthodontic treatment consists of the application of small ceramic, or metal brackets to the teeth. These brackets are attached to an arch wire which helps shape the teeth. Often springs and rubber bands are also used to help move the teeth.

Treatment usually takes from one to three years to complete. The amount of time depends on the cooperation of the patient and the difficulty of the case. Once treatment is over, it may be necessary to use a retainer for several years; however, in some cases, a small permanent retainer can be bonded to the teeth.

Conventional Metal Braces

Metal braces (stainless steel) are the most popular type of braces used. Many patients enjoy having different colors placed on their braces as a means of personal expression and fun. Because it's so simple to change the colors, feel free to swap them at every visit to the orthodontist. Treatment usually takes from one to three years to complete.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces are an aesthetic alternative for those who don't want their braces to show as much. Clear braces move your teeth in exactly the same way as metal braces do. Like metal braces, they are extremely comfortable to wear and very efficient at moving teeth. Treatment also usually takes from one to three years to complete.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are the state-of-the-art design that offers an amazing technological advancement in orthodontic treatment.  Orthodontic treatment consists of the application stainless-steel brackets.  Initial discomfort is similar to that of traditional braces.

Treatment usually takes from one to three years to complete.  The amount of time depends on the cooperation of the patient and the difficulty of the case.  Once treatment is over, it may be necessary to use a retainer for several years; however, in some cases, a small permanent retainer can be bonded to the teeth.  The difference is that the Lingual Braces will affect the tongue whereas traditional braces will affect the cheeks and lips.  Patients tend to take approximately 1-4 weeks before they achieve a reasonable comfort level.

Invisalign Invisible Braces

Another popular method for straightening teeth is Invisalign.  Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.  It uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.  Invisalign has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide in the United States.  In fact, over 70% of all U.S. orthodontists are certified to treat patients with Invisalign.

Invisalign works by you wearing each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.  As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position your orthodontist has prescribed. You will need to visit your orthodontist about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.  Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but varies from case to case.

No one will be able to tell you are straightening your teeth, and you will be able to eat and drink what ever you want while in treatment.  Moreover, eating, brushing, and flossing are no problem since they are removable.  They are also more comfortable to wear than braces since there are no metal or wires to cause mouth abrasions.

You will also spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments, significantly reducing your overall dental payments and dental bill back home.

Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.