ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for choosing to receive orthodontic care. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, having braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.

When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you’ve always dreamed of as well as the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, so our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

SIX MONTH SMILES - FAST AND SHORT TERM BRACES

What is six month smiles?

Six Month Smiles® short term orthodontic treatment is a modern twist on tried-and-true orthodontics.  There is little debate within the orthodontic community that braces are the most widely used and most effective method to give patients straight, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.  Six Month Smiles has taken the best aspects of braces and modified the treatment and the materials to give adults a common-sense, cosmetic solution that fits your lifestyle.  Here is what makes Six Month Smiles so innovative …

•     Average treatment times of only six months
•     Six Month Smiles Lucid-Lok® clear brackets and tooth-colored wires are barely visible
•     Use of braces has shown to provide the most conservative and predictable final result
•     Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kits™ ensure that your appointments are fast and comfortable
•     Low forces and short overall orthodontic treatment times increase comfort, safety, and hygiene
•     Six Month Smiles is typically less expensive than traditional braces, aligner therapy, or veneers

Q: How can teeth be straightened in only six months with adult braces?
A: The Six Month Smiles technique employs the latest technology and techniques in dentistry to move your teeth quickly and safely with clear adult braces. The key components of the treatment are the use of unique, clear braces and a primary focus of moving the teeth that show when you smile.

Q: Six months sounds good, but will I still have a mouth full of metal braces for the whole time?
A: No! Six Month Smiles uses clear braces that are barely visible to gently straighten your teeth.

Q: How are Six Month Smiles braces more comfortable than regular braces?
A: Six Month Smiles uses low force to move teeth gently. Many people think that the accelerated braces treatment means simply “tightening” regular braces to get the teeth moving, but that is not true. Six Month Smiles utilizes standard orthodontic mechanics, but with an emphasis on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth rather than the position of your bite.

Q: Do Six Month Smiles braces damage the teeth, roots, or gums?
A: There are no more risks of root damage or other issues than those associated with traditional orthodontics. Since the forces used with Six Month Smiles braces are lighter and teeth are seldom extracted, there are actually even fewer risks involved with Six Month Smiles.

Q: Will I have to wear a retainer?
A: Yes, as with any teeth-straightening treatment a retainer is necessary to maintain the straighter position of your teeth. If you don’t want to wear a removable retainer, you can have a bonded retainer placed. There are a variety of options that you can choose from according to your personal preference and situation.

Q: What's the catch?
A: There is no catch. If you are an adult (16 years and older) with crooked or spaced teeth and you're not looking for a major alteration to your bite, this could be the solution for you! Most adults ARE candidates for Six Month Smiles. Ask our dentists for more details.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an effective alternative to traditional braces, because they use a system of clear, removable trays used to straighten teeth. Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and is designed to gradually move teeth into their proper position. Using clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is not for everyone. The best way to find out if clear aligners are the right option for you is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

HOW DO CLEAR ALIGNERS WORK?

Clear aligners are used as an alternative to traditional braces, and are designed to help guide teeth into proper position. Just like braces, clear aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement, but without any metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made with a strong plastic material that has been fabricated to fit your mouth. As treatment progresses you switch aligners. Each aligner is a little different, so your teeth move a little more with every change.
Aligners are worn for at least 20 hours each day, and you'll receive a new aligner every two weeks. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your case, and treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years.

ADVANTAGES OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT WITH CLEAR ALIGNERS:

Clear aligners are a great alternative for patients who want a straighter smile but do not want to wear metal braces, or for patients who have had treatment in the past and want to make minor corrections to their smile. There are several advantages to orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.
• Clear aligners are easier to keep clean, making it easier to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
• Clear aligners are comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks.
• Clear aligners prevent wear on the teeth from tooth grinding.
• Clear aligners are removable, so it's easier for you to brush and floss after meals.
If you're interested in clear aligners, schedule an appointment and talk to your dentist about whether this is the right treatment option for you. Scheduling a consultation is your first step toward achieving the beautiful smile you've always wanted.