Orthodontics

What kinds of issues does orthodontics treat?

Orthodontics can be used to correct many types of alignment issues, including overbites, underbites, cross bites, crooked teeth and crowded teeth.

Do crooked or misaligned teeth always have to be treated with orthodontics?

Whether or not you have orthodontic correction is, of course, up to you, but it's important to understand that having alignment and bite issues corrected isn't just about improving the way your teeth and your smile look – it also makes it easier to care for your teeth and more difficult for food particles and bacteria to become trapped, and that means you can enjoy better oral health and reduce your risks for decay and gum disease. Plus, having your teeth straightened can reduce your risk for developing temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ, a condition that causes chronic headaches and jaw pain.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is an orthodontic system that uses a series of clear plastic trays that are worn in a specific sequence to gently move teeth into their corrected positions over time. The trays are called aligners, and they're custom made for your mouth for a perfect fit and optimized treatment and results. Many patients prefer Invisalign® to traditional braces because they're nearly invisible while being worn, they're completely smooth so they're more comfortable to wear, and they can be removed for eating and for brushing and flossing, meaning there are no dietary restrictions and it's much easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

What happens during Invisalign® treatment?

Treatment begins with impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a lab and scanned into a computer, which creates a series of 3D models that show the movements your teeth will need to make to become straight. Your aligners will be crafted using these models for a completely custom fit. During treatment, each aligner will be worn for about two weeks and then exchanged for the next one in the series. You'll come into the office about every six weeks to make sure your treatment is moving forward as planned. Most people can be treated in 18 months or a little less.