Braces
Enjoy a Straighter, Healthier Smile
Many patients have crooked or misaligned teeth from the time their smile develops. Others have their teeth gradually shifted out of place by growth in their adolescence. If you have crooked teeth at any age, you have many options to enhance your smile and oral health. Shelby Dental can tailor your orthodontics treatment plan to your specific needs. Orthodontics can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile and provide oral health benefits as well.
Importance of Orthodontics
Orthodontia is used to correct a misaligned bite, straighten teeth and close gaps. While crooked teeth are often considered a cosmetic concern, they have a significant impact on oral health. Tight spaces and misaligned teeth make thorough brushing and flossing much more difficult. Consequently, bacteria, plaque and tartar can build up much faster and cause periodontal disease and other concerns. If the misalignment is especially severe, it can also affect your bite and even lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Types of Orthodontics
At Shelby Dental, we offer both traditional metal braces and Invisalign® treatment. While both use the same basic principles to shift your teeth’ position over time slowly, their methods are slightly different. The near-invisibility of the clear plastic Invisalign trays makes it an appealing option for both teens and adults. However, it is not appropriate for every case. Determining whether Invisalign treatment or traditional braces are best for you will depend on your dental needs.
Invisalign® Treatment
We offer Invisalign treatment, which can straighten teeth subtly with a series of clear, removable plastic retainers that fit over the teeth. Every two weeks, patients can switch out their current tray for the next in the series until their teeth reach the desired position. Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment is more flexible, requires less time (an average of 12 to 18 months) and is often more aesthetically appealing. However, it is best suited to correcting mild or moderate misalignments.
Traditional Braces
Traditional orthodontics uses a system of brackets, wires, and rubber bands to slowly change the teeth’ position. A number of bracket options are available, including metal, ceramic and clear, but metal is the most common and the best known. While not as subtle as Invisalign aligners, traditional braces are much more powerful and are better suited to successfully address more severe cases of misalignment and bite issues. Treatment time is often flexible, ranging anywhere from several months to three years.
Orthodontics for Adults
Adults often think that braces are just for kids or teenagers, or avoid treatment because of the idea of metal braces. But with more options available, you do not have to be stuck with a mouth full of metal. Invisalign treatment creates a great solution for patients who do not like the appearance of traditional braces or who require more subtle treatment for their professional appearance.
Straighten Your Smile!
Our team strives to ensure healthy teeth and bones for a lifetime with the most cutting-edge methods available.
Contact our office today to set up an orthodontic appointment for you or your child.
