Goodbye Crooked Teeth. Hello Straight Smiles
Straightening your teeth should not be complicated, no matter the age is NEVER too late for a BEAUTIFUL straight SMILE.
Orthodontics 101
Orthodontic treatment corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean and are at risk of being lost due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, they can also cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked detract from one’s appearance.
Orthodontic treatment will help a person maintain a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.
Reasons for Orthodontic Treatment
- Overbite- (also called “buck teeth”) Where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
- Underbite- (also called “bulldog”) Appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
- Crowding- When there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
- Spacing- Gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth
- Open bite- Space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
With the most up-to-date technology and specially trained staff at Elite Smile, our services are second to none.
Orthodonthic Braces
This are the most common fixed appliances, braces consist of bands, wires and brackets. The bands are fixed around the teeth and are used as anchors while the brackets are most often bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are then passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly and results may be achieved in months to a few years depending on the treatment.
Clear Aligners
This are the alternative to traditional braces for adults and young people. Clear aligners are being used by an increasing number of dentist to move teeth in the same way traditional braces do, only without metal wires and brackets. Aligners are virtually invisible and are removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Space Maintainers & Retainers
When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. A band is attached to the tooth next to the empty space, and a wire is extended to the tooth on the other side of the space. Other appliance are worn on the mouth, to prevent shifting of the teeth to their previous position. They can also be modified and used to prevent thumb sucking and other shifting issues.