When most people think about orthodontics, they picture metal braces on teenagers’ teeth. But the truth is, modern orthodontics has come a long way, and there are some seriously transformative services that can do a lot more than just straighten teeth.
Whether you’re an adult looking to improve your smile or a parent thinking about your child’s dental future, it’s worth knowing about these game-changing orthodontic treatments. So, let’s dive into four orthodontic services that could totally transform your smile–and your confidence.
1. Clear Aligners (Like Invisalign)
If you’ve heard about Invisalign, you probably know that it’s the go-to clear aligner system. But what you might not know is that clear aligners are transforming orthodontics by offering a nearly invisible, comfortable, and flexible alternative to traditional metal braces.
Why Should You Care?
If you’re an adult who’s self-conscious about the idea of wearing visible braces, clear aligners might be your perfect solution. They’re designed to be nearly invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone even noticing. This is especially great if you’re in a profession where appearances matter, or if you’re just someone who prefers the “low-profile” approach.
How Do They Work?
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, use a series of custom-made plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into better alignment. Unlike traditional braces, you can remove them when you eat, brush, or floss, which makes it a lot easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Plus, there’s no need to worry about food getting stuck in your braces–that’s a win.
Invisalign treatment plans work through a series of stages. The aligners are worn for a period of 1-2 weeks before advancing to the next set, with the aim of gradually correcting the alignment of your teeth. The best part? Treatment can take as little as 6 months to a few years, depending on the complexity of your case.
2. Lingual Braces
If you’re thinking, “I want braces, but I don’t want anyone to see them,” then lingual braces might be the perfect solution for you. Lingual braces are basically the same as traditional metal braces–but instead of being attached to the front of your teeth, they’re placed behind them.
Why Should You Care?
For many adults, the idea of wearing traditional braces feels a little too “teenager-ish,” but the truth is, they still work extremely well for a wide variety of cases. The beauty of lingual braces is that they give you all the benefits of traditional braces options–like continuous adjustments and predictable results–but they’re completely hidden. From the outside, it looks like you’re not wearing any braces at all.
How Do They Work?
Lingual braces are custom-made for each patient, and they work exactly the same way as regular braces: the brackets are glued to the teeth, and the wire is adjusted to move your teeth into place over time. The main difference with lingual braces is that they are hidden behind your teeth.
This makes them a good choice if you don’t want your braces to be seen. This could be for professional reasons, personal preference, or simply because you don’t want to draw attention to your smile while it’s being fixed.
The technology behind lingual braces has improved a lot over the years, so they’re now more comfortable and less noticeable than they used to be. Plus, since they’re placed behind the teeth, they’re less likely to irritate the inside of your mouth compared to traditional braces.
3. Accelerated Orthodontics
Let’s face it–most of us don’t want to spend years in braces. But what if I told you there’s a way to speed up the process? That’s where accelerated orthodontics comes in.
Why Should You Care?
Accelerated orthodontics is a game-changer for people who are looking to shorten their time in braces or aligners. While traditional orthodontic treatments typically take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years, accelerated orthodontics can significantly reduce that time. In some cases, it can shorten treatment by up to 50%. Who wouldn’t want that?
How Does It Work?
Accelerated orthodontics uses various techniques to stimulate bone growth and accelerate the movement of teeth. There are several options available, including:
- AcceleDent: A device you wear in your mouth for about 20 minutes a day that uses gentle vibrations to speed up tooth movement.
- Propel: A system that uses small micro-punches to stimulate the bone around the teeth, helping them move more quickly.
These techniques work in tandem with your traditional braces or clear aligners to speed up the movement of your teeth. It’s like adding rocket fuel to your orthodontic treatment.
4. Cosmetic Contouring
Okay, this one isn’t necessarily about teeth straightening services, but it can still have a big impact on your smile. Cosmetic contouring, or tooth reshaping, is a procedure that involves gently reshaping your teeth to improve their appearance.
Why Should You Care?
If you have teeth that are slightly uneven, chipped, or just don’t look quite right, cosmetic contouring can help. It’s a quick, non-invasive way to enhance the overall appearance of your smile without needing braces or other major treatments.
How Does It Work?
The process is simple: a dentist or orthodontist will use special tools to remove small amounts of enamel from your teeth to shape them. It’s completely painless, and there’s no need for shots or drilling. It’s ideal for people who have minor imperfections that they want to fix without going through the time and expense of braces.
Find These Orthodontic Services at Gleason Orthodontics
There you have it–four transformative orthodontic services that can totally change the way you think about orthodontics. Whether you’re looking for a discreet, invisible way to straighten your teeth with clear aligners or want to fix small imperfections with cosmetic contouring, there are plenty of options available to help you achieve your best smile.
Want a healthier, more confident smile? At Gleason Orthodontics, we treat each patient as an individual and create beautiful, healthy smiles for you and your family. Come to Webster for a free consultation and find out how we can help you get the smile you want.
