The desire to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile is the primary reason most people wish to receive orthodontic care. Aside from obvious cosmetic and functional benefits, orthodontic treatment is an excellent investment in the overall dental, medical, and psychosocial health of children and adults. If you are self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces may greatly improve the way that you look and feel. Remember that a beautiful smile is something that never goes out of style!
Our goal at Southern Smiles Orthodontics is to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our team is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality and personalized dental care that you deserve.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances are made from a variety of materials including metal, ceramic, or plastic. Appliances may be removable or they may be brackets bonded (glued) to the teeth. By placing a constant yet gentle force on the teeth, orthodontic appliances move teeth to their new position in a slow and controlled manner.
You may remember the days when a metal band was placed around each tooth. Fortunately, those days are gone! Orthodontic technology has made great progress, and orthodontic appliances are much less noticeable now as compared to the past. You can choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, Invisalign® (removable, clear, plastic trays) is a suitable option. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth more efficiently with more comfort. In the past, braces were mainly sought by adolescents, but the number of adults seeking orthodontic care is rapidly increasing. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!
Duration Of Treatment
Treatment time varies as it depends on the complexity of each patient’s case and their unique treatment goals. Typically, orthodontic treatment lasts between one and three years. The time depends on several factors including age, treatment method, growth status, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more compliant and diligent you are, the more efficient and effective your treatment will be.
Before beginning your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Courtney will discuss all of your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take. Please contact us at Southern Smiles Orthodontics to schedule an appointment and learn more about the treatments that we provide.