Orthodontics

Evers & Gardner Dental is proud to offer orthodontic care from our full-service, family-friendly practice. Possessing a straight smile is a coveted asset in today’s society and with advancements in treatment protocols, patients have more options than ever before for improving the placement of their teeth. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of having a straight smile, there are oral health benefits to maintaining properly-positioned teeth. People with straight teeth enjoy reduced risks for cavities and gum disease. We offer conventional braces, Invisalign, and 6-Month Smiles.

Conventional Orthodontics

Today’s braces, while drawing on the tradition with brackets and archwires, can make a world of difference in the positioning of a person’s teeth due to advancements in orthodontic technology and with new treatment protocols. Braces are worn by patients of all ages but are especially common for the treatment of orthodontic issues among children and teenagers. Sometimes other orthodontic appliances like palate expanders and permanent retainers are needed to improve or maintain tooth alignment.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic system that provides an alternative to wearing fixed oral appliances like brackets and wires. Instead, patients wear clear, retainer-like appliances called “aligners”. Invisalign is a discreet alternative to conventional braces for adults and some teenagers.

This treatment option can improve the placement of gapped, crooked, overlapped, and rotated teeth as well as a person’s occlusion. Aligners are custom made for patients and they are worn in sets that are molded to be progressively tighter over the course of treatment. Patients will wear each set of aligners for two weeks. Invisalign is removable so that patients can maintain a thorough oral hygiene regimen and enjoy their favorite foods without obstruction.

6-Month Smiles

Another alternative to conventional orthodontia we offer is 6-Month Smiles. This treatment option utilizes clear brackets and tooth-colored, self-ligating “memory” wires for a discreet alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires. 6-Month Smiles is expedient because the system focuses on the most visible teeth. Like traditional braces and Invisalign, 6-Month Smiles places gentle and consistent pressure to teeth to facilitate their movement.

If you want to review your orthodontic treatment options, call Evers & Gardner Dental to schedule a consultation. A consultation is necessary for determining which orthodontic treatment method is right for you. Your appointment is a great opportunity to discuss concerns and ask questions while we review the placement of your teeth and perform a physical examination.

FAQ:

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes, orthodontic treatment can occur while a patient still has baby teeth. Teenagers and adults are candidates for orthodontic treatment as well, when necessary. Providing orthodontic care to those with baby teeth is called interceptive orthodontics. Interceptive treatment can involve expanding the jaws to accommodate emerging adult teeth, removing baby teeth, or utilizing oral appliances to move teeth to healthier positions.

When a person receives interceptive treatment, it is normally the first phase of orthodontic care. Once all baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth, patients will wear conventional braces to complete the process of aligning teeth and improving the occlusion. Interceptive orthodontics can reduce the length of future treatment while also preventing emerging orthodontic issues caused by adult teeth coming in faster than baby teeth fall out during tooth transition.

Will braces hurt?

Most people who have received orthodontic treatment will tell you that braces don’t exactly produce pain but sometimes the pressure generated by brackets and wires causes some discomfort. Pressure is necessary to facilitate tooth movement. Discomfort associated with braces is normally temporary because it typically occurs after the archwire has been tightened. Sometimes brackets on teeth scrape against the linings of lips and cheeks. Although this produces some discomfort, it can be remedied by placing dental wax over orthodontic appliances to protect soft tissue.

How do I know if my child needs orthodontic treatment?

You might wonder what to look for as a parent or guardian when it comes to determining whether your child needs orthodontic care. While there are plenty of obvious signs such as crooked or overlapped teeth, there are other elements to evaluating a person’s orthodontic health. For instance, orthodontic appliances help improve a person’s bite (occlusion). Healthy occlusions make for comfortable oral function and can extend the life of teeth by preventing them from making improper contact. To find out if your child needs orthodontic treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team.

I had braces as a teen, and now as an adult, my teeth are out of place. What can I do?

Millions of people throughout the United States choose to wear braces in adulthood – even after they have already received orthodontic treatment. Teeth moving out of place after wearing braces is not uncommon. Sometimes unwanted tooth movement occurs because patients do not wear their retainers as recommended or because wisdom teeth erupt and create a crowded environment.

If you are interested in receiving orthodontic treatment, we recommend making an appointment at Evers & Gardner. Our practice offers a range of solutions for adults in need of orthodontics. We offer clear braces such as Invisalign as well as 6-Month Smiles to provide effective but expedient and discreet treatment.