Orthodontics

For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. However, orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.  At Dentistry of the Carolinas, we are happy to have a full time orthodontist, Dr. Chase Prettyman.  Call (704) 247-9150 today to set up your consultation appointment.

What's the best age to visit the orthodontist?
If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

Orthodontics for Children
It is best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if treatment is required and when the best time to commence treatment would be. Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of seven and ten. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Orthodontics for Adults
Have you spent your life guarding your smile or hiding your teeth behind your hands? If so, orthodontics may change your life by making you feel less self-conscious about laughing and talking around other people. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment may also improve your dental health by making it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean. Adult orthodontics can also help prepare patients for future restorative treatment such as implants, crowns or veneers. Due to the fact that growth is completed in adults rare cases may require orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) to achieve ideal results. For a more esthetic treatment option, clear, ceramic braces and Invisalign® are available in appropriate cases.

Invisalign
Do you dream about having a smile full of sparkling, straight teeth, but you just can’t imagine yourself wearing traditional metal braces? You’ve probably invested in a professional, mature image, and you shouldn’t have to look like a teenager to straighten your teeth. We agree. Now Dentistry of the Carolinas can make your dreams come true.

Invisalign®, an orthodontic treatment approved by the FDA, is the virtually invisible method to straighten your teeth without conventional metal braces. With Invisalign®, a custom-molded set of transparent, removable aligners will progressively reposition your teeth. You can simply remove the aligners before eating, brushing, flossing, or special occasions. This technology is more comfortable and convenient that traditional braces. Patients do not experience the mouth abrasions caused by metal and wires, and Invisalign® aligners are easy to clean. Adjustment appointments aren’t necessary, either.

How does Invisalign® work? First, we use 3-D computer imaging to design a comprehensive treatment plan. This allows you to preview the final positioning of your teeth before you start treatment. Yes, you will see your future smile before treatment begins.

Then a lab will create a series of aligners to reposition your teeth over one to two years. You’ll change aligners every two weeks until your smile is straight and beautiful. Typically, you will visit us every six weeks for progress reports.

Transparent, removable, no-hassle orthodontia – now that should put a smile on your face!

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