Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the art and science of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. We offer three options that are selected based on your needs as well as your goals.
Invisalign
This consists of a series of clear snap-on, custom-designed, removable trays called aligners. Each aligner places a controlled force on your teeth, causing them to move over the one to two-week use of each aligner. We check your progress every 4- 8 weeks until the end results of your beautiful smile potential have been achieved. A clear retainer is used to keep the teeth stable at night. Both full braces and Invisalign have the same fee. Exceptions are easy cases that take 10 aligners or less.
Fixed straight wire braces
This is most commonly used for moderate to complex cases for children, teens, and adults. These braces give me some options for moving teeth that Invisalign can not do. Brackets are available in stainless (smooth and works best) ceramic (looks best, upper only, costs more) or plastic (looks good, breaks easily, for lowers mostly). We will help you talk through which options you have.
Orthodontic Retainers
Orthodontic Retainers are appliances made from plastic or sometimes plastic and stainless wire to custom fit your mouth. They act as a guide to hold your teeth in place after braces or Invisalign are removed. The retainer holds your teeth in place so your surrounding jaw muscles do not move your teeth, allowing you to maintain your realigned smile. Although the time you must wear a retainer will vary, we will help you come up with a personalized retainer wear plan.
Smile-Focused Orthodontics
For those of you adults who like their bite but not your front teeth alignment, this may be your best option. White brackets, wires, and short treatment times from four months to a year make orthodontics more appealing to an active life. Limiting the goals to treating the teeth you see not only shortens treatment time, but you save $1000 off of full orthodontics.