Numerous options for a better smile

Most people strive for a healthy and perfect smile made of straight pearly-white teeth. Unfortunately, this desire is not always obtainable unless the individual is willing to work for it. However, a straight smile is not merely for appearances as a straight smile has numerous benefits for one’s health. People who struggle with a misaligned bite or crooked teeth do not have to continue living their life that way. The perfect smile is within everyone’s grasp.

The possibilities of orthodontics

There is a multitude of treatment options for the patient to choose when the patient needs to or wants to change his or her teeth. Mouthhealthy.org writes that orthodontics “is the formal name of the dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, interception, guidance and correction of bad bites.” Orthodontics does not only use braces as a treatment method and offers a variety of treatment methods for aligning one’s bite.

Mouthhealthy.org also explains that “If your teeth are crowded, protrusive, spaced too far apart, meet in an abnormal way, or do not meet at all, correction may be recommended.” While adults may believe that braces are only for younger patients, the reality is that patients of all ages will wear braces to straighten teeth. At Cumming’s Family Dentist, we offer cosmetic and restorative dental treatment including clear braces and Invisalign^®.

Clear braces

Patients may know of traditional metal braces, with brackets on each tooth and a wire that runs through each one. A staple for many in childhood, adults may find braces becoming the recommendation for cosmetic dentistry or restorations. Fortunately, adults and teenagers do not need to wear obvious metal braces; clear braces are another available option. Mouthhealthy.org lists that in general, if patients do not correct an abnormal bite, they will risk:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Affected speech and/or chewing
• Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
• Jaw problems

The difference with clear braces is that they consist of a clear ceramic material the blends in with the teeth, instead of metal. Clear braces are more discreet than metal braces but just as effective in correcting one’s bite and straightening one’s teeth. With clear braces, patients need to be careful to clean their teeth, since the clear color can make food within the brackets more obvious. Nonetheless, clear braces are one of two excellent and effective choices with patients searching for a perfect smile.

Invisalign^®

For patients who want to straighten their teeth, but want to be as discreet as possible, Invisalign^® may be the solution. Invisalign^® is a series of customized clear aligners that gradually move the teeth into the correct position. Invisalign.com breaks down the process, stating that after the dentist takes “X-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth,” and then will, “map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment.” Invisalign^® is also nearly invisible to other people, so most people will only notice the positive change in the teeth and not the product.

The amount of time for Invisalign^® will vary per patient. In some cases, the patient will only wear the aligners for several months or maybe a year. “Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment,” Invisalign.com states. The patient will also visit the dentist every six weeks or so to make sure the treatment is going well, but there is not much else to it. Patients can also remove Invisalign^® to eat and brush their teeth.

If you or a loved one is interested in correcting the bite or other aspects of the smile, call and schedule a consultation. We will work with you to find the best treatment customized to your needs.

Cumming’s Family Dentist

At Cumming’s Family Dentist in Cumming, GA, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Cumming’s Family Dentist, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.