Orthodontics in Southern Oklahoma
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on correcting mispositioned teeth and jaws. Storts Family Dentistry provides comprehensive corrective services, including traditional metal braces and Invisalign, to patients in our Ardmore and Madill, OK offices.
Straightening your smile does more than improve aesthetics; it enhances long-term oral health by making teeth easier to clean and reducing the risk of decay. Our team helps children, teens, and adults achieve lasting results through personalized orthodontic care.
What is the Purpose of Orthodontic Treatment?
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to improve the alignment, function, and longevity of your smile. Braces and aligners correct issues that go beyond cosmetics, ensuring your bite functions properly to prevent jaw pain and uneven wear.
Common dental problems treated include:
-
Crowding: Lack of space for all teeth to fit normally.
-
Spacing: Gaps between teeth due to missing teeth or jaw size.
-
Bite Misalignment: Issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite that affect chewing.
Correcting these issues significantly improves self-confidence and reduces the likelihood of periodontal disease by allowing for more effective brushing and flossing.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to potentially minimize future costs.
What Orthodontic Treatments Are Available?
Orthodontic treatments at Storts Family Dentistry cater to varying needs, from mild misalignment to complex bite corrections. Our primary options include:
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is a discreet orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays to straighten teeth. This treatment is an excellent alternative for patients who want to avoid the appearance of metal braces.
The process involves wearing each set of custom aligners for one to two weeks before switching to the next. Teeth shift gradually into their desired positions over a treatment period typically ranging from 6 to 18 months.
Key benefits of Invisalign include:
-
Removability: Allows you to eat, brush, and floss without restriction.
-
Aesthetics: Virtually invisible trays make treatment unnoticeable.
-
Comfort: Smooth plastic reduces irritation compared to metal brackets.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces are fixed orthodontic devices consisting of metal brackets and wires used to correct complex dental issues. This method is often recommended for younger patients or those with severe crowding that clear aligners cannot resolve.
Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by an archwire, which applies continuous pressure to move teeth into alignment. Reliability is a major advantage, as braces work 24/7 without requiring the patient to remember to wear them.
Retainers
Retainers are custom devices worn after active treatment to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Orthodontic relapse is a common risk if retention is neglected.
Wearing your retainer as directed (usually nightly) stabilizes the teeth while the surrounding bone and gum tissue adapt. Storts Family Dentistry offers both removable and fixed retainer options to ensure your investment lasts a lifetime.
At What Age Should You Start Orthodontics?
The best age for orthodontics varies, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7. Early detection allows dentists to monitor jaw growth and intervene before problems become severe.
Orthodontics for Children
Children benefit from braces when early intervention can guide jaw development and create space for permanent teeth. Traditional metal braces are typically the preferred choice for this age group because:
-
Compliance is guaranteed since they are non-removable.
-
Durability withstands the active lifestyle of children.
-
Invisalign is generally not recommended for young children due to the discipline required to wear trays for 22 hours daily.
Orthodontics for Teens
Teenagers are the most common candidates for full orthodontic treatment once permanent teeth have erupted. Invisalign Teen is a popular option for adolescents who are self-conscious about their appearance.
Comparing options for teens:
-
Braces: Best for complex cases and teens prone to losing removable items.
-
Invisalign: Best for responsible teens who want flexibility for sports, music, and social events.
Orthodontics for Adults
Adult orthodontics is a growing field, with many patients seeking to fix shifts that occurred after previous treatment. Invisalign is the top choice for adults due to its professional, discreet appearance.
Adults with severe bite issues may still require traditional braces for precise control. Consultations will determine which method fits your lifestyle and clinical needs best.
Orthodontics FAQs
Frequently asked questions about orthodontics cover pain, duration, and lifestyle impacts.
How painful are traditional braces?
Traditional braces can cause mild discomfort and soreness for a few days after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet effectively manage this temporary sensitivity.
Do your lips change after braces?
Lips may appear slightly fuller while wearing braces due to the brackets pushing them forward. After removal, lips settle into a natural position, though the improved tooth alignment often enhances the overall smile profile.
How long do retainers last?
Retainers typically last between 6 months and 10 years, depending on the type and care. Fixed retainers can last up to 20 years, while removable plastic ones may need replacement sooner due to wear.
Will my teeth straighten if I wear my old retainer?
Wearing an old retainer will not correct significant shifting and may damage your teeth. Retainers are designed to hold teeth in place, not move them. If your retainer no longer fits, schedule an appointment for a new evaluation.
Can Invisalign cause a sore throat?
Invisalign rarely causes a sore throat, though mild dryness or irritation from the plastic is possible initially. Staying hydrated usually resolves these symptoms quickly.
Can you do Invisalign with crowns?
Yes, Invisalign works effectively with dental crowns. Our dentists plan tooth movements carefully to ensure the aligners do not disrupt existing restorations.
Request an Orthodontic Consultation Today with Storts Family Dentistry in Southern OK
Are you interested in orthodontic treatment for your child or yourself? Call Storts Family Dentistry at (580) 223-6720 or request a dental appointment with us online.
Our dentists are open to serving patients with their orthodontic expertise in many cities in the Southern Oklahoma area, including Ardmore, Marietta, Madill, Thackerville, Springer, Wilson, Mannsville, Kingston, and countless other areas! If you have teeth out of place, come in to talk to one of our dentists about solutions for creating a smile that will last a lifetime and boost your confidence!