Orthodontics is a process of providing long-term corrective services that will help correct mispositioned teeth and jaw. Dental treatments like traditional metal braces, Invisalign, and retainers create and maintain a straighter, more even smile.
If you have some teeth that are out of place, come in today to talk to your dentist about solutions for getting a smile that will last a lifetime! We provide orthodontic services to patients in our Ardmore and Madill, OK dental offices. We also provide comprehensive dental services for our new and existing patients.
The Purpose of Orthodontic Treatment
There are many reasons why a dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment. Braces or aligner therapy can improve the alignment and function of your teeth and jaw. Doing this can enhance your oral health, aesthetics, and overall well-being.
Many patients seek out orthodontics to improve the appearance of their smile. It can fix teeth that are crooked, crowded, or improperly spaced. Correcting misalignment can significantly improve self-confidence and social interactions.
Misaligned teeth are difficult to clean, increasing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Patients with straight teeth floss in between their teeth and brush more effectively. Orthodontic treatment will straighten your teeth, reducing the likelihood of cavities and periodontal disease.
Orthodontic treatments can also address bite issues. We can correct an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite with clear aligners or braces. This will ensure your upper and lower teeth make proper contact reducing your chances of uneven wear on teeth and stress on jaw joints. A proper bite also ensures proper chewing and speaking patterns.
Orthodontics in Southern Oklahoma
We offer orthodontic treatments that can help patients with mild to moderately crooked or misaligned teeth. Our orthodontic treatments can include:
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using a series of removable aligners. This is an alternative to wearing traditional metal braces. These aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible. This makes Invisalign a discreet treatment, unlike traditional braces.
Invisalign works by gradually shifting teeth into their desired position. Every one to two weeks, you will switch out your aligners for a new set of customs aligners. Each new set will make a slight adjustment to your teeth’s position.
Removable Invisalign aligners allow patients to eat without restrictions and brush and floss their teeth. Treatment can range from 6 to 18 months. Invisalign is suitable for treating various dental issues, including crowding, spacing, and certain bite irregularities. To find out if you are an Invisalign candidate, see Invisalign.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are orthodontic devices we use to correct dental issues such as crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and other bite problems. Braces gradually coax your teeth into a healthy alignment and give you a perfect, beautiful smile.
We often recommend traditional metal braces for patients who need more intensive orthodontic treatment than Invisalign. Braces are also beneficial for younger patients.
Traditional braces consist of brackets that your dentist bonds to each tooth. Then, they connect an archwire to each bracket, which applies pressure to each tooth, moving the teeth into the proper position. To learn more about receiving braces for your teeth, see Traditional Braces.
Retainers
Retainers are orthodontic devices that will keep teeth in place after an orthodontic treatment. We offer several types of retainers to accommodate the needs of all our patients. After orthodontic treatment, teeth can shift into their original position over time.
You will need to wear your retainer every night or when your dentist tells you to. It will help stabilize your teeth in their new position while the surrounding bone and gum tissues adjust. It is crucial to follow the advice of your dentist to maintain your orthodontic treatment results.
Patients who forget to wear their retainers can experience orthodontic relapse. Wearing a retainer will ensure the time, effort, and investment put into straightening your teeth provide long-lasting benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful are traditional braces?
Traditional braces can cause discomfort, especially right after being put on or adjusted. You might feel soreness in your teeth and gums for a few days. This is normal and usually mild. Over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods can help manage the discomfort. Most people get used to the feeling of braces after a short period, and the pain subsides. Regular adjustments might cause temporary soreness, but it should be manageable.
Do your lips change after braces?
Braces can cause your lips to appear slightly fuller or more pronounced during treatment. This is due to the extra space the brackets and wires take up. The effect is usually temporary. After the orthodontist removes your braces, your lips may look a bit different due to the new alignment of your teeth. However, these changes are usually subtle. In most cases, your lips will adapt and settle into their new position a few weeks after the braces come off.
How long can retainers last?
Retainers can last up to several years with proper care. Removable retainers, like Hawley or clear plastic ones, can last six months to 10 years. Fixed or permanent retainers can last up to 5 to 20 years. However, they require good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to remain intact and not cause issues. Your dentist or orthodontist can give you tips on caring for your retainer to maximize its lifespan.
Will my teeth straighten out if I wear my retainer again?
Wearing an old retainer won’t fully realign significantly shifted teeth. Retainers are meant to maintain rather than correct major misalignments. If your retainer fits and the shift is minor, regular use may prevent further movement. However, if your teeth have shifted noticeably and the retainer no longer fits, it’s best to see an orthodontist. You might need a new retainer or additional treatment to realign your teeth properly.
Can Invisalign cause sore throat?
Invisalign can sometimes cause a sore throat; however, it’s a rare side effect. This discomfort might come from an allergic reaction to the aligner material, dry mouth, or the new sensation of wearing the aligners. Most people find that any sore throat eases as they adjust to the aligners. However, if the sore throat worsens, it’s important to consult your orthodontist or dentist.
Can you do Invisalign with crowns?
Yes, Invisalign aligners can work effectively with dental crowns. Dentists and orthodontists can tailor the aligners to fit over teeth and move them gradually. Furthermore, the provider will carefully plan your treatment to ensure the aligners do not damage the crowns or affect their fit. It’s important to inform your dentist about existing crowns before starting Invisalign.
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) 260-3410 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!