When someone wants to improve their smile with straighter teeth and a more aligned bite, clear aligners can be an excellent treatment option. They can achieve proper alignment while also being minimally visible when being worn.

Clear aligner technology provides treatment via a series of custom fitted, clear plastic alignment trays that are worn over the teeth.
To begin the process, your doctor takes an impression- or mold- of your teeth and sends it to a lab for fabrication. The dental laboratory then generates a set of progressive trays that slowly move your teeth into the correct position over time. A new tray is swapped in at regular intervals until the desired alignment is reached.

Once treatment is completed, your teeth will be in improved alignment and your smile improved. However, it is important to note that some alignment issues cannot be corrected with this technology; you should consult with your dentist or orthodontist to ensure that this treatment is appropriate for your situation.

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A palatal expander is an orthodontic device used to gradually increase the width of a patient’s upper jaw to correct a narrow palate.
It is often used in tandem with traditional braces to address issues of tooth alignment.

A narrow palette can lead to a number of more complex issues if not addressed including, speech problems, airway obstruction and crowding of teeth. The device is made of a metal alloy, and is typically mounted to your upper molars. Your doctor will custom fit this appliance to conform to the shape of your teeth and mouth. It works by gently applying pressure to the upper jaw bone and the inside edges of the back teeth, gradually widening the area and placing the teeth in a more desirable position to work with the lower jaw and teeth.
Palate expansion can also be used with children as part of a preventative plan to make room for adult teeth to come in, reducing the amount of necessary dental work in the future.

The device has a screw that can be adjusted at home to facilitate more consistent pressure during the expansion process. Your doctor will let you know how often it should be adjusted and how long you will need to wear the device for. Once treatment with the palatal expander is complete, your doctor can continue using traditional braces to adjust your individual teeth, aligning your bite to provide improved function and appearance.

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When correcting misaligned teeth or bite issues, your doctor may recommend orthodontic treatment, commonly known as braces. This treatment creates a more attractive smile and can alleviate certain issues resulting from a misaligned bite. Orthodontics can be used as a stand-alone procedure or as part of a comprehensive plan placing teeth in an optimal position prior to additional restorative procedures.
Orthodontic treatment involves strategically attaching metal or ceramic brackets to the misaligned teeth, connecting them with a special wire that is incrementally adjusted to place the teeth and jaw in correct alignment.

The procedure begins with your doctor polishing your teeth, and applying a conditioning liquid that allows the brackets to firmly bond to them. Once prepared your teeth are dried. An adhesive primer is applied to your teeth and the brackets are placed. Your doctor will adjust their position, and may use a curing light to harden the cement.

The brackets are joined by a wire, which is secured with elastic bands. You will typically feel some tightness and soreness once placement is complete; this is normal and goes away after a couple of days. During regular follow up appointments your braces will be adjusted to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The amount of time for treatment varies with each patient depending on the extent of tooth movement needed to attain proper alignment.

Once treatment is completed, your teeth will be in optimal alignment and your smile improved.

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During the final stages of orthodontic treatment, your doctor will likely recommend you begin wearing retainers to allow your teeth to settle into their new positions while preventing them from drifting back into misalignment.

A retainer is a custom-fitted appliance designed for you once your teeth have achieved optimal orthodontic alignment. They can be made of a plastic base with a wire frame, or can be made entirely of clear plastic that completely covers your teeth. Removable retainers maintain alignment while providing the flexibility to be taken out at meal times, reducing the limitations that a fixed retainer would place on diet. They are also easier to maintain and keep clean by comparison.

The amount of time each day and overall timespan you will need to wear your retainers for will be determined by your dentist. It is important to follow their recommendations to best promote the longevity of your orthodontic alignment.

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During the final stages of orthodontic treatment, your doctor will likely recommend the use of retainers to allow your teeth to settle into their new positions while preventing them from drifting back into misalignment. One available option is what is called a fixed retainer.

A fixed retainer is a custom designed wire securely bonded to the back of the teeth to hold them in optimal orthodontic alignment. The retainer maintains alignment of the teeth, and since it is fixed in place it eliminates the potential of being lost that is typically associated with removable retainers.

However, because they are bonded to the teeth, fixed retainers make dental hygiene more time consuming for the wearer, and it is possible for them to become detached from the teeth, requiring repair. Once your doctor has determined the retainer is no longer necessary, it is un-bonded from your teeth. The overall time span you will need to wear your retainers for will be determined by your doctor. It is important to follow their recommendations to best promote the longevity of your orthodontic alignment.

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