Orthodontics

Dentists trained in orthodontics examine and treat malocclusions, or bad bites, and severe cavities. They also design and create oral appliances to retain or improve the function of teeth by alignment. Orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth and improve your self-confidence. Braces are the original smile makeover technique and can have a positive effect on your personal and social life. In addition, proper alignment of your teeth can help you bite, chew, and even speak more clearly. Also, having your teeth in better positions can make them easier to clean and therefore more resistant to decay.

How Does Orthodontics Work?

Braces and oral appliances use your body’s natural strengths to remodel tissue. A light, but constant force, moves teeth into better positions and helps reshape bone.

Bite problems start to occur in childhood, but they are never too late to treat. These issues can include excessive spacing, crowding, underbites, overbites, cross bites, open bites, or abnormal eruption of teeth.

After your treatment, you will be fitted for a retainer. You must wear this as directed because it holds your teeth in their new positions. Also, you must wear them for a certain amount of time as new bone and ligaments must form around them to make sure they maintain their spacing. This helps you keep your smile in a great position for a lifetime.

Orthodontic Care at Ann Arbor Smiles

Invisalign

Invisalign® is an excellent option for many children and adults who want straighter teeth without bulky metal braces. A series of clear, removable aligners will reposition your teeth without the visible signs of traditional orthodontia.

Braces

Speed Appliance fixed brackets can be an excellent solution for many children or adult patients with very crowded teeth. They move the teeth quickly and do not stop once the rubber elastic rings fatigue (2 or 3 days after placement). Treatment with speed brackets requires fewer visits and allows for longer breaks between wire changes.