Orthodontics in North Carolina
Providing quality orthodontic treatment in Durham, Raleigh, and Goldsboro.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Good orthodontic care can substantially transform your smile and bite, boosting both your self-confidence and oral health. At Carolina Dental Arts, we realize that our patients have diverse orthodontic needs, goals, and preferences. That’s why we offer several different teeth straightening methods, including traditional braces, Invisalign®, and clear braces.
Orthodontics: The Importance of Straightening Your Teeth
Straightening your teeth is important for several reasons beyond aesthetics. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. They help distribute bite forces evenly, preventing excessive wear and potential jaw problems. Additionally, straight teeth can improve speech, breathing, and chewing, leading to better overall health. Enhanced self-esteem from a well-aligned smile can also positively influence your social interactions and self-confidence.
If you are ready to experience the difference of a perfectly straight smile, we can help.
Our Orthodontic Treatments
At Carolina Dental Arts, you can achieve the straight smile and properly aligned bite of your dreams. Learn more about our orthodontic options below:
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are a proven method for straightening teeth, especially in complex cases. This system involves brackets bonded to the teeth and wires that run through them and are held in place by elastic bands. You can choose what color elastics you’d like for a fun way to customize your smile. Reliable and effective, traditional braces remain a popular choice for orthodontic treatment. However, other options are available for those with mild or moderate alignment needs.
Invisalign
Invisalign®, also called invisible braces or clear aligners, helps patients comfortably and discreetly straighten their teeth. As part of this straightening method, you receive custom-made, smooth plastic aligner trays that you wear throughout the day. You only take them out for eating and your twice-daily oral hygiene. The benefits of clear aligner trays include greater comfort, the invisibility of the trays, and an easy-to-follow schedule for straightening your teeth at any age.
Clear Braces
Clear braces use the same mechanism as traditional braces but have a more discreet look. They use tooth-colored wires and transparent brackets, making them ideal for individuals with diverse orthodontic needs who are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing braces experience.
While children and teens adapt more readily to having braces, many adults feel uncomfortable about visible wires and brackets. This is why so many adults choose clear aligner trays and alternatives to traditional metal braces. No matter which method you choose for straightening your teeth, you can achieve lasting results with the improved bite and beautiful smile you have always wanted.
Who Needs Orthodontic Care?
Good candidates for orthodontics include those who want a healthier and more attractive smile. If you are experiencing problems because of your crooked or misaligned teeth, our orthodontic options can help.
Problems treated through orthodontics include:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb-sucking or other bad oral habits
- Teeth crowding or misplaced teeth
- Protruding, shifting, clicking, or recessed jaws
- Speech problems
- Cheek biting or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Abnormal mouth closure
- Asymmetry or imbalance in the face
- Teeth clenching or grinding
All of these problems relate to misalignment or malocclusion. Some of these conditions inherited from your parents include jaw growth issues, teeth missing at birth, or teeth that are crowded, protruding, or redundant. Spacing problems also come from genetics. Non-genetic problems treated by orthodontics include early loss of baby teeth, baby teeth retention, thumb-sucking, finger-sucking, dental trauma, and various types of dental disease.
Orthodontics for Children
If your child needs early intervention to improve dental problems, beginning orthodontic treatment in childhood can be beneficial. Early intervention can correct dental issues before they worsen, reducing the need for more extensive treatments later. It can also guide the growth of the jaw and permanent teeth, ensuring proper alignment and spacing. Additionally, addressing dental issues early can improve oral hygiene, boost self-esteem, and prevent potential speech or eating difficulties. Early treatment paves the way for a healthier, more confident smile as your child grows.
Young people today have more options for smile and bite correction than children of the past. Technological advances have reduced treatment times and made wearing braces more comfortable and discreet.
Taking Care of Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
Regardless of the type of orthodontic method used, you must take good care of your teeth throughout the course of treatment. Food debris and plaque can easily build up around braces. At the same time, brushing and flossing are more difficult because of the wires, brackets, and small spaces between them.
To maintain your oral health while wearing braces, follow these guidelines:
- After every meal or snack, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste before bedtime
- Floss at least once daily
- Follow your dentist’s guidelines for flossing around your braces
- Continue seeing the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups
- Use a prescription mouth rinse to prevent decalcification
Experience Expert Orthodontics at Carolina Dental Arts
At Carolina Dental Arts, our range of orthodontic treatments includes traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile in the most effective and comfortable way possible. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation to discuss the best treatment options for you or your child. Your journey to a confident smile starts here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth straightening is not purely cosmetic. For many people, it is medically necessary for good health and oral hygiene. Malocclusions cause many problems, including those listed above. They also strain your gums and surrounding bone while wearing away the enamel you need for healthy and attractive teeth. Crooked and overlapping teeth are difficult to clean, putting you at high risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
At Carolina Dental Arts, we offer three different options for straightening your teeth: traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign®. Whether you are interested in the durability of traditional braces, the aesthetic appeal of clear braces, or the convenience of Invisalign®, we have a solution to suit you. Our goal is to provide the most effective and comfortable treatment, ensuring you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Additionally, Dr. Powell is a platinum Invisalign provider with advanced training and recognized expertise. This distinction highlights his success in using Invisalign to transform his patients’ smiles!
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