New Year, New Smile: Is It Time for Orthodontic Treatment?

Have you been holding off on orthodontic treatments? Don’t keep putting it off. Consider taking the new year as an opportunity to upgrade your smile!

Our expert orthodontists at Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, are prepared to help. Starting with an initial consultation to discuss your needs, we can give you an accurate timeline for your orthodontic treatment.

In this article, we’ll tell you all about orthodontic treatment and reasons to get started this January. 

Orthodontic treatments meet your unique needs

Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® and conventional braces can fix more teeth alignment concerns than ever before. Whether you have just one or two out-of-place teeth or your entire smile is misaligned, orthodontic treatment can straighten your smile.

You can discuss your concerns with our team at Hendricks Dental Specialists. We can identify and plan treatment for:

• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Crowded teeth
• Overjet
• Open bite

Collectively, these issues are called malocclusion (a misaligned bite). While malocclusions certainly create cosmetic issues, some types can cause speech challenges, trouble chewing, and other complications. 

Orthodontics is part of preventive care

Smiles look more balanced and attractive after orthodontic treatment. But the benefits of orthodontic treatment don’t stop there. When your teeth are aligned, they’re also easier to clean. 

Plus, the pressure of your bite is evenly distributed. This helps you avoid wear on specific teeth. 

Orthodontic treatment can help you avoid future dental problems like:

• Cracked or broken teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Cavities
• Gum disease

Continue to brush, floss, and get regular dental cleanings during and after orthodontic treatment. 

You can choose the option that sounds best to you

You have multiple options for orthodontic treatment, so if one sounds unappealing, another might suit your preferences. Our experts at Hendricks Dental Specialists can explain each treatment available. They include: 

Invisalign

Invisalign uses a custom-molded set of clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth over time. They’re made using digital scans of your mouth. You progress through your set of aligners in a specific order to reach the final ideal teeth position. 

Your aligners are clear, and while they’re not fully invisible, they’re much harder to see than conventional braces. Plus, you can remove them when eating or drinking anything other than water. You must wear them for 20-22 hours each day to stay on track with treatment. 

Metal braces

Metal braces are what most people think of first when considering orthodontics, and they’ve been around for centuries. They include brackets attached to your teeth, wires threaded through the brackets, and bands. Together, these components help shift your teeth over time. 

Clear braces

Clear braces work in the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made of ceramic. Ceramic is a shade of white, so you can’t see it as well against your teeth. These may be better for mild malocclusions. 

Get in touch

Whether you prefer braces or Invisalign, orthodontic treatment can be transformative for your appearance, self-confidence, and oral health. Call Hendricks Dental Specialists or request an appointment online to discuss your options today.