Orthodontics - Marlton, NJ
Your Six Month Smiles & Invisalign Dentist
Straighter teeth not only look and feel better, but they are also easier to care for and less prone to common oral health issues. Whether you’re looking for traditional bracket and wire braces or a more cosmetic solution, like Invisalign or Six Month Smiles, the South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine team has what you need. Call our dental office to schedule a consultation without our experienced orthodontist today! Our dental office welcomes dentistry patients from Voorhees and other nearby communities for orthodontics in our Marlton, NJ dental office.
Low Force, Low Friction Orthodontics
Traditional bracket and wire braces are still the most commonly used form of orthodontic treatment for patients of any age but newer techniques with self ligating braces allow for quicker, more comfortable tooth movement They are the most versatile option, allowing our team to treat issues ranging from minimal spacing concerns to severe bite alignment issues.
To treat your smile with self ligating braces, we attach brackets to the front surface of the teeth. Then, we use gentle, flexible NiTi (Nickel Titanium) wires to gently shift teeth into their ideal position. Depending on the magnitude of misalignment, treatment can take anywhere from six to twenty four months.
During the course of orthodontic treatment, patients need to visit our dental office about once a month. These regular appointments are needed to adjust the tension of the wires, allowing teeth to continue their progression toward the ideal positioning. Following treatment, most patients will need to continue to wear retainers at nighttime to prevent teeth from shifting back out of alignment.
Invisalign Clear Braces
For adults and teens with busy schedules that make orthodontic visits untenable, Invisalign clear aligners may be a better orthodontic solution. Rather than noticeable metallic brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic alignment trays to gently shift teeth into their ideal alignment over the course of ten to twenty four months.
The Invisalign treatment process is simple. You’ll wear each set of alignment trays daily for 20 to 22 hours. Every two weeks, you simply replace the current aligner set with the next set in the series. While completing traditional braces treatment, patients are unable to eat certain foods and need specialized products to floss. But if you choose to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, you’ll simply need to remove your alignment trays during meals or when brushing and flossing. Then, replace the aligners following meals and oral hygiene.
Six Month Smiles
As the name implies, Six Month Smiles is an accelerated orthodontic system that is usually completed in six months. . Much like traditional orthodontics, Six Month Smiles uses a pre-crafted set of clear and tooth-colored brackets and wires to gently move teeth into their ideal alignment.
How can Six Month Smiles work so quickly? It’s because the treatment is focused on moving just the teeth that are visible when patients smile. Sometimes referred to as the social six, these front-facing teeth can be shifted much more quickly than an entire row of teeth. We typically only recommend this orthodontic option for those patients whose jaw and facially structures are fully developed and who do not experience any bite alignment issues like painful jaw movement. Six Month Smiles allows us to gently and discretely shift just the visible teeth into a position that improves the appearance of smiles without the need for years of advanced treatment.
Orthodontics Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks to orthodontics, you can leave crooked, crowded, gapped teeth in the past. But how do you know if you are a candidate? Which treatment is right for you? When will you see results? We’ve answered frequently asked questions like these below to make your research process easier. If you’d prefer to speak directly with our team or schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office!
How Do I Know Which Orthodontic Treatment Is Right For Me?
From traditional metal braces to virtually undetectable options like Invisalign, there are more teeth-straightening options than ever before. So, how can you tell which one is right for you? That’s where we come in. At your initial consultation, we will sit down with you one-on-one to discuss your smile goals in depth before conducting a dental exam. Based on our clinical expertise, we will provide you with our recommendations, discuss the pros and cons of each option, and help you determine which one is best for you.
If I Get Braces, How Long Do I Have to Wear Them?
The answer really depends on the orthodontic treatment you are interested in! Traditional braces typically take anywhere from 18 to 24 months depending on the patient’s unique dental needs. Invisalign, on the other hand, delivers results in an average of 12 months. And, as the name suggests, Six Month Smiles takes just six months to shift teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing position.
If I Have Braces, Do I Still Need Dental Checkups and Cleanings Every Six Months?
Yes! In fact, some might argue that your biannual appointments are even more important while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Not only can food particles get trapped in the metal brackets and wires, but untreated decay can significantly hinder your treatment timeline, resulting in more money and time spent on braces. Therefore, make sure to prioritize your dental checkups and cleanings before, during, and after your treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Braces?
Whether you are struggling with minor misalignment, severely rotated teeth, or bite issues, you may be a candidate for braces! The only way to find out for sure is by scheduling an initial consultation with our team. From there, we can conduct a dental exam, which will give us insight into the condition of your teeth and gums. If everything looks good, then we can move forward and discuss your treatment options. On the other hand, if decay or gum disease is detected, then we will work the appropriate care into your treatment plan to restore your oral health beforehand.
Are you ready to achieve your dream smile? Then it’s time to schedule an appointment. Once it’s on the calendar, you’ll be another step closer to leaving crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth in the past!