Crooked teeth and malocclusion can change the shape of your face and have a significant impact on your smile. However, they can also lead to other oral health problems, such as an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, issues like snoring and sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders. Yet, there are plenty of alternatives to dental braces to fix your teeth. Dr. Stern offers patients in Willoughby Hills alternatives to orthodontics to improve oral health and straighten your smile.
Evaluating your teeth and jaw position
Dr. Stern uses state of the art technology in all aspects of his practice, including high-resolution digital x-ray images. He will also use digital photos and craft molds of your teeth to see how they align when your jaw is closed. This will allow him to get a crystal-clear view of the extent of your alignment issues and help him form the best treatment plan to straighten your teeth and jaw.
Discrete realignment
While some patients may require traditional orthodontics, many patients of all ages can take advantage of more discrete methods, such as Clear Correct invisible aligners. You will start with an aligner tray crafted to fit your teeth as they are, so you can get used to wearing them. Every couple of weeks, you will progress to a different aligner that adds pressure to your teeth and shifts them to the optimum position in your mouth. These aligners make incremental shifts for fast, comfortable adjustments, and you will notice results within a few months. Treatment time varies from patient to patient but averages about 12-18 months.
Most adults prefer to avoid braces, but even younger patients may be embarrassed by crooked teeth and prefer to avoid lengthy orthodontic appointments. Traditional braces require frequent adjustments, and they can increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay and make enjoying some of your favorite foods impossible. Contact our office in Willoughby Hills today at (440) 210-0999 to learn more about orthodontics alternatives.
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