OrthodonticsLaurinburg, NC
At Henry Orthodontics, we provide orthodontics services for children and adults looking to straighten their teeth and align their jaw. Orthodontics is the study and treatment of dental displacement and malocclusions. As an orthodontist, we can treat any issues pertaining to the jaw. We can also move and adjust teeth, even if they are fully formed and hardened. This makes it possible to straighten teeth in adults, rather than only children.
Understanding the Specifics of Orthodontic Care
Due to the various specialties in orthodontia, some orthodontists may only treat children instead of adults. Additionally, dentofacial orthopedics is an area of orthodontic care that involves more surgical elements in order to correct issues with the jaw or face. Overall, an orthodontist in North Carolina treats the position of teeth and the jaw; while also changing the overall shape and appearance of a patient's face. At Henry Orthodontics, we find that many of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how dramatically different they look once their orthodontic treatment is complete.
Orthodontia was technically the first specialty created in the field of dentistry. In order to become an orthodontist, Dr. Henry had to complete additional schooling along with dental school. An orthodontist continues to train until he or she becomes a true expert at straightening teeth and aligning the jaw. This ensures dependable and reliable results for patients seeking orthodontic care. If you live in the Laurinburg area and are considering straightening your teeth, we invite you to call (910) 566-0231 and schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Henry. We will discuss your goals along with the treatment options that are available to you.
Why Orthodontics is Necessary
As a Laurinburg orthodontist, we find that many children suffer from overcrowding teeth issues, creating the need for our procedures. Overcrowding can cause teeth
to grow in at incorrect or crooked positions, leading to difficulties as an adult.
Whether from an accident or a lack of oral hygiene, when a baby tooth falls out prematurely, the teeth around it move into the open space. This can cause the shape of the palate to change, taking up the room the adult tooth needs to grow in properly. In the past, many people had their teeth pulled in order to make space for all of their permanent teeth. Now, we can create space in your teeth using a variety of treatment methods.
At Henry Orthodontics, we also treat patients using orthodontics if their jaw is out of place. This can make it painful to speak, chew and even open one’s mouth. When the bite is off, many people find simple daily activities uncomfortable and seek treatment as a result. In other cases, we provide solutions for teeth that have grown in crooked, even if there was enough space for them. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can resolve all of these issues.
The Procedure
If you are considering straightening your teeth, there are several ways to do so. Regardless of the option you choose, the concept is virtually the same. The appliance must consistently
apply pressure to move the teeth into position. We cannot force teeth into place immediately. There must be slow and consistent pressure in order to ensure that the teeth move without being damaged. Therefore, we
do not apply pressure to all of the teeth at the same time. Instead, we apply pressure to specific teeth. An adjustment is made to apply additional force to a different tooth or teeth while holding the other ones
in place.
When treating patients throughout Laurinburg we are cognizant of the importance of continued oral health care. We recommend that patients do a thorough job of regularly brushing and flossing their teeth. This will decrease the risk of cavities and gum disease while receiving orthodontic care.
Once the procedure is over, most patients are required to wear a retainer. Children that straighten their teeth may only need to wear a retainer for a couple of years, whereas adults often find themselves wearing a retainer for life. Ongoing retention ensures that teeth do not move back into their previous position – a risk with any orthodontics treatment.
Check out what others are saying about our orthodontic services on Yelp: Orthodontics Laurinburg
Treatment for a Straighter Smile and Healthier Teeth
Treatment Options
At Henry Orthodontics, we are proud to provide patients throughout North Carolina with the ability to straighten their teeth and love their smile. There are multiple ways to move
teeth into position, many of which, we offer at our office. Orthodontic solutions include:
Spacers and Expanders
Spacers and expanders are used prior to, or in conjunction with, wearing braces. When a patient suffers from overcrowding issues, these solutions can make space for the other
teeth. It is critical for there to be room for teeth to move to, or the perfect smile will never be achieved. At times, children will wear an expander years before actually getting braces. This can help teeth to
grow into the proper position; or at least, close to it.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are still an excellent way to straighten teeth. If you would like more information, we invite you to call 910-566-0231 to schedule a consultation. Technology has improved braces to where the brackets and wires
are smaller than they once were. This has made braces more comfortable and less conspicuous at the same time. Simultaneously, smaller brackets mean that there are fewer opportunities for food to become stuck or
for awkward photos. This form of braces is the best solution for children and at Henry Orthodontics and we highly recommend considering orthodontics as early as seven years of age. However, the actual start time
depends on the child and their teeth.
Clear Aligners
We work with patients throughout the local area that are interested in straightening their teeth but (910) 566-0231 do not like the look or feel of traditional braces. In this case, clear aligners can accomplish the same or similar
goals without making it obvious. Invisalign® use aligners to straighten teeth. With this consistent pressure applied, teeth will gradually move into position as they do when wearing braces. The aligners themselves
look like full, clear retainers and are meant to be worn for around 22 hours per day. This is why many patients in Laurinburg prefer aligners – they can be taken out at any time.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
At Henry Orthodontics, we can provide orthodontic treatment to adults in Laurinburg, NC and the surrounding areas. The treatment can vary from what adults might remember as a child since their permanent teeth are no longer growing. Even so, we can recommend effective treatments to help correct the teeth alignment and provide a straight smile.
There is no reason to avoid seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult for the ideal smile alignment you want.
For the most part, people seek teeth straightening treatment options for the appearance of their teeth. In reality, straighter teeth will also make oral hygiene an easier and more effective process. Since adults are typically more responsible with oral hygiene than children are, orthodontics for adults can go more smoothly.
While braces are always an effective treatment option, there are other treatment options available. Any products that are over-the-counter or on infomercials that offer teeth straightening techniques will not be nearly as effective as professional treatment. Adults may have multiple reasons for wanting to straighten their teeth, that include:
- Correcting bite issues
- Being tired of avoiding smiling during photos
- Making the teeth easier to clean
- Straightening the teeth before considering teeth whitening
There is no reason for adults to continue living with a smile or teeth they do not like. With orthodontics for adults, we can help them keep as many natural teeth as possible and shift them into the proper alignment.
Differences between Child and Adult Orthodontics
While there are similar treatments for both children and adults, there are still several differences that adults need to know about. The differences include:
- A higher level of responsibility
- The option of removable orthodontic devices
- A more efficient and shorter treatment process
- Fewer checkups during treatment
- Lower chance of necessary follow-up care
Adults are more Responsible
This is not to say that children are not capable of being responsible, but adults can be more careful with their treatment. For instance, clear aligners and Invisalign® require the patient to remove them for meals and cleaning the teeth. Children may not be as motivated to keep up that level of care. While braces remain in the mouth and are not going to fall out, many adults prefer a more discreet method for straightening.
There is no reason to be embarrassed about braces, especially since we offer clear braces and tooth-colored braces as potential options. Regardless of the choice, adults typically do not need as frequent reminders about sticking to the treatment plan as children do.
Removable Devices
With clear aligner trays, straightening teeth is less noticeable than ever before. Not only are they difficult to notice, but people can also take them out during certain activities. Invisalign aligners require patients to wear them for at least 22 hours per day. However, they can remove them during sports, dates, photo sessions, presentations and meals.
Being able to remove the devices allows for the patient to clean the direct service of the teeth without brackets and wires in the way.
Possibility of a more Efficient Treatment Process
Since adults are typically more responsible when taking care of orthodontic devices, there is less chance of damaging the devices and hindering the treatment process. With Invisalign, patients need to wear the aligners for the proper amount of time before switching to the next set in the series. By following the treatment plan, adult patients may be able to prevent the treatment from taking as long as children.
Less need of Checkup Appointments
Another benefit of adult orthodontic treatment is that adults do not need as many checkup appointments if they take care of their teeth during treatment. Since children are more prone to accidents or damaging the equipment, they typically need regular checkup appointments throughout the treatment process.
Smaller chance of more Treatment After
With adult orthodontics, there is also a smaller chance of adult patients needing other orthodontic treatment in the future. While an adult may need a retainer following any teeth straightening treatment, they will most likely not need extensive services. However, if the retainer is damaged in any way, then it is crucial to call us for repairs or end up needing treatment in the future.
Call us to schedule an appointment with our orthodontists and team to learn how it is never too late for orthodontic treatment.
If you would like to learn more about orthodontics and the various treatments we provide, call 910-566-0231 to schedule a consultation.
Back to top of Orthodontics
Recent Posts
FAQs About Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are common dental pieces that are placed where teeth once were. The empty space created by dislodgement or extraction can put the oral cavity at risk, which is why the role that space maintainers play is so large. Orthodontists and many other dental professionals recommend space maintainers to set the child up for…
The Importance Of Wearing Your Retainer After Treatment
You need to wear a retainer after your dental alignment. It may seem like a hassle to wear these oral appliances after finishing months of wearing braces or aligners. But it is not. This stage of dental alignment is important for the lasting results of your straightened teeth. Here are the details about the importance…
Three Things To Know About Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are great resources that are used in dentistry and orthodontics. They are small, metal dental pieces that are placed where a tooth once was, whether it be an adult or baby tooth. Keep reading to find out more about space maintainers.Outlined below are a few things to know about space maintainers, including what…
Tips For Orthodontics And Dental Hygiene
Thanks to orthodontics, people with teeth alignment issues can now have a smile they can be proud of. Nowadays, there are many orthodontic treatments that can be used to deal with a wide range of problems, and there is certainly one that can fix your problem.While orthodontics can be helpful when it comes to dealing…