Orthodontic Care
Advanced Orthodontics in North & South Carolina
Orthodontics treats teeth and jaws that do not align properly. Treatment can improve the bite, make teeth easier to clean, support clearer speech, and create a more confident smile.
An orthodontist focuses on correcting tooth alignment, jaw position, and certain facial growth concerns using fixed or removable appliances.
Specialized Focus
Orthodontist Or Dentist?
Dentists and orthodontists both work to improve oral health. Dentistry broadly addresses the teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics focuses specifically on tooth and jaw alignment. Orthodontists complete additional education and training in this specialty.
Treatment Benefits
A Healthier, More Comfortable Bite
Orthodontic treatment can close gaps, straighten crooked teeth, improve the bite, support speech, and make teeth and gums easier to clean. It can also help reduce uneven wear or trauma to teeth.
Who May Benefit From Orthodontics?
An evaluation may include your dental health history, imaging, and models or digital scans of your teeth. These records help determine whether orthodontic treatment would be useful.
- Overbite: upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth.
- Underbite: lower teeth sit too far forward.
- Crossbite: upper and lower teeth do not meet in the expected position.
- Open bite: space remains between biting surfaces when the mouth closes.
- Spacing or crowding: gaps or insufficient room affect tooth alignment.
- Misplaced midline: upper and lower front teeth do not line up.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances apply controlled pressure to guide teeth and jaws into planned positions. Treatment may use fixed appliances, removable appliances, or a combination selected for the patient’s needs.
Fixed Appliances
Braces And Space Maintainers
Braces use brackets and archwires to move teeth. Other fixed appliances may preserve space after a child loses a baby tooth or address habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
Removable Appliances
Aligners, Retainers And More
Removable options include clear aligners, retainers, headgear, palatal expanders, space maintainers, and certain jaw-positioning appliances. Your orthodontist will explain when and how each appliance should be worn.
During And After Treatment
Patients with fixed appliances may need to avoid hard or sticky foods and should ask about protection for contact sports. Retainers and follow-up care help protect the final alignment after active treatment.
When Treatment Can Begin
Timing depends on tooth development and the concern being treated. Many patients begin around the early teen years, but some problems are treated earlier or later. An orthodontic evaluation determines the right timing.
Start With An Evaluation
Explore A Straighter, Healthier Smile
Meet with an orthodontic provider to review your bite, alignment, and treatment options.