Orthodontics is the study and treatment of irregularities in teeth alignment, or occlusion. When teeth aren’t perfectly straight, the discrepancy can detract from your smile’s appearance and affect how well your bite works. Serious cases of malocclusion (crooked teeth) usually call for orthodontic braces, consisting of brackets and wires that slowly move teeth into more desirable positions. If you experience an orthodontic relapse after having your braces removed, or if you haven’t worn your retainers as recommended following treatment, then Realine® cosmetic braces may help you achieve the symmetry your smile needs.
The Need for Straight Teeth
Although many patients are motivated by cosmetic reasons to straighten their teeth, the complications of crooked teeth extend far beyond aesthetics. If your teeth overlap, or if some jut out further than the others, then your toothbrush and floss might not clean them as well as they should. Plaque, tartar, and food debris can hide in the crevices of misaligned teeth, and the bite imbalance can lead to a host of other issues.
How Orthodontics Works
To reorganize your smile, orthodontics focuses on applying gentle force to shift teeth towards their proper alignment. Braces consist of brackets attached to your teeth and arch wires that connect them, allowing your orthodontist to periodically tighten the braces as they move your teeth. The point of retainers following orthodontic treatment is to help keep your teeth in their new alignment after the braces are removed. Without them, your teeth may fall back into their old, improper alignment, and require a little more attention to restore their balance.
Realine® at a Glance
As older teens and adults, many patients prefer to keep their orthodontic treatment as inconspicuous as possible. With metal brackets and wires, that isn’t always possible. However, with Realine® clear aligners (from the makers of Invisalign®), Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron can help you alter your teeth’s alignment without drastically altering their appearance with brackets and wires. Realine consists of a series of plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth, and are made from clear acrylic to remain incognito when in place. The aligners are removable, so you can brush and floss your teeth as easily as before, and treatment with Realine can usually be completed in as little as three to four months.
About Your Southlake Dentists:
As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
