People have been desiring to have straight, beautiful teeth since the ancient Egyptians. Over 4.5 million Americans wear braces every year to improve their smiles.
Dr. Altadonna is happy to see patients of all ages and has given countless patients the beautiful smiles they deserve.
At The Smile Shoppe we have two different methods of straightening teeth to fit your individual wants and needs: traditional braces and Invisalign.
Braces
Braces are a reliable option to straighten the teeth, leading to a healthier, more beautiful smile. Modern braces date back to the early 1700's, but fortunately current techniques have greatly improved so that you teeth are now gently guided into the correct positions.
One of the most common methods of straightening teeth, braces involve a system of adhered metal brackets, bands, and wires. Ceramic brackets are also available for patients who desire an orthodontic method that is more cosmetically appealing while in use.
After your initial orthodontic consultation, photographs, measurements, and x-rays are taken to formulate the best treatment option for you. The braces are then placed on the teeth and care instructions are thoroughly explained. Patients are typically seen once a month for routine checks.
Some of the most common orthodontic issues that can be treated by braces are:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Misalignment
- Overbite, underbite, cross-bite, or open-bite
If you have one of these problems, call us today at (618) 654-9866 to schedule your free orthodontic consultation!
Invisalign
Over 6 million people, including more than 1.4 million teens have used Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Invisalign is different than braces in that it uses "aligners" (like clear retainers) to straighten your teeth without the need for metal brackets or wires.
Reserved for those aged 16 years and older, this method gently guides your teeth into your beautiful smile using invisable trays. A course of treatment typically takes about 12 months for most adults, although actual time will vary from person to person.
After your initial consultation to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign, photographs and measurements will be taken, and you will have your teeth scanned to make a 3D model of your teeth. A series of several trays will be made and sent to you. You will need to wear each tray for a specified amount of time, and then you will switch to a new tray as scheduled. Your provider will keep an eye on how your teeth are moving, and adjust the tray schedule as needed.
Call us today at (618) 654-9866 to schedule a free consultation to see if Invisalign is right for you!