Straighten your teeth discreetly with Invisalign clear aligners, a comfortable and convenient solution designed to improve your smile without traditional braces.
Dr. Richard C. Ribeiro is a comprehensive dentist who offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options at our Clarksville, TN, office. Traditional orthodontic treatment involves metal wires and brackets that gradually shift your teeth into their optimal positions. In addition to treatments that are fixed in the mouth, there are also removable options such as Invisalign®. Whether you are 13 or 30, orthodontics can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a straighter smile.
Orthodontic treatment is used to correct many different types of teeth misalignment. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to care for, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay and increasing the risk of gum disease. Tooth misalignment can also lead to complications such as headaches, TMJ (temporomandibular) disorders, and more.
Dr. Ribeiro will work with you to diagnose your misalignment and create a comprehensive treatment plan. The type of orthodontics you will need and the length of treatment will depend on the complexity of your misalignment.
If Dr. Ribeiro recommends fixed metal braces, he will cement the brackets to the fronts of your teeth. A metal wire connects each of the brackets, which is tightened on a monthly basis to move the teeth into alignment. Most patients wear traditional braces for at least a year. More complex cases may require metal braces for up to two years or more.
If you opt for a removable option such as Invisalign, Dr. Ribeiro will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to create a treatment timeline and your clear aligners. The clear aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, and most patients need at least nine months to a year of treatment to achieve optimal alignment.
Because the trays are removable, Invisalign is a more convenient and comfortable orthodontic treatment. However, it is a good solution only for patients with mild to moderate misalignment. More severe cases usually require traditional braces.
Clarksville Smiles offers preventive dentistry, dental cleanings, exams, crowns, bridges, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign®, sedation dentistry, and pediatric dental care.
