Dr. Kwame Gyampo and our team provide orthodontics in Durham, North Carolina, to help align your smile and improve your oral health. Our dentist will be happy to work with you to find the right type of treatment that provides you the best possible results. Contact Providence Smiles today at 919-682-4861 to learn more about orthodontics and schedule an appointment with us!

Straighter Smile, Healthier Smile

When people think of orthodontic treatment, they often only consider the cosmetic effects it can have, but while a straight smile looks great and can boost your self-esteem, it can also make it much easier to care for your smile. Straight teeth make it easy to brush and floss more effectively at home, reducing the places bacteria and plaque and build up. This means a smaller chance of tooth decay and less time for you at our office!

A Better Bite

Orthodontic treatment also helps with the health of your bite. The way your teeth come together has a big effect on your oral health — and even your overall health. A misaligned bite can lead to frequent headaches, uneven wear on the teeth and cosmetic problems. With orthodontic treatment, we can correct various bite problems, such as:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite

Braces vs. Invisalign® Clear Aligners

In the past, the only orthodontic option most people had were traditional braces. These are made from a series of brackets bonded to the teeth and held together by wires. Braces are effective and reliable and have evolved and improved in the modern era, but they still have problems inherent to the treatment.

Thankfully, you do not have to deal with the issues of braces! With Invisalign treatment, our dentist can get you a new smile without a mouthful of metal. Invisalign clear aligners can straighten your smile in style, allowing you to eat what you want and take care of your teeth much more easily than with braces.

FAQ

When should I or my child get orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is a great option at any age! Treatment that is started during the teen years is generally easier and faster, but you really are never too old to straighten your smile. That being said, keeping on eye on your child’s smile as they grow will help reduce the need for orthodontic treatment in the first place. We recommend that you bring your child in for an orthodontic screening when they are 7 years old. This allows us to check the development of their smile and plan any future treatment that may be needed. We will keep a close eye on their teeth as they grow and implement treatment as necessary.

How long will my treatment take?

Depending on your needs and what treatment you choose, you can achieve your new smile between six months to two years, on average. Successful treatment is something that depends heavily on you, though, and there is only so much that our dentist and team will be able to do without your cooperation. When you first start your treatment, we will talk with you about how best to care for your appliance and oral health while straightening your smile. As long as you follow our instructions closely, your treatment will be as short as we can make it!

How long will my results last?

When you finish your orthodontic treatment, your work for your new smile will not quite be over! We will talk with you about how to care for your new smile and keep your teeth from sliding back into their original, unhealthy positions. For most patients, this includes a retainer. This is similar to your clear aligners, but you will only need to wear it at specific times, usually while you sleep. We will make sure you understand how to wear and care for your retainer, and we will keep a careful eye on your new smile as you come in for your regular appointments.

Any more questions? Contact us today for a consultation with our dentist and get started on your new smile!