ORTHODONTIC SERVICES

OUR EFFECTIVE

Orthodontic Treatments

Your journey to a new smile begins when you visit our Archdale office where one of our dentists will examine your entire smile using advanced imaging equipment. Then we’ll ask you some questions about your treatment goals to provide you with the perfect solution. We feature three orthodontic options: traditional metal braces, clear Invisalign aligners, and Six Month Smiles. 

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are an effective treatment for patients with several types of orthodontic issues. Braces use a set of bonded metal brackets, archwires, and elastic bands that work together to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. While traditional braces have an undesirable reputation, over the years they’ve become streamlined and have a much more attractive appearance than in the past. 

Metal braces allow children, teens, and adults to safely straighten your smile over several years. Dr. Whaley has completed advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute in Neuromuscular Orthodontics. She’s qualified to treat orthodontic issues using braces.

Six Month Smiles

We know that not everyone finds metal braces to be their ideal form of orthodontic treatment, which is why we offer Six Month Smiles. This treatment straightens your smile using inconspicuous clear brackets rather than the standard metal ones. Six Month Smiles is a new, award-winning treatment option designed to correct several cosmetic imperfections. It can perfect your smile in as little as six months, hence its name. 

Six Month Smiles uses archwires specifically designed for each patient to ensure optimal comfort. Many of our patients enjoy the quickness of this orthodontic treatment. For more information, you can visit Six Month Smiles.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners are comfortable, removable, and allow for a quick treatment time varying between six and 24 months. Dr. Whaley is a certified Invisalign provider who will start your treatment with an initial consultation. 

Your first Invisalign consultation consists of a full mouth examination as well as Dr. Whaley taking 3D images of your teeth to create your customized trays. Once your clear aligners are created, they’ll be shipped to our office. Then your journey to a straighter, more beautiful smile can begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is orthodontics important?

Orthodontics is important for both the appearance and function of your smile. If you’ve been living with misaligned teeth, you may not realize how they can impact your eating and speaking ability. Braces or other orthodontic alternatives can fix these issues and improve your day-to-day activities as well as your oral health.

When should you start orthodontic treatment?

You can begin an orthodontic treatment during any stage of life, but it’s quicker and easier before the teeth’ positions are firmer. That’s why we typically recommend orthodontic treatment starts during the teenage years. However, with additional treatments such as Invisalign, it’s becoming more normal for adults to also undergo orthodontic treatment. 

If your child needs orthodontic treatment, we recommend bringing them to our Archdale office for an evaluation before all their permanent teeth have erupted. This typically happens between the ages of seven and 10. At this appointment, we’ll be able to tell if your child needs braces to fix any possible oral problems.

What causes orthodontic problems?

In most cases, orthodontic problems are genetic, meaning you inherit them from your parents. The following malocclusions are determined by your genetic makeup:

• Crowded teeth
• Spacing issues
• Extra Teeth
• Jaw growth and formation problems
• Misalignment issues

Sometimes, certain behaviors can also cause orthodontic problems too, such as thumb sucking. You may develop jaw issues from injuries, accidents, or other trauma to your mouth or jaw.