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Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the part of dentistry that moves teeth. It straightens crowded or crooked teeth, closes gaps, and improves how your upper and lower teeth meet, which dentists call your bite.

Straight teeth aren’t only about looks. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, so plaque (the sticky film that causes cavities and gum disease) builds up in the tight spots. A bite that’s off can wear some teeth down faster than others and strain the muscles of your jaw.

You might want to ask about orthodontic care if:

  • your teeth are crowded, overlapping, or turned
  • you have gaps you’d like to close
  • your teeth have shifted since you had braces years ago
  • your upper and lower teeth don’t meet evenly when you bite

Dr. Minici is a general dentist. He can look at your teeth and bite and tell you whether clear aligners are likely to work for you.

Aligners suit many adults and teens, but not every problem. Large bite problems, or jaws that don’t line up, often need braces or other care.

Moving teeth is only half the job. Teeth tend to drift back toward where they started, so holding them in place afterward matters just as much. The services below explain how each part works.

Care is provided byDr. James Minici, general dentist.

Treatments

  • Clear aligners

    Clear aligners are removable plastic trays that move your teeth a little at a time to straighten them and improve how they meet.

A clear aligner over the lower teeth, seen from aboveTop-down drawing of the lower teeth, from the front teeth at the bottom to the back molars on each side. A thin clear tray (shaded) covers every tooth and follows the curve of the arch.
  • Aligner
  • Teeth
A clear aligner is a thin plastic tray made to fit your teeth. Each tray in the series is shaped a little differently, so wearing them in order moves the teeth in small steps.

Retainers

After teeth are straightened, the bone and gums around them need time to settle, and teeth tend to drift back toward where they started. A retainer holds them in place. It’s needed after braces or clear aligners, and if you’ve lost an old retainer, a new one can help keep your teeth from shifting further.

There are two main kinds. A removable retainer is a clear plastic tray, much like an aligner, or a wire held in a plastic plate. A bonded retainer is a thin wire glued to the backs of your front teeth, so you never take it out, though you’ll need to clean carefully around it. Your dentist will suggest one based on your teeth and how likely they are to move.

Getting a removable retainer takes a scan or impression and a short fitting. Your dentist will tell you how often to wear it, and many people wear theirs every night for years. Clean it with a soft brush and cool water, and keep it in its case, since retainers are easy to lose in a napkin and tempting to dogs.

An exam is how we find out what’s right for you.

Plan a visit

Tell us a little about what’s going on, and we’ll call you to find a time.

Request a visitCall (772) 301-9033