Improve Oral Health & Function With Orthodontist In East Lansing, MI

While many patients are aware of the two main orthodontic options – traditional band-and-bracket braces and clear aligners – many don’t realize that clear braces and clear aligners are another popular orthodontic system that dental experts can use to straighten smiles.

Which option is right for you? Keep reading to learn more!

What are orthodontics?

Orthodontics focuses on using braces and clear aligners to straighten out teeth and jaw abnormalities. The ability of orthodontic treatment to enhance overall oral health, functionality, and appearance makes it so important to correct bites can also avoid problems with speech and chewing. Patients with misaligned teeth or jaw discrepancies may be more susceptible to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and temporomandibular joint disorders if they do not receive orthodontic treatment. Untreated orthodontic problems can also result in social difficulties and a decline in self-esteem because of esthetic worries.

Types of orthodontics we offer:

Traditional Braces

Also known as “metal” or “band-and-bracket” braces, traditional braces continue to be a go-to orthodontic system for many patients and dental professionals. They can correct a wide range of complex misalignment, gapping, and bite issues. The system uses metal wires, brackets, and elastics to gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions. It provides precise, highly predictable results and can create smiles that look great and function well.

Clear Braces

Providing the same reliable, effective, and predictable orthodontic benefits as traditional braces, this system uses brackets and wires that resemble your natural tooth enamel shade to shift your teeth into their ideal positions, making it a popular option with patients who are looking for a more discreet way to update their smiles.

Clear Aligners

Invisalign is the most well-known clear aligner system, which uses removable transparent plastic trays to straighten patient smiles inconspicuously. This orthodontic option allows patients to eat and drink as they normally would (with aligner trays removed) and to continue diligently caring for their oral hygiene.

How to care for your orthodontic system

• For braces: Thoroughly brush after each meal to remove food and bacteria particles. Ask our dentist about an interdental brush for areas that are difficult to clean using just your toothbrush or regular floss. Avoid hard and sticky foods, which can damage braces.
• For clear aligners: Remove the aligners before consuming any liquids other than water. Be sure to clean the aligners with soap and a soft toothbrush each day and wash them with water each time you put them back in your mouth.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

A dentist provides general oral health care, including cleanings, fillings, and check-ups. An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues using braces, aligners, and other orthodontic treatments.

Do orthodontists clean teeth?

Orthodontists do not typically perform routine teeth cleanings. Their primary focus is on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. Regular cleanings should be done by your general dentist.

Are you interested in learning more about which orthodontic system is right for you? Call our friendly team today at East Lansing Modern Dental and we’ll be happy to arrange a consultation to discuss your needs!