Orthodontics

Dr. Robin Rutherford has been providing braces for over 20 years and rarely needs to refer a patient to a specialist. This makes it more convenient for patients who have had orthodontic treatment with us because, if you need a teeth cleaning, a filling, or wisdom teeth removal, we can do all these things at the same appointment. Ultimately, this can mean fewer dental appointments for you by accomplishing all your needs here under one roof as opposed to multiple visits to specialists all over town. We offer a variety of orthodontic techniques, including traditional braces and the innovative Six Month Smiles® treatment.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on the positioning of the teeth and jaws, including their alignment and how they bite together. With the use of braces, patients of all ages can achieve straighter teeth for an improved smile appearance as well as a healthier mouth for the future. Whether you are looking for adult orthodontics or seeking a professional to help your child achieve straight teeth, Dr. Rutherford can determine the most beneficial solution for your needs. To learn about our effective braces options, read about our treatments below and contact us to schedule an appointment.

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Orthodontics For Teens

Teens are the most common patients to receive orthodontic treatment. Once adolescents reach age 13, Dr. Rutherford will evaluate their occlusion and tooth alignment to determine if orthodontic care is needed and, if so, the extent of care required. He will recommend the most appropriate orthodontic system to help them achieve straight, beautiful teeth to improve their confidence and oral hygiene.

Adult Orthodontics

Although orthodontics are often thought to be for younger individuals, more and more adults are choosing to get braces to correct alignment issues. Some of these patients have had orthodontic treatment when they were younger, but their teeth have since shifted. Others receive braces for the first time as adults, finally achieving the straight smile they have always wanted. Whether they choose traditional braces or a more discreet system like Six Month Smiles®, adults can experience better oral function and health with lasting results.

What Are The Different Types Of Braces?

Traditional Braces

The most popular form of braces utilizes metal materials to shift the teeth into place. This typically involves a series of brackets and connecting wires that are adjusted to gradually and gently correct teeth alignment. The process has been used for decades and has been improved over the years to be a more comfortable and convenient solution. Traditional braces have proven extremely effective at straightening teeth and are typically considered the ideal solution for those with severe misalignment issues. On average, candidates can achieve their ideal teeth positioning within 18 to 24 months, though this will vary based on the extent of a patient’s needs. Similarly, the cost of traditional braces will be different for each case, depending on factors like the complexity of the patient’s needs, if supplementary oral appliances are needed, and the duration of treatment. Our team can discuss the details of your treatment plan with braces once Dr. Rutherford has had the opportunity to examine your mouth and determine the best course of action.

Six Month Smiles®

The Six Month Smiles® braces system offers a more discreet straightening system. It is designed to help you straighten your teeth more comfortably than traditional braces. The solution gets its name by the short period of time it takes to reach optimal results. Using clear brackets and tooth-colored wires that are much smaller than traditional braces, you can achieve the straight teeth you desire without the bold look of metal braces.

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Do Braces Hurt?

Getting your braces should not be painful, but soon after having your brackets and wires placed, you may start to feel some discomfort. This is due to the braces system starting to put pressure on the misaligned teeth as they begin shifting to their ideal position. Patients who report having pain with their braces typically describe this as a dull soreness. Over-the-counter pain medications can often help control this discomfort. The most common time period when patients feel uncomfortable is after their braces have been tightened, which typically occurs multiple times throughout the course of their braces treatment.

How Should I Take Care Of And Clean My Braces?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is as important as ever when you have braces. The brackets and wires can often trap food, so you should brush and floss your teeth regularly. Dr. Rutherford will help you understand the best way to floss around your braces, as well as other practices to help you maintain good oral health throughout the duration of your braces treatment. In addition to adhering to good hygiene habits, you should avoid certain foods that can get lodged between your braces and gumline, such as hard candies, popcorn, and gum.

Are There Any Alternatives To Braces?

Braces are the most effective way to straighten severely misaligned teeth, as well as improve poor occlusion. However, patients with minor gaps or mild tooth misalignment may be eligible for an alternative solution, such as porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding. Veneers are used to improve the size, shape, and color of the teeth. As the thin porcelain shell is placed over a tooth, this can help minimize an adjacent gap. Dental bonding works in a similar way to reduce spaces between teeth, as a composite resin material is applied to the tooth’s surface.

Contact The Art of Dentistry

If you are ready to obtain the smile of your dreams, please contact our office to schedule your one-on-one appointment with Dr. Rutherford. We look forward to seeing you!