About Orthodontics

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be ceramic or metal and are bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. Dr. Hunter uses In-Ovation® C ceramic brackets which have a metal clip that engages the wire without the need for ties that can stain over time. If you elect to use metal brackets, you can select the color of the ties that engage the wire in the metal brackets. Wires are now less noticeable and allow faster tooth movement with less discomfort to patients.

Benefits of Braces

• Enhanced self-confidence
• Improved occlusal (bite) function and less chance for enamel chipping and wear patterns
• Increased oral hygiene efficiency and therefore reduced chance for gingivitis and decay
• Reduced risk of injury to protruding front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
• Guidance of teeth into more favorable positions

In-Ovation® C - Ceramic Braces

This is an esthetic ceramic brace that blends well with the color of tooth enamel. It has a metal self-ligating clip that engages the arch wire instead of colored ties. Oral hygiene is improved since the metal clip replaces colored ties, which can collect plaque and discolor. There is no additional fee for ceramic braces at Dr. Hunter's office since he strives to provide the most esthetic appliances to all of his patients.

Clear Aligner Therapy (Invisible Braces)

There are many companies that produce clear plastic aligners. Some of these products include Invisalign®, ClearCorrect™, and Simpli5. Invisalign® and ClearCorrect™ can be prescribed for more involved malocclusions. Simpli5 is efficient at correcting mild spacing and rotations. Dr. Hunter will consider all of the above options during your examination appointment.

What are Clear Aligners?
They are a series of comfortable aligners that no one can tell you are wearing. Invisalign® and ClearCorrect™ are made with 3D computer imaging technology.

Why Would I Want Clear Aligner Therapy?
They are invisible and removable so you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. Brushing and flossing can be easily accomplished.

How Does It Work?
Mild to moderate misalignment (malocclusions) can be addressed by clear aligner therapy. Aligners must be worn 22 out of 24 hours every day to ensure that tooth movement progresses. Your teeth will move slowly as you sequentially replace aligners about every 2 weeks. You will visit Dr. Hunter's office about every 6 weeks to assess progress.

Small tooth-colored bonded attachments are necessary for aligner retention and for certain tooth movements. Complex tooth movements may require the addition of fixed appliances, ceramic or metal braces. The treatment time and number of aligners depend on the severity of the patient's malocclusion.

Child Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have an examination by an orthodontist by age 7, or earlier for certain malocclusions. Common malocclusions that are addressed early include: crossbites, open bites, deep bites, habits, jaw growth imbalances, protruding front teeth, severe crowding and spacing, and impacted and ectopic teeth. If Dr. Hunter determines that your child is not ready for treatment at this time, he will recommend follow up visits to evaluate growth and development, and determine the appropriate time to initiate treatment. Dr. Hunter prefers to keep first stage treatment time to a minimum, approximately 12-18 months, to maintain patient cooperation. For these patients, a second phase of treatment will be considered after the majority of permanent teeth have erupted.

The majority of child patients can be efficiently treated with comprehensive (single phase) treatment. This treatment is initiated on average between 10 and 13 years of age.

Adult Orthodontics

It's never too late to improve your smile! Orthodontic treatment can be provided at any age; in fact, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult. Adults often have many treatment options that may partially or completely correct their malocclusion. Dr. Hunter will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option during your consultation appointment. Adult patients may require additional dental procedures as part of combination therapy. These may include periodontal, restorative, and oral surgery treatment.

Many adult patients must wear a retainer long-term after braces have been removed to maintain ideal alignment. A fixed retainer, small wire bonded on the tongue side of the teeth, may be necessary to preserve your beautiful results.