ORTHODONTIST

Caring for Children and Adults Since 1991

 248-449-1677
Downtown Northville

About Lingual Braces and Orthodontics

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances work by placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction to slowly move teeth to a corrected position. Dr. Hunter uses completely invisible orthodontics with custom solutions that combine the latest esthetic options – often including a combination of orthodontic devices – resulting in superior outcomes, more comfort and shorter treatment times.

Benefits of Braces

3D Diagnostic Technology Improves Comfort and Communication

At Hunter Orthodontics, we use a state-of-the-art 3Shape TRIOS® Intraoral Digital Scanner to create an accurate digital model of your teeth that is used to make your custom appliance. This high-tech scanner and software replaces the traditional – and often uncomfortable – method of taking dental impressions using molds.

Our radiation-free digital equipment increases patient comfort (no more gagging!). It allows for more precise measurements of your teeth and bite ensuring a more comfortable fit of your othodontic appliances and resulting in improved outcome for your treatment. You save time as well. We review the digital model and make our diagnosis in a single shorter visit. The software allows you to visualize your misalignment and aids us in discussing your treatment options.

6-Month Invisible Smiles

We have lingual treatment options that can make you smile-ready for your wedding or next big life event in as little as 6 months. Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Hunter can use a very small lingual brace to align your front teeth. No one will know you have braces, which is an advantage over other 6-month Fast Brace Treatments provided by general dentists.


LINGUAL INVISIBLE BRACES
In-Ovation L mtm

In‑Ovation L MTM lingual braces attach to the interior (lingual) side of the teeth with tiny self-ligating brackets to hold thin wires in place. They are completely invisible braces – no one will know you are wearing braces but you!.

Your individual treatment plan will be designed by Dr. Hunter, who specializes in providing the most effective and advanced options for lingual orthodontics. Lingual appliances are available to adults and adolescents with all their permanent teeth. We recommend invisible lingual braces for your front teeth where they are the most comfortable for you. If you need adjustments on your back teeth, we'd look at clear aligners.


MTM No Trace Invisible Braces Logo
Illustration of MTM lingual braces on lower teeth

The Brace
Without a Trace.

In-Ovation® L MTM No Trace lingual braces work behind the scenes. This virtually undetectable orthodontic treatment can comfortably correct your smile in as little as 6 months. MTM No Trace uses extremely small low-profile brackets that rest on the back side of the teeth to achieve minor tooth movement.

This discrete solution gently guides your teeth into their ideal position with little disruption to your everyday life.

MTM No Trace addresses minor irregularities, such as spacing, crowding, tipping, rotation and other common misalignments. Dr. Hunter will determine if you are a good fit for MTM No Trace.

MTM No Trace works best for incisors (front teeth). When more alignment is needed beyond the front teeth, clear aligners are recommended for comfort and ideal treatment results.


Ceramic Braces
Empower Clear Brackets

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces are barely noticeable on your teeth. Ceramic braces blend well with the color of tooth enamel so your beautiful smile shines through.

Empower Braces Logo
Woman wearing Empower braces

You'll be noticed.
Your braces won't.

Empower® is the technologically advanced esthetic ceramic bracket system that will bring you the confidence of a beautiful smile both during and after treatment.

Empower ceramic braces include a non-staining self-ligating clip to hold your archwire in place, instead of "rubber band" elastic ties that stain and break down over time. Empower ceramic self-ligating braces also improve oral hygiene over elastic ties and allow Dr. Hunter to make quicker wire adjustments.

Empower Clear combines beauty and finesse with performance and precision.

  • Strong ceramic material
  • Blends beautifully with teeth
  • Quicker, easier wire adjustments
  • Comfortable inside your mouth
  • No staining

For more information download a brochure

Made in the U.S.A.

Clear Aligner Therapy
ClearCorrect, Invisalign

An alternative to fixed braces, Dr. Hunter can straighten your teeth with a series of removable, semi-invisible clear aligner trays that are custom-made from our intraoral scanner image of your teeth. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth.

Mild misalignment (malocclusions) can be addressed by aligners. Dr. Hunter will perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth and bite to determine if you are a good candidate and will recommend the appropriate product for your unique situation.

Unlike internet-based "at-home" aligner services, our clear aligner therapy is directed by an experienced orthodontist who will ensure your aligners fit properly. In addition, Dr. Hunter provides regular monitoring to ensure optimal results and prevent potentially irreversible damage.

Aligners are removable (for eating, drinking and oral hygiene) but 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 two weeks.

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

ClearCorrect Logo
ClearCorrect the premier aligner

Engineered for precision.

ClearCorrect uses a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth.

ClearCorrect can treat a wide variety of issues that keep people from achieving their ideal smiles. Straighter teeth don’t just look better; they work better too. Poorly-aligned teeth can interfere with bite function, wear out quicker, and are more prone to cavities.

ClearCorrect manufactures your aligners based on a prescription from Dr. Hunter. You and your orthodontist both play a role in ensuring the success of your treatment.

Ask Dr. Hunter if ClearCorrect clear aligner therapy is right for you.

For more information visit www.clearcorrect.com

Made in the U.S.A.


Invisalign Logo

Invisalign® is the most well-known brand of clear aligners.

Your Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation. Dr. Hunter will examine your teeth and show you what Invisalign clear aligner therapy can do for you. Next he will create your personalized treatment plan based on a precise digital scan of your teeth. You will get a new set of aligners about every one to two weeks.

Compare ClearCorrect with Invisalign

Child Orthodontics (Pediatric)

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.

Teen Orthodontics (Adolescent)

Many orthodontic patients begin treatment in their teen years to correct crowding, spaced teeth, crooked teeth, protruding teeth and bite problems. There are many options when beginning orthodontic treatment in adolescence, once a patient has their full set of permanent teeth. Treatment at this stage of life usually takes less time and is less costly when compared to correction of dental problems that have been allowed to progress into adulthood.

Treatment options for teens are similar to those for adults, including popular lingual braces, which are attached to the inside of the teeth. They are comfortable and invisible – no one will know you have braces. Lingual braces are also an excellent option for active teens, including those who play sports. Another benefit: A beautiful smile can help improve self-confidence.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Hunter and learn about affordable orthodontic treatment options for teens.

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 want treatment that is completely invisible and a short treatment time.

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. Lingual invisible braces can be used to treat most adult patients in as little as 6 to 12 months.

Dr. Hunter can discuss current lingual treatment options. These invisible braces attach to the interior (lingual) side of your teeth.

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.

Ready to find out more about invisible braces?

Call 248-449-1677 to schedule a complimentary evaluation and to discuss treatment options with Dr. Hunter.

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Copyright © 2010 Mark S. Hunter, D.M.D. All rights reserved.