CREATING
BEAUTIFUL
SMILES
CREATING
BEAUTIFUL
SMILES
TYPES OF BRACES & ALIGNERS
TRIED, TRUE & CONSISTENT RESULTS
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, self-ligating braces do not require the use of elastics, meaning fewer appointments and less friction being placed on the tooth. Self-ligating braces come with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces, but use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth, and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth; the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that has redefined orthodontics by providing a virtually invisible appliance as effective as traditional metal braces. This corrective treatment involves a series of clear aligners molded to fit your mouth perfectly as they gradually shift your teeth into place for your dream smile.
We begin this treatment by taking a scan of your mouth with our iTero scanner and creating a 3D model of your smile. We use this model to plan out your treatment and show you the projected results of Invisalign treatment. Once you and one of our doctors decide on the course of your treatment, we’ll have the Invisalign aligners printed based on the model of your teeth. Every two weeks, you’ll receive a new set of aligners that have been slightly changed to shift your teeth further. Invisalign is printed using a thermoplastic material that industry-leading scientists designed to be so comfortable patients’ can’t tell they’re wearing their appliance.
Spark Clear Aligners
We are excited to offer our patients multiple clear aligner options for them to choose from, and Spark Clear Aligners are another amazing option for patients who want a discreet corrective treatment. Spark Clear Aligners work similarly to Invisalign in the way that they use a series of aligner sets to gradually shift your teeth into the best position for aesthetics and function.
What makes Spark Aligners stand out from the rest of the leading aligner brands is their commitment to clarity, comfort, and efficiency. Spark Aligners are famous for being the clearest aligners available, so our patients benefit from a nearly invisible corrective treatment. While some clear aligners may yellow with time, Spark Aligners maintain their clarity to keep patients smiling through treatment. Additionally, this appliance is made using TruGEN™, an innovative technology designed by experts to be more comfortable and polished.
OTHER TREATMENTS
FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
What is the difference between early orthodontic treatment and regular orthodontic treatment, and why might my child need early treatment? How will early treatment benefit my child in the long run?
These are just a few of the questions surrounding the topic of early orthodontic treatment for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point the orthodontist will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.
Early treatment (also known as Phase One) typically begins around age eight or nine (Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older). The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) describes a series of issues that are related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These issues also affect the head, neck, and facial tissues surrounding the TMJ. TMD/TMJ problems are often difficult to diagnose and identify because they express themselves in common symptoms such as headaches, muscle spams near the jaw, pain in the ears, muscle pain, and more.
You may be experiencing some of the symptoms associated with this group of problems without it being TMD/TMJ at all. There are a few tips and tricks you can implement to lessen the discomfort you feel. This includes refraining from grinding and clenching your teeth, relaxing your face, chewing your food on both sides of your mouth, and more. For more information on TMD/TMJ issues, contact our office today. We never want you to suffer in silence, and we’ve seen these issues occur many times. They are often preventable or easily cured with treatment, so there’s little reason to worry about the long-term effects if you tend to these problems right away.
REQUEST FREE CONSULT
GET STARTED TODAY
Your healthy, confident smile is important. So, we want to make it easy for you and your loved ones to get started right away. Complete the form below to request a consultation.
OUR LOCATION
COME VISIT US
Serving our amazing Anderson and surrounding communities is our privilege and priority. We are excited to meet you and help create the beautiful smile you deserve.
Copyright © 2024 • Lanford & McInnis Orthodontics • All Rights Reserved
2315 N Main St #120 Anderson, SC 29621 • (864) 226-2858