Straightening your teeth is a way to completely shift and transform your smile while simultaneously tending to the care of your jaw and its structure. Dr. Mark B. Huls of Huls Orthodontics in Monticello and Champaign specializes in teeth-straightening methods suitable for patients of all ages. Whether you're interested in clear aligners or traditional braces, we're here to help guide and assist you throughout your oral health journey.
Clear Aligners
The use of clear aligners is one of the newer treatment options that's useful for teeth straightening. Whether you're an adult or an adolescent, clear aligners assist with crowding of the teeth, gaps, and crooked teeth at any stage of life. Clear aligners can sometimes help with open bites, underbites, and overbites in addition to crossbites.
Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are commonly selected as a preferred method for orthodontics. Metal braces are made with archwires and held together with traditional, small, tooth-sized rubber bands. This type of solution is ideal for effective, reliable, long-term treatment for mild to moderate crowding, as well as overjets, overbites, and cross bites. Traditional braces may require between 18 and 36 months to achieve the results you're seeking, depending on the extent and severity of your condition and the shape of your teeth.
Ceramic Braces
A less common option is to consider ceramic braces. While ceramic braces use the same method and equipment as traditional metal brace solutions, they use clear ceramic brackets as opposed to metal material. This can make them a bit less visible compared to traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces are a bit more expensive than traditional metal braces, but will require the same amount of time (between 18 and 36 months in total).
Retainers
Retainers are also common and can be helpful to move teeth back into their original positions once they've shifted or been moved due to trauma or another underlying condition. Retainers are useful once you've had metal or ceramic braces removed or if you're no longer wearing your semi-permanent clear aligners. Retainers help prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions, preserving your new smile after the braces or aligners have been removed completely.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are alternatives to metal and/or ceramic braces. They use custom brackets (and wires) to fit the arch of your mouth and the precise shape of your teeth. These brackets are typically positioned on the back of your teeth, rather than the front. Lingual braces are more discreet, but may require between six months and three years to complete treatment. This treatment option is less common.
At Huls Orthodontics, you'll be introduced to various teeth-repairing options that are optimal for your individual needs and budget. From metal braces to addressing overbites, we'll ensure your satisfaction and comfort every step of the way. If you're located in Champaign or Monticello, contact Dr. Mark B. Huls to schedule your initial examination appointment with us today.