Helpful tips on orthodontics

Direct-to-consumer clear aligners skip in-office exams and may miss underlying dental problems that only a licensed dentist can identify and treat safely.

Clear aligner use has grown dramatically among adults and teens who prefer the discreet, removable alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening.

Remote work and video calls have driven a surge in adults seeking braces and clear aligners to correct crooked teeth, gaps, and bite issues at any age.

Retainers hold teeth in their corrected positions after braces, and some patients may need only a retainer without needing full orthodontic treatment at all.

Gaps between teeth trap food and lead to plaque and gum disease, but orthodontic treatments including braces and clear aligners can close them effectively.

Beyond cosmetics, braces correct misaligned bites and crowded teeth that cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing, speech issues, and increased decay risk.

Crossbite occurs when upper and lower teeth don't align properly and can be corrected with braces or retainers to prevent long-term jaw and bite problems.

Retainers should be cleaned daily to prevent plaque buildup, as a cloudy or bad-smelling retainer can harbor organisms that harm the teeth and gums over time.

Adults of any age can get braces when their gums and bone are healthy, and the number seeking orthodontic treatment has grown 40 percent since 1996.

ClearCorrect is a clear aligner system using custom transparent trays to gradually straighten teeth without the metal brackets or wires of traditional braces.