Braces & Invisalign | Northwestern Arkansas
The Perfect Fit for Every Smile
It’s good news for people in Northwestern Arkansas to find out that dental technology improves all the time, and our team is committed to giving you the most up-to-date treatments available.
You and your family can find the latest treatment options at Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics to get your new smile quickly and on your budget.
Invisalign® & Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign® clear aligners are the most popular alternative to metal braces in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Siloam Springs. Invisalign clear aligners are made of almost invisible polyurethane plastic. Clear aligners are completely removable rather than being fixed to the teeth like metal or clear braces. That means you can take them out for important social occasions, eating, brushing, and flossing.
Here are some other benefits of the Invisalign system:
- Improved Oral Hygiene — With a removable orthodontic appliance, you will be able to clean your teeth more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
- A Discreet Look — If you consider your orthodontic treatment a private matter or feel that metal braces don't fit your self-image, a nearly invisible orthodontic treatment might suit you.
- More Dietary Choices — Some diet modifications are necessary to protect metal wires and braces. You can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust with clear aligners.
- Comfort — The soft, flexible material from which Invisalign is made will not irritate the mouth's soft tissues as metal wires and braces can.
- Teeth-Grinding Protection — If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards to protect your teeth from excessive wear.
Clear aligner technology has been improving over the years and can correct many malocclusions that once would have been too complicated for this form of treatment. Yet there are still some situations where traditional braces would still be best. We would be happy to discuss this in detail with you.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign clear aligners work the same way traditional braces do: by applying carefully controlled forces to teeth to move them into a better position.
But they are not made of metal; instead, they are made of clear, flexible plastic.
Here's how it works: Specialized computer software helps us design a plan for moving your teeth from their current positions into the best possible alignment. Your doctor will break down this movement into several dozen stages.
For each stage, the Invisalign company will manufacture two plastic "trays" or "aligners," one to fit over your top teeth and one for the bottom.
You will wear this first set of trays for two weeks, for a minimum of 20 hours per day. You will then move on to the next set of aligners in your series to accomplish the next stage of gradual movement. You will keep doing this until your teeth are correctly aligned.
Two features have been added to make Invisalign a more appropriate orthodontic treatment method for teenagers in the past several years. Eruption tabs hold the appropriate space open for molars that have not fully erupted. Invisalign for teens also has "compliance indicators" built into the aligner material, which fade with wear. This allows parents, dentists, and teens to ensure they wear the trays as prescribed. Treatment with Invisalign can only be successful with full compliance.
Caring for Your Teeth With Invisalign
As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of the Invisalign system is that you can remove the trays for easy cleaning. So please don't neglect to do this!
You'll need to brush your teeth after every meal or snack so that food and plaque do not get trapped in the aligners, which could promote tooth decay and gum disease. Your aligners, too, will have to be cleaned regularly; you can do this by brushing them and then rinsing them with lukewarm water.
Also, please keep in mind that while wearing clear aligners is very different from wearing braces, the importance of retaining your post-treatment results is the same.
You'll want to be sure to wear your retainer(s) exactly as prescribed after you complete your treatment to protect your investment in a beautiful new smile.
Clear Braces
Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are made of translucent material and blend in with your natural smile. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal.
The only drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
Metal Braces
At Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics, we use self-ligating metal braces that don’t require elastic or steel ties. This technology creates less friction and results in greater comfort during your treatment.
In addition, self-ligating braces often reduce treatment time and the number of adjustment appointments.
Orthodontics for All Ages
At Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy orthodontic care and a perfectly aligned smile.
Your family can take advantage of a full range of orthodontics for children, teens, and adults at our offices in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Siloam Springs.
Retainers
Retention is a critical follow-through stage of your treatment that involves wearing an orthodontic appliance called a retainer. Several different kinds of retainers are available, all of which are custom-made just for you.
We will recommend the type (or types) that will work best in your situation, and we'll tell you exactly when and how long you need to wear them.
Orthognathic Surgery
The growth of a person's jaw is a steady process, and sometimes the growth of the upper and lower jaw can occur at different rates, causing a discrepancy in size and function. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping, breathing and other routine activities.
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be used in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery to align the teeth appropriately. Although jaw surgery can dramatically improve a patient's appearance, the goal is to correct functional problems.
Digital Imaging
In order to provide our patients with the highest quality of dental services, we use digital X-rays in our office. These radiographs provide us with invaluable information about your oral and dental health. We also use intraoral digital scanning of the teeth in many applications instead of having to take dental impressions.
Straighten Your Smile
Dr. Storms and Dr. Swiderski pair cutting-edge tech with the skill of moving teeth. This helps Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics successfully treat many dental issues, including:
- Gaps between your teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Protruding teeth
- Impacted teeth
Fixed Appliances vs. Removable Appliances
At Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics, we believe you should be fully educated when it comes to your treatment. It’s helpful for patients around Fayetteville, Springdale, and Siloam Springs to understand the difference between fixed and removable appliances.
Dr. Storms and Dr. Swiderski attach fixed appliances, like braces, to your teeth and won’t take them off until you complete your treatment at Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics.
If your doctor prescribes a removable appliance like Invisalign’s aligner system, you’ll wear it most of the day but you can take the trays out of your mouth.
Besides the obvious differences, Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics uses Invisalign aligners to treat mild to moderate orthodontic problems and fixed appliances for comprehensive and serious treatment.
Metal Braces & More
Many patients at Storms & Swiderski Orthodontics choose traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth, but you have other options, too.
After your first free consultation exam, Dr. Storms or Dr. Swiderski will talk to you about which treatment would be right for you based on your unique needs and smile goals.