Dr. Richard C. Ribeiro is a comprehensive dentist who offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options at our Clarksville, TN, office. Traditional orthodontic treatment involves metal wires and brackets that gradually shift your teeth into their optimal positions. In addition to treatments that are fixed in the mouth, there are also removable options such as Invisalign®. Whether you are 13 or 30, orthodontics can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a straighter smile.

request an appointment

When Is Orthodontic Treatment Needed?

Orthodontic treatment is used to correct many different types of teeth misalignment. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to care for, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay and increasing the risk of gum disease. Tooth misalignment can also lead to complications such as headaches, TMJ (temporomandibular) disorders, and more.

What Conditions Can Orthodontics Address?

  • Overbite, where the upper teeth jut out past the lower teeth
  • Underbite, where the lower teeth jut out past the upper teeth
  • Crossbite, when the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly
  • Open Bite, when the upper and lower teeth do not meet at certain points
  • Gapped teeth, when there is too much space between teeth
  • Overcrowding, where there are too many teeth for the size of the jaw
  • Unbalanced midline, where the center of the upper and lower teeth do not align

Dr. Ribeiro will work with you to diagnose your misalignment and create a comprehensive treatment plan. The type of orthodontics you will need and the length of treatment will depend on the complexity of your misalignment.

Procedure

If Dr. Ribeiro recommends fixed metal braces, he will cement the brackets to the fronts of your teeth. A metal wire connects each of the brackets, which is tightened on a monthly basis to move the teeth into alignment. Most patients wear traditional braces for at least a year. More complex cases may require metal braces for up to two years or more.

If you opt for a removable option such as Invisalign, Dr. Ribeiro will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to create a treatment timeline and your clear aligners. The clear aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, and most patients need at least nine months to a year of treatment to achieve optimal alignment.

Whether you are 13 or 30, orthodontics can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a straighter smile.

Because the trays are removable, Invisalign is a more convenient and comfortable orthodontic treatment. However, it is a good solution only for patients with mild to moderate misalignment. More severe cases usually require traditional braces.