A healthy, functional, and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well aligned. While some people have a naturally well-aligned smile, many seek orthodontic treatment to correct overcrowded teeth, a gapped smile, or teeth that have drifted out of position due to extractions, harmful oral habits, and abnormal bite patterns. In some cases, orthodontic treatment goes beyond moving the teeth into their correct positions. Orthodontic care can also address the cosmetic and functional problems associated with skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Orthodontic treatment utilizes customized appliances to apply controlled, incremental forces that gently move the teeth into proper alignment. While conventional metal braces were once the only option in care, patients today have several choices. Thanks to advances in technology and innovations in care, a wider selection of treatment systems is available. These days, orthodontic appliances are far less bulky, much less noticeable, and more comfortable than earlier generations of braces.
The type of orthodontic treatment and the length of time a patient undergoes care varies, depending on the nature of the case. Orthodontic treatment ranges from the minor movement of a single tooth to the alignment of an entire bite. Although certain corrections can be achieved in a few months, more extensive ones can take a couple of years.
At the office of Briter Dental, we understand all aspects of oral health and the cosmetic requirements of a beautiful smile. We’re passionate about what we do and remain dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the benefit of a great looking and healthy smile. We offer a comprehensive selection of dental services to help both adults and children improve the alignment, appearance, and health, of their smiles.
There’s more to a straight smile than the sheer beauty of it. Well-aligned teeth support good oral health, optimal jaw function, and contribute to your overall well-being. Although every smile is different, the potential consequences of teeth that are either overcrowded, have spaces between them, have shifted, or don’t come together in an ideal way remain the same.
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Simply put, it’s easier to brush and floss your teeth. With fewer inaccessible nooks and crannies for food to get trapped, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease is lower.
Teeth that meet correctly and are not crowded, stick out, or protrude, are protected, as they should be by the lips and soft tissues surrounding the mouth. They are less vulnerable to trauma, getting “knocked out” or damaging fractures.
Straight teeth make all manner of oral function easier. The result is that you can bite into your food, chew, and speak, without difficulty or impediment.
Teeth and jaws that are well-aligned mean less wear on the teeth. When teeth don’t line up or meet as they should, they often exhibit uneven and excessive areas of wear.
A good bite supports temporomandibular joint health and function. A less than ideal occlusion can affect your oral function and comfort. TMJ disorders are associated with a wide range of problems, including headaches, jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, as well as other types of head and neck pain.
With good oral health and well-being mutually dependent upon each other, a well-aligned smile is essential to overall wellness.
At the office of Briter Dental, we provide integrated care to help children and adults enjoy the benefits a well-aligned, beautiful, and healthy smiles. Whether your visit to our practice is for a dental checkup or consultation visit, we’ll assess the look, health, and function of your smile and advise you if orthodontic treatment is right for your smile.
We also keep a very close watch on your child’s developing smile and will let you know the best time for an orthodontic consultation and care. From checking the emergence of the baby teeth, jaw development, and oral habits to the premature loss of a baby tooth and the eruption and alignment of the permanent teeth, we carefully monitor your child’s smile as they grow.
Even though the best time to begin care is as a growing child, the truth is that one is never too old for orthodontic treatment. Today more and more adults choose orthodontic care with successful, healthy, and satisfying treatment outcomes.
However, with all the choices in types of braces and systems of care marketed today, it can often feel confusing which approach is best. Whether or not fixed, conventional braces, aligners, removable appliances, or other care offer the best way to achieve optimal and timely results depends on several factors.
The severity of the malocclusion or bite problem
The degree of crowding or spacing of the teeth
If dental extractions are required
The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
How long appliances are needed
If any additional, supportive appliances are required
Patient compliance with oral hygiene, appliance maintenance, and wear
As orthodontic treatment has become more widely available, and the appearance of braces has improved, the number of people getting orthodontic treatment has skyrocketed. Over four million people in the United States alone wear orthodontic braces, with 27% of this number being adults.
In the past few decades, advances in care have facilitated more precise treatment planning with appliances that are less bulky, more efficient, and increasingly cosmetic.
Smaller and streamlined bracket metal bracket design
Clear, cosmetic brackets
Self-ligating braces
Lingual Braces
Clear Aligners
3-D Imaging with CBCT
Digital Impressions
Intraoral Scanners and 3-D Planning Software
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Accelerated Orthodontics
Since their arrival on the scene over two decades ago, clear aligners have revolutionized the delivery of orthodontic care. Continuing to soar in popularity, this innovative method of care offers many patients a more discreet, comfortable, and convenient solution for improving the alignment of their smiles.
Custom-made to the exact specifications of a patient’s smile, clear aligners are designed to gently and incrementally move the teeth into their correct positions. As patients swap out one aligner for the next one in the prescribed series, they’re able to witness progressive improvements in their smiles. Best of all, with treatment that is virtually invisible to the outside world, no one but the patient knows they are undergoing orthodontic care.
By transforming smiles with minimal interference to daily activities, clear aligners allow patients to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods and engage in recreational activities without the fear of breaking their orthodontic appliances or sharp poking wires. Moreover, as the aligners are completely removable, there’s no need to struggle to brush and floss in between orthodontic brackets and wires.
While clear aligner therapy is a solution for every type of malocclusion, orthodontic treatment with this innovative method of care offers an excellent option for many image-conscious teens and adults.
At the office of Briter Dental, we maintain a position at the forefront of advances in care to provide patients with the highest quality services. Whether you are a candidate for treatment with clear aligners, or another method of orthodontic care, we’ll help you achieve a well-aligned and attractive smile.
While some children require early intervention or an initial phase of care, most youngsters begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14. At this time, they are generally in the mid to late mixed dentition stage. This means they have a mix of permanent front teeth, permanent molars, and some baby teeth.
The benefit of placing braces at this stage is that the orthodontist can improve the alignment of permanent front teeth, guide the incoming new adult teeth into position, and utilize the child’s growth and development to the best advantage.
Braces are generally worn for one to three years with an average treatment time of two years. If a child requires a space maintainer, habit control therapy, or exhibits significant jaw disharmony, treatment may begin earlier.
After orthodontic appliances are removed retainers are worn for a period of time to stabilize and maintain the results.
With the wide variety of orthodontic treatment options available to adults, the process of wearing braces is more convenient, more comfortable, more efficient, and much less conspicuous than ever before. Bulky metal braces are truly a thing of the past. The latest generations of metal appliances are substantially smaller and less unsightly than their predecessors. Moreover, an adult interested in orthodontic care can select braces that are hardly visible at all. Today’s tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces, or removable clear aligners can all effectively deliver treatment to achieve successful and pleasing outcomes of care.
For adults seeking orthodontic care, it’s essential to keep in mind that achieving a successful outcome relies on healthy teeth and supporting bone. Adults seeking treatment sometimes exhibit the damaging consequences of uncorrected bites and poorly aligned teeth. Because their teeth are so jumbled and hard to clean, they may have extensive dental decay, display signs of gum disease, exhibit bone loss, or even had extractions. They may also suffer from worn-down teeth or TMJ joint dysfunction.
While it’s critical to address outstanding dental issues before the start of orthodontic care, it’s also important to continue maintaining the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues both during and following treatment.
Although adult orthodontics requires an investment of time and resources, the payoff is well worth it. The value of a healthy and attractive smile is priceless. Thanks to modern orthodontics, having teeth that look good and function well is something that can be enjoyed at any age.
Everyone who has worn orthodontic appliances can attest that the day their braces or appliances are removed is a happy and gratifying time. Achieving a beautiful, well-aligned, and functional smile is the ultimate reward for having made a commitment to orthodontic care.
Almost every individual who has undergone orthodontic care will need to wear some type of retainer for a prescribed period of time. Retainers help to protect the teeth from relapse.
One of the reasons retainers are needed is because the teeth have a tendency to move back towards their original positions. The delicate fibers connecting the teeth to the jawbones have elastic memory. Once orthodontic appliances are removed, these fibers want to rebound to their natural positions and move the teeth out of their new alignment. Wearing retainers allow these fibers to reorganize in their new positions and to reset their memory.
Retainers are also extremely important because the teeth are part of a complex masticatory system and subject to forces that cannot always be predicted or controlled. Even after orthodontic treatment, any number of things such as tongue or lips postures, unfavorable growth of the jaws, oral habits, and periodontal problems can disrupt teeth alignment.
Remember, the benefits of orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime. Committing to wearing retainers is the best way to preserve your smile and to keep your teeth as straight and beautiful as the day your braces were removed.
Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have an additional adjustment are required.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Its goal is to restore proper bite function, improve facial balance, and create an attractive smile. Orthodontic care uses controlled forces and a variety of appliances to move teeth into healthier positions.
Treatment addresses issues ranging from minor tooth movement to complex skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws. Proper alignment supports oral health by making teeth easier to clean and reducing abnormal wear. Orthodontic care can also relieve strain on the temporomandibular joints and improve chewing and speech.
Children should have an orthodontic evaluation by about age 7, when early signs of bite problems and tooth emergence can be assessed. At that age an orthodontist or dentist can identify habits, crowding, or jaw growth concerns before they become more difficult to treat. Early assessment does not always mean immediate treatment but helps determine the best timing for intervention.
If early treatment is indicated, options may include space maintenance, habit control, or growth guidance to direct jaw development. These measures can simplify later treatment and improve long‑term outcomes by using the child’s natural growth pattern. Your provider will explain the rationale, expected benefits, and monitoring plan for each recommended approach.
Modern orthodontics offers several appliance types, including fixed metal and ceramic braces, lingual braces hidden behind the teeth, removable devices, and clear aligners. Temporary anchorage devices and auxiliary appliances can support specific movements when needed. Each system has advantages depending on the nature of the bite problem and the patient’s lifestyle.
Digital tools such as intraoral scanners, 3‑D imaging, and computer treatment planning allow for more precise diagnoses and customized appliance designs. These technologies can improve comfort and predictability while streamlining care for many patients. Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate option based on clinical findings and treatment goals.
Adults are frequently excellent candidates for orthodontic treatment as long as their teeth and supporting bone are healthy. Many adults pursue treatment at Briter Dental to correct shifted teeth, address bite problems, or improve oral function and aesthetics. Before beginning care, a thorough exam will identify any restorative needs, gum disease, or other conditions that should be managed first.
Treatment planning for adults often involves coordination with other dental specialties to ensure long‑term stability and oral health. Periodontal evaluation, restorative adjustments, and careful monitoring are common parts of adult care. With proper planning and maintenance, adults can achieve predictable, satisfying orthodontic results.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on the complexity of the malocclusion, the type of appliances used, and the patient’s biological response. Limited tooth movement can sometimes be completed in several months, while comprehensive cases frequently require one to three years. Regular follow‑up and adherence to the treatment plan influence how quickly planned results are achieved.
Growth in younger patients can accelerate some corrections, whereas adults may require additional time if restorative or periodontal care is involved. After active movement, a retention phase is essential to allow the supporting tissues to stabilize. Your provider will outline a realistic timeline and the milestones to expect throughout treatment.
Clear aligner therapy uses a series of custom, removable trays that progressively shift the teeth into their planned positions. Each aligner is worn for a prescribed interval before being replaced by the next one in the series to produce controlled, incremental movement. Treatment planning is based on detailed scans and simulations that map each stage of tooth movement.
Patient cooperation is central to aligner success because trays must be worn for the recommended number of hours each day and cleaned regularly. Aligners can enhance comfort and oral hygiene compared with fixed appliances, but they are not suitable for every type of malocclusion. A clinical evaluation will determine whether clear aligners are an effective option for your specific needs.
After braces or aligners are placed, routine visits are scheduled to monitor progress, make adjustments, and replace or activate appliances as needed. Typical follow‑up intervals are about four to eight weeks, although the frequency may vary with the treatment phase. These appointments allow the team to confirm that tooth movement is progressing as planned and to address any concerns.
During an adjustment visit the clinician will assess oral hygiene, check the fit of appliances, and make small changes to wires or deliver the next aligner trays. Occasionally additional procedures such as appliance repairs, attachments, or bite refinements are performed to keep the case on track. Patients should expect most visits to be brief and focused on maintaining efficient, healthy progress toward the treatment goals.
Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment and helps prevent decay and gum inflammation while teeth are moving. Patients with braces often benefit from interdental brushes, floss threaders, and targeted brushing techniques to clean around brackets and wires. Those using clear aligners should remove trays to brush and floss and clean the aligners according to the clinician’s instructions.
Adopting careful dietary habits can reduce appliance damage; people with fixed braces are advised to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can dislodge components. Regular professional cleanings and timely evaluations support oral health throughout treatment. Following the care guidance provided by your orthodontic team will help ensure a smooth treatment experience and stable results.
Retainers are appliances worn after active orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their new positions while the supporting tissues reorganize. Because the fibers and bone around teeth have a natural tendency to return toward prior positions, retention is a critical phase of care. Skipping or shortening the retainer phase increases the likelihood of relapse and loss of the achieved alignment.
Retainers may be removable or fixed depending on the clinical situation and patient preference, and the recommended wear schedule varies by case. Some patients wear retainers full time for a period and then transition to night‑only use, while others require long‑term nightly wear to preserve results. Your orthodontist will provide instructions and a follow‑up plan to monitor stability and make adjustments as needed.
Selecting the best orthodontic approach begins with a comprehensive exam that evaluates tooth alignment, bite relationships, jaw growth, and the condition of the gums and supporting bone. Diagnostic records such as digital scans, photographs, and radiographs help clinicians visualize the problem and plan precise movements. A thorough review also considers medical and dental history, esthetic goals, and practical factors like appliance visibility and daily routines.
At the office of Briter Dental, we collaborate with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan that balances function, health, and appearance. The plan will outline expected stages, follow‑up intervals, and retention strategies so patients know what to expect at every step. A shared decision‑making process ensures the chosen approach aligns with clinical needs and the patient’s preferences.