Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Buford, GA

At North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we provide orthodontic services for adults looking to straighten their teeth and align their jaw. Orthodontics is the study and treatment of dental displacement and malocclusions. We can treat many issues pertaining to the jaw. We can also move and adjust teeth, even if they are fully formed and hardened. This makes it possible to straighten teeth in adults, rather than only children.

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Dr. Curington is a Prosthodontist, not an Orthodontist. Due to the various specialties in orthodontia, some orthodontists may only treat children instead of adults. Additionally, dentofacial orthopedics is an area of orthodontic care that involves more surgical elements in order to correct issues with the jaw or face. Overall, an orthodontist in Georgia treats the position of teeth and the jaw; while also changing the overall shape and appearance of a patient’s face. At North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we find that many of our patients are pleasantly surprised by how dramatically different they look once their orthodontic treatment is complete using Six Month Smiles® or Invisalign®. Both are generally less expensive than traditional braces or aligners due to shorter treatment time. If you live in the Buford area and are considering straightening your teeth, we invite you to call (770) 932-1115 and schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Ashley Curington. We will discuss your goals along with the treatment options that are available to you.

Why Orthodontics is Necessary

We find that many people suffer from overcrowding teeth issues, creating the need for our procedures. Overcrowding can cause teeth to grow in at incorrect or crooked positions, leading to difficulties. Whether from an accident or a lack of oral hygiene, when a tooth falls out prematurely, the teeth around it move into the open space. This can cause the shape of the palate to change,. Now, we can create space in your teeth using a variety of treatment methods to obtain the correct alignment. At North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we also treat patients using orthodontics if their jaw is out of place. This can make it painful to speak, chew and even open one’s mouth. When the bite is off, many people find simple daily activities uncomfortable and seek treatment as a result. In other cases, we provide solutions for teeth that have grown in crooked, even if there was enough space for them. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can resolve all of these issues.

The Procedure

If you are considering straightening your teeth, there are several ways to do so. Regardless of the option you choose, the concept is virtually the same. The appliance must consistently apply pressure to move the teeth into position. We cannot force teeth into place immediately. There must be slow and consistent pressure in order to ensure that the teeth move without being damaged. Therefore, we do not apply pressure to all of the teeth at the same time. Instead, we apply pressure to specific teeth. An adjustment is made to apply additional force to a different tooth or teeth while holding the other ones in place. When treating patients throughout Buford we are cognizant of the importance of continued oral health care. We recommend that patients do a thorough job of regularly brushing and flossing their teeth. This will decrease the risk of cavities and gum disease while receiving orthodontic care. Once the procedure is over, most patients are required to wear a retainer. Children that straighten their teeth may only need to wear a retainer for a couple of years, whereas adults often find themselves wearing a retainer for life. Ongoing retention ensures that teeth do not move back into their previous position – a risk with any orthodontics treatment.

Treatment Options

Fast  You shouldn’t have to wait 2 years for straight teeth. WITH US, YOU WON’T. Six Month Smiles is a clear braces system designed to straighten your teeth in about 6 months. Effective other options like aligners can be stressful to keep up with. Traditional ortho (metal braces) is another route, but that usually takes about 2 years and can be more expensive and invasive. Affordable Clear braces are generally less expensive than traditional braces or aligners due to shorter treatment time.

 

Clear Aligners We work with patients throughout the local area that are interested in straightening their teeth but do not like the look or feel of traditional braces. In this case, clear aligners can accomplish the same or similar goals without making it obvious. Invisalign® uses aligners to straighten teeth. With this consistent pressure applied, teeth will gradually move into position as they do when wearing braces. The aligners themselves look like full, clear retainers and are meant to be worn for around 22 hours per day. This is why many patients in Buford prefer aligners – they can be taken out at any time. If you would like to learn more about orthodontics and the various treatments we provide, call 770-932-1115 to schedule a consultation.

Definition of Invisalign® Terminology

Aligner Trays

With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.

Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)

The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
 

ClinCheck® Software

ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.
 

Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)

The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
 

Gum Line

The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.

 

Incisal Ridges

Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.
 

iTero Element® Scanner

An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.

 

 

Malocclusion

Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.

 

Overbite

An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
 

Polyurethane Resin

Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.
 

SmartForce Attachments

SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.
 

Smart Track® Material

Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time.

 

Smile-Scan

Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.

 

Vivera® Retainers

Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment.

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About our business, license, and website security

 
  • North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry was established in 1994.
  • We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
  • We serve patients from the following counties: Gwinnett county and Hall county
  • We serve patients from the following cities: Buford
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