6 Types of Dental Braces to Correct Misalignments or Crooked Teeth

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Are you thinking of choosing braces for your teeth or for your child’s teeth? You might think they only come in one kind — traditional metal braces. But our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, at Bulleigh Orthodontics offer several types of braces to suit different patients. Here’s a closer look at these various types.

Traditional Metal Braces

These braces include metal brackets and wires to hold them in place. They exert pressure on teeth to cause them to move position.

Clear Plastic Braces

This type isn’t as visible as metal braces. Clear braces are made of clear plastic that’s not as noticeable, making them a great choice for more discreet treatment.

Ceramic Braces

These braces are tooth-colored, allowing them to blend in with your teeth for a natural appearance. They’re designed to treat mild bite problems only since they’re not as durable as other braces.

Lingual Braces

For another nearly invisible type, there are lingual braces. These go on the back of your teeth rather than the front, keeping them hidden from view.

Braces for Early Treatment

Children can start having bite problems corrected when they’re as young as 7 or 8 years old. We may recommend early braces in these situations.

Braces for Adults

If you decide to get braces in your adult years, you have different options to choose from. You may want plastic or ceramic for low visibility, or you might choose metal for correcting more severe issues.

Make an Appointment Today for Braces!

Do you or your child need braces? At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontists offer different types of braces in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS. We can help you choose the best kind for your teeth or your child’s teeth.

 Is Invisalign the Right Orthodontic Treatment Option for Your Teeth?

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Have you been exploring ways to correct crooked teeth? You might have come across Invisalign as an option. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, provide this treatment if you’re deemed a good candidate. Let’s go over how to know if Invisalign is the most suitable solution for your teeth.

How Severe Is Your Orthodontic Problem?

Do you have a mild or moderate bite issue or crooked teeth? Invisalign can treat these kinds of problems. If you have a more severe issue, though, we may need to discuss other treatment approaches with you, such as braces.

Are You Willing to Wear Aligners Most of the Day?

You’ll need to keep your aligners on your teeth for a minimum of 20 hours a day during treatment. That’s a big commitment, but keep in mind that you can remove them for short periods of time, such as when you’re going to eat or brush your teeth.

How Quickly Do You Want Straighter Teeth?

You can’t rush this type of treatment in general, but Invisalign typically takes a shorter amount of time than braces. It can take a couple of years for braces to straighten teeth, while aligners may work within several months.

Do You Want Fewer Appointments?

Invisalign is a great option when you want to keep the number of orthodontic visits down. You’ll need to see us every so often to get new aligners, but this treatment involves fewer visits overall.

Schedule an Appointment to See if Invisalign Is Right for You!

Wondering if you should go with this treatment for your teeth? Our orthodontists at Bulleigh Orthodontics can help you decide. We offer Invisalign in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, for patients who are suitable candidates for this orthodontic solution.

The Importance of Retainers in Orthodontic Treatment

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The day you get off your braces in Overland Park, KS will be a momentous occasion. Many people look forward to the day they finally get to see the results of their orthodontic treatment and rightly so. It’s nothing short of transformative. But there’s a little bit of a misconception, because actually, the treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off. That much change in the alignment of your teeth doesn’t happen by accident, and the change might not be permanent without the help of retainers. You see, teeth take time to adjust to their new alignment, and retainers keep them in place until everything can be made permanent.

Why Teeth Shift After Treatment

Teeth are held in place by ligaments, which take time to stabilize after orthodontic treatment. Once braces or aligners are removed, these ligaments can slowly pull teeth back toward their previous alignment, especially in the first few months. Retainers help keep teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust, ensuring lasting results.

How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?

Initially, retainers should be worn full-time, but over time, many patients can transition to nighttime wear. However, retainers should never be completely abandoned—teeth can shift at any age. Lifelong retainer use, even if only a few nights a week, helps preserve the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are the key to keeping your straightened teeth in place for years to come. By following your orthodontist’s recommendations and wearing your retainer consistently, you can ensure that your beautiful smile remains intact and that all the effort put into treatment doesn’t go to waste. Contact your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS today to learn more!

3 Things to Know About Jaw Misalignments

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Jaw misalignment is a prevalent condition, but it’s more of a minor inconvenience than a significant problem for most people. Here, we’ll look at a few common facts about it, and why it’s important to stay on top of any major developments.

1. Jaw Misalignment Has Multiple Causes

Jaw misalignment in North O.P. can be caused by trauma, hereditary disorders, or teeth misalignment. The cause of the jaw disorder, whether a horrific fall or a congenital issue, affects how a dentist or orthodontist in North O.P., KS addresses the issue.

2. Symptoms Are Not Always Consistent

For some people, jaw pain shows up clearly as jaw pain. For others, it’s pain between the temples, shoulders, or back. You might hear clicking when you open your mouth or a popping sound in your ears. Whether your jaw is tight or you’re having unexplained headaches, paying attention to any significant changes is essential.

3. You Have Treatment Options

Multiple solutions on the market, from surgery to dental appliances, can help you treat misalignments. Sometimes, you may just need braces to help you shift your bite (usually applicable for children). In others, you may need surgical treatments to even out your jaw. Regardless of what you need to fix the problem, it’s worth the effort to address it sooner than later — before symptoms get worse.

Visiting an Orthodontist in North O.P., KS

If you or your child has a jaw misalignment, it’s worth finding the right team to treat the issue. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we can help you notice the symptoms, spot the issues, and find the solutions to align your teeth and jaw. Contact us today to learn about the next steps, especially if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms.