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Do you Need Clear Aligners?

Do you want to straighten your misaligned smile? Do you worry about your personal appearance and how healthy your teeth and gums willclear aligners remain over the years? If you have said yes to any of these questions, then clear aligners from our Shelby, NC, dentist, Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr., may be right for you. Dr. Hendrick offers ingenious clear aligners, the modern and discreet way to overcome many orthodontic issues without the obvious appearance and oral discomforts traditional metal braces pose.

Why pursue orthodontics?

In short, a well-aligned set of teeth is simply more attractive. Patients who have gaps, tooth rotation, overbite or other smile issues usually are too self-conscious to show their teeth. So they just smile less, affecting not only their self-confidence, but also how others perceive them. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says that people who smile a lot are viewed as smarter, more successful and very approachable, too. So if you cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, public perception definitely changes.

However, crooked teeth impact more than self-image. They are just harder to keep clean. Crowding, tooth rotation, under bite and more make teeth and gums less accessible to toothbrush and floss, and misaligned teeth collect bacteria, plaque and tartar more easily. Tooth decay and gum disease result. Often, too, a poor bite leads to physical problems such as TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction, teeth clenching and grinding.

Orthodontic treatment with our Shelby dentist can eliminate many of these problems and allow people to keep a healthy and attractive smile for a lifetime.

What are clear aligners?

Custom-fabricated from thin, biocompatible acrylic, clear aligners fit tightly over top and bottom teeth. Just like conventional braces, they gradually move teeth into healthier positions and correct aesthetic problems, too.

These fully removable, clear appliances avoid many of the issues that conventional braces pose. Clear aligners:

  • Are barely noticeable
  • Are easy to clean
  • Pose none of the dietary restrictions traditional braces do
  • Must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day but may be removed to brush and floss, to eat and for special events such as professional meetings or weddings
  • Take an average of one year to achieve the desired results (other braces take two to two and half years or more)

Who qualifies for Clear Aligners?

Many teens and adults do. Dr. Hendrick does a complete oral examination, X-rays and other kinds of imaging to determine if a patient can benefit from treatment. If he or she is a candidate, the patient enjoys the convenience of simple progress checks every four to six weeks with their Shelby dentist. After treatment, most individuals wear a customized retainer to keep newly aligned smiles straight and beautiful.

Get more information

If you wish to explore clear aligners, please contact the office of Dr. Hendrick to arrange an orthodontic consultation. Call (704) 484-0077 or (704) 482-8336 today.

Dentist in Shelby, NC
Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS,
PA
511 N. Morgan Street
Shelby, NC 28150
Phone: (704) 484-0077
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