Show Your Best Smile
When it comes to correcting and enhancing your smile, advances in orthodontic technology have made it more convenient than ever before. At Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, we’re able to offer several treatment options to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild to complex. However, many people are unaware that treatment can also be useful in cases where only minor changes are needed. Even small adjustments can really improve your overall smile!
To achieve this kind of correction, we use a technique called minor tooth movement, in which removable appliances with small springs or elastics put gentle pressure on the teeth in order to move them into the optimal positions. If you’re interested in improving your smile but don’t require any major orthodontic work, minor tooth movement could be an excellent option for you! Keep reading below to learn more about what that actually means.
What is minor tooth movement?
Minor tooth movement may also be referred to as limited orthodontics. This method is intended to address a problem that involves only a small number of teeth, typically the six front teeth on the top, bottom, or both. Minor tooth movement allows us to correct your smile without using a full set of braces or other more traditional orthodontic appliances.
While the treatment time tends to be much shorter than it is with braces or Invisalign, it may still require several months, and you will still need to wear a retainer afterwards. This will help the bone to stabilize around the teeth’s new position and keep your brand new smile in place!
Who is a good candidate for minor tooth movement?
Minor tooth movement can be an exciting treatment option for patients who are looking to do any of the following.
- Correct uneven spacing between the teeth, whether due to gapping or crowding
- Reposition teeth that have shifted following previous orthodontic treatment
- Align the front teeth to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile
- Improve the way a bite fits together to help relieve any excess wear or tear
- Improve the overall appearance and functionality of their smile and bite
As with any orthodontic treatment, the first step is a consultation with one of our doctors. After a thorough examination, Drs. Livanos and Giarrusso will know if you are a good candidate for minor tooth movement. They will check your bite, and determine if enough room exists to close any space or eliminate crowding without compromising that bite. Our doctors will also check that your teeth and roots are in a good position for minor movement to work. If not, more extensive treatment could be called for. The surrounding gum tissues and bone must also be healthy and disease-free.
There are some issues may require more traditional treatment. During your first visit with us, we will take photographs of your teeth in their present state, and we may also choose to do a panoramic x-ray. These images are the best way for us to see your mouth and teeth, and will give us a clear idea of how to proceed with treatment.
Once your initial consultation is complete, we will set up a records appointment for you. During this appointment, we will take a series of diagnostic x-rays and do a digital scan of your teeth. Two weeks later, we’ll bring you back in for a conference with your orthodontist, during which we will review all your records and give you a final diagnosis. If you accept the treatment plan our doctors have created for you, we will move forward with the next step in the treatment process.
What treatment options are available for minor tooth movement?
With minor tooth movement procedures, the appliances used are relatively simple in design. While each case is unique and every treatment plan is personalized by our doctors, there are a few common options for minor tooth movement treatment.
- Invisalign clear aligners or other clear aligner therapy — we can use a customized series of clear plastic trays to move the teeth into more desirable positions over time
- Removable orthodontic retainers — also known as spring retainers, this appliance uses small springs or elastics to facilitate minor tooth movement
- Traditional metal or clear braces — we bond small metal or clear brackets to the teeth with tiny wires that are specifically designed to encourage movement
When it comes to orthodontics, having the ability to correctly assess and diagnose the problem is essential to recommending the correct treatment. Dr. Livanos and Dr. Giarrusso have decades of experience, both on their own and as a team. They’ve had advanced training in growth and facial development, and are masters at the mechanics of straightening the teeth. Over the years, they have completed hundreds of orthodontic cases, and created beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in their community. With their impressive experience in orthodontic technique, you can be sure that your smile is in the most capable of hands with our practice — even if you only need to move a few of your teeth into better positions!
You can have the smile you’ve always wanted with Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates
Minor tooth movement can be an excellent way to correct gaps, eliminate tooth crowding, and enhance your smile. If you don’t have any significant straightening needs, but want to improve the overall appearance of your smile, it can be an ideal option! Our innovative techniques and cutting-edge technology will give you the best results in the shortest amount of time possible.
If you’re in Worcester, Spencer, Auburn, or the surrounding areas, and want to learn more about how even minor changes can change your smile for the better, get in touch! Our expert team would love to evaluate your orthodontic needs and help you decide on a customized plan that’s perfect for your unique smile. Call today or click here to schedule your initial consultation with us!