Orthodontic Treatment in Federal Hill

Straightening teeth, and why people do it

Most people come in because of how their teeth look, and that is a perfectly good reason on its own. There is usually a practical side too: crowded and overlapping teeth are harder to clean properly, so they collect more plaque, and a bite that meets badly wears the teeth unevenly over the years.

The options

Which approach fits depends on what needs moving and how far.

• Invisalign uses clear removable aligners. Popular with adults, and it suits a lot of cases but not all of them.
• Fixed braces stay on the teeth throughout. Less discreet, and still the better tool for more complicated movements.

Dr. Ellis will tell you which she thinks fits your teeth and why, including when the answer is the less convenient one.

Adults are welcome

Straightening is not only for teenagers. Plenty of adults come in years after deciding they had missed the chance, or after teeth shifted following a lost tooth. Healthy teeth can be moved at most ages, and the honest limits are about the state of your gums and bone rather than the number on your birthday.

What happens at the consultation

Dr. Ellis examines your teeth and bite and takes x-rays, and any decay or gum disease is treated before straightening starts. She will explain what can be achieved and roughly how the treatment would run before you commit to anything, and you will have the cost in writing.