Here at Hamer & Glassick, we’re proud to be the most experienced orthodontists in Charlottesville. By embracing each new advance in orthodontic technique and technology, we’re able to provide our patients with more efficient and comfortable treatments than ever before! From traditional braces to Invisalign clear aligner therapy, our talented team offers numerous treatment options to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues.
While most people are aware of the difference orthodontics can make in severe or complex cases, did you know that treatment can also be beneficial in cases where only minor changes are needed? Believe it or not, even small adjustments can really enhance your smile!
When a patient is looking for mild correction only, we’re often able to use a technique called minor tooth movement. This will usually involve a removable appliance with small springs or elastics putting gentle pressure on the teeth in order to move them to more optimal positions. If you’ve always wondered how your smile could look with just a little improvement, minor tooth movement could be just what you need! Keep reading below to learn more about this method and how it can give your smile (and self-confidence) a boost.
What is minor tooth movement?
Minor tooth movement, which is sometimes referred to as limited orthodontics, is designed to address a problem that involves only a small number of teeth. Generally speaking, this tends to be the six front teeth on the top, bottom, or both. When we use minor tooth movement, we can correct smiles without having to use a full set of braces or other more traditional orthodontic appliances.
One benefit of minor tooth movement is the time involved. The treatment time with this technique is usually much shorter than it is with braces or Invisalign. That doesn’t mean you’ll get a straighter smile overnight, however! It may still take several months to achieve the results you want, and you’ll still need to wear a retainer afterwards to help the bone stabilize around the new position of your teeth. You’ll be provided with a retainer once your treatment is complete, and you should always wear it as directed by our doctors to keep your new smile exactly where it’s supposed to be.
Who is a good candidate for minor tooth movement?
Minor tooth movement can be an exciting treatment option for many patients, young and old. If you’d like to:
- 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 your smile
- improve how your bite fits together to help relieve any excess wear or tear
- improve the overall appearance and functionality of your smile and bite
then this technique could be a great fit for you! The first step is a complimentary consultation at one of our offices. During this visit, Dr. Hamer or Dr. Glassick will provide you with a thorough oral examination. We will also take photographs of your teeth in their present state, and may do a panoramic x-ray, as well. 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. Our doctors will be checking to see if:
- enough room exists to close any space or eliminate crowding without compromising your bite
- your teeth and roots are in a good position for minor movement to work
- the surrounding gum tissues and bone are healthy and disease-free
If you don’t meet this criteria, more extensive treatment could be called for. If you are a good fit for minor tooth movement, we’ll move forward with a personalized treatment plan.
What treatment options are available with minor tooth movement?
Every case we treat is unique, and each treatment plan is customized for the best results. However, there are a few common options when it comes to this technique.
- 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’ll bond small metal or clear brackets to the teeth with tiny wires that are specifically designed to encourage movement
Why expertise is important
It’s essential to choose an orthodontist who has the ability to correctly assess and diagnose any orthodontic issues in order to recommend the correct course of treatment. Our doctors have over 35 years of combined experience in creating beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in Charlottesville, Crozet, Waynesboro, and the surrounding communities.
By combining our expert team with state-of-the-art technologies and a welcoming atmosphere, we’re able to offer our patients a rewarding orthodontic experience from the first appointment to the last! Whether you need extensive work or only want to move a few of your teeth into better positions, your smile will be in the very best hands at Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics.
Let Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics give you the smile of your dreams
For patients without any significant straightening needs, minor tooth movement can be an ideal way to achieve the results you want in the shortest amount of time possible. This method can be especially useful for correcting gaps and eliminating tooth crowding, giving you a more confident smile you’ll want to share with everyone around yo
If you’d like to learn more about how even minor improvements can change your smile for the better, we’d love to meet you. We have a talented team in place to evaluate your orthodontic needs and help you decide on a customized plan that’s just right for you. Call today or click here to schedule your complimentary consultation!