Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics is your Hillcrest braces expert Traditional braces are one of the most effective tools we have for achieving optimal tooth and jaw alignment. And of course, you want to know that can trust your orthodontic practice before starting treatment. Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics can provide a brilliant straight smile in the Hillcrest area. We proudly create beautiful new smiles for patients of all ages in Hillcrest, Northport, Tuscaloosa, and the surrounding communities. We’re proud to offer patients a variety of orthodontic options, such as traditional metal braces and ceramic braces. Braces treatment with your Hillcrest braces expert The team at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics will collect records such as digital x-rays, photos, and a model of your mouth. This provides Dr. Cowan with the information he needs to know about how each of your teeth needs to move to give you the best-looking smile. He will use this information to design a customized treatment plan based on your specific orthodontic needs. This will determine how your brackets are placed. First, a wire is inserted to provide customized pressure on all the teeth that need to be moved. Bends in the wire encourage precise movements. This process is called remodeling and involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth. When your braces put pressure on a tooth, cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts form around its root. Together with the wire, this creates negative pressure on one side of the tooth, where the bone will be removed. On the other side of the tooth, the bone is reformed. This pressure and bone remodeling slowly move teeth into the correct position. Remodeling requires constant pressure to be put on a tooth, so your teeth will usually begin to drift back towards their original positions over time once your braces are removed. Regular use of a retainer will help prevent this natural drifting and keep teeth in their new and improved positions! What your Hillcrest braces expert offers We offer a variety of treatment options, and while all of them can correct many different oral problems, braces are especially good at correcting complex issues. And modern braces are better than ever. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional braces are a big part of why they’ve withstood the test of time and are still the top orthodontic treatment year after year. Traditional metal braces often work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, which can shorten your overall treatment time, and be a cost-effective option for patients on a budget. Metal Braces Metal braces continue to be the most common type of braces and have been evolving for a century. That means that today’s metal braces are more comfortable and also more fun than ever - you have the option of choosing colored elastics to add a punch of personality to your treatment! But don’t worry if you prefer a more subtle approach. We also offer clear or tooth-colored elastics. They’re normally made out of high-grade stainless steel, these braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. Ceramic Braces Ceramic braces work the same way metal braces do. However, the brackets are made with a clear ceramic material instead of stainless steel. They’re popular with our older teen and adult patients because they are such a subtle treatment option. Ceramic braces are commonly used to correct issues with the front teeth. Since the brackets are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, we normally don’t recommend them for our younger patients. Since you see signs of improvement quickly when using traditional braces, you’ll be confident in both your smile and the orthodontic process! Your trusted Hillcrest braces expert When you choose braces treatment with our practice, Dr. Cowan will create a treatment plan will fit your lifestyle without disruption. Using our state-of-the-art techniques and technology, we will provide efficient, comfortable care that will help you change your smile and your life! At Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, we believe that advanced, personalized care is essential for a positive orthodontic experience. Dr. Cowan and the rest of our skilled team focus on patients as individuals, no matter the age, personal concerns, or clinical needs. Schedule a free consultation with us today to get started!
