Smile CSRA

Win a Gift for Mom: Mother’s Day Smile Makeover Contest!

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If you are still struggling with finding the best gift for mom this Mother’s Day, you’re definitely not alone. It’s hard to shop for one of the most important people in your life! I think we can all agree that moms want to feel appreciated and loved all year round, but it’s especially important on the second Sunday of May. If you’d like to really make mom feel special this year, enter to win her a beautiful new smile!

free braces giveaway

Would your mom love a new smile? If so, nominate her for FREE treatment at Carter Orthodontics. To enter to win, please submit a photo of your mom, her address, and 500 words about why she deserves a brand new smile to [email protected] by April 30th! Good luck!

Using AcceleDent with Invisalign

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acceledent and invisilign

What is AcceleDent?

AcceleDent is an innovative, comfortable, and easy to use device that is held between your teeth for 20 minutes a day while you undergo orthodontic treatment. Using patented technology to help stimulate bone movement, AcceleDent complements the controlled force that traditional orthodontics provide to help bring your teeth into ideal alignment.

How does AcceleDent work?

AcceleDent works with your existing orthodontics treatment to move your teeth up to 50% faster. Through the use of SoftPulse Technology™, AcceleDent can safely decrease the duration of your orthodontic treatment and may even help to make your treatment process more comfortable.

Can I use AcceleDent with Invisalign?

AcceleDent works in conjunction with most orthodontics but is especially popular with people choosing Invisalign. Using the AcceleDent Activator for just 20 minutes each day will enhance your Invisalign treatment, which is why it is such a great tool to pair with your aligners.

Please contact Carter Orthodontics to learn more about how AcceleDent could work for you or to schedule your free consultation today.

Are Invisalign Retainers BPA Free?

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Invisalign, an alternative to traditional wire braces, is an orthodontic treatment that uses transparent, incremental aligners to adjust teeth. It is becoming a popular choice for teens and adults alike, but people still have questions in regards to the effectiveness and safety of the clear aligners.

Invisalign Retainers are BPA Free

We are happy to report that Invisalign can treat a broad range of issues through personalized treatment plans, and in most cases is just as effective as traditional braces. Thousands of people now have beautiful, healthy smiles through the use of the aligners.

When it comes to the safety questions, we get it! Plastics are getting a bad rap lately, largely due to the fear of what is in some of them. Many people are working hard to avoid anything containing BPA, or Bisphenol-A. Luckily, Invisalign aligners do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. These aligners and retainers are USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. Rest assured that all necessary safety tests have been conducted; however, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about any other concerns that you may have.

Can Wisdom Teeth Affect Braces?

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Many things can affect your orthodontic treatment, such as forgetting to wear your retainer or skipping steps in your treatment. But what about wisdom teeth? Can they affect your braces?

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Also known as “third molars,” wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to erupt. They can appear early in your teens but may also show up in your early twenties.  Some of them will not appear at all and will remain impacted, or trapped, in the jawbone and gums. This usually occurs because of a lack of room, which is probably also why you are in need of orthodontic treatment!

Wisdom Teeth and Braces

Having your wisdom teeth removed is very common. By the time you reach your late teens, your jawbone is almost done growing. This usually means that your wisdom teeth run out of room. They make room for themselves by growing wherever they can, either above or below your gums. They can even grow sideways! This is when you might start to worry that your orthodontic treatment will be ruined because of your wisdom teeth.

The majority of orthodontic patients typically have their braces applied in their early teens, before their wisdom teeth have had a chance to erupt. For people who wait until later in life to get braces, an orthodontist may recommend having wisdom teeth extracted before beginning treatment. If you are one of the patients who has braces before your wisdom teeth have become a consideration, your orthodontist will probably want to check in with you after treatment. Your orthodontist may order X-rays to see if your wisdom teeth have made any progress in development. If they are beginning to come in after your braces have been removed, it may be necessary to pull the teeth to prevent any chances of your newly straightened teeth from shifting position.

Ultimately, your orthodontist will be able to make the appropriate decisions during your treatment plan. If you have any concerns about these issues, please contact us today at Carter Orthodontics to discuss how wisdom teeth might affect your treatment.

When Do I Get My Braces Off?

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A common question we receive during people’s initial consultation is “when do I get my braces off?”, but the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Depending on the severity of your case and your individual needs, you can usually expect to have your braces removed within a year or two of receiving them.

how long do i wear braces

Of course, you may even be able to stop having orthodontic work done in about six months or your treatment may continue beyond two years. This really depends on your specific needs and the plan of treatment that you and your orthodontist decide will work best for you. Just remember that no matter how long or short your treatment plan is, your orthodontist will be creating a unique and personalized plan that will leave you with a beautiful smile. That is definitely something to look forward to!

If you feel that you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, you should contact Carter Orthodontics to set up an appointment for your free initial consultation. During the consultation, you will meet with Dr. David, who will be able to discuss all of the different treatment options available. Whether you want traditional braces, Invisalign, or wish to discuss other options, Carter Orthodontics can make your dream smile a reality.