Want straight teeth with clear braces in Shrewsbury, PA? Southern York Smile Care uses Invisalign clear aligners, not metal braces. Here is how aligners correct a bad bite, who they suit, and what treatment is like from the first scan to the final smile.
Many people still picture brackets and wires when they hear the word braces. Today, many adults and teens straighten their teeth with clear aligners instead: thin, removable trays that move teeth a little at a time. People often call them "clear braces," but they are not braces at all. There are no brackets, no wires and no metal. At Southern York Smile Care, every teeth-straightening case uses Invisalign or instant orthodontics. The practice does not offer metal braces.
What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is the dental term for a bad bite, meaning the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. In an ideal bite, the upper teeth sit slightly in front of the lower teeth, and the back teeth meet evenly when you close.
Bites can be off in several ways:
- Overbite. The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much.
- Underbite. The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
- Crossbite. Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
- Open bite. The front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed.
- Crowding. There is not enough room, so teeth overlap or twist.
- Spacing. Teeth are too far apart, leaving gaps.
Our article Does Your Child Have an Overbite? explains more about bite problems in younger patients.
Why a bad bite matters
If the misalignment is very slight, it may cause no problems at all. A moderate or severe bad bite is different. It can make chewing and speaking harder, put extra strain on the jaw joints and contribute to jaw pain and headaches. Teeth that meet unevenly can wear down, chip or crack over time.
Crowded teeth are also harder to clean. Plaque collects in the tight spots a toothbrush and floss cannot reach, which raises the risk of decay and gum disease. Research has linked gum disease with other health problems, including heart disease, so a healthier bite can be part of a healthier body. And many people simply feel more confident when they are happy with their smile.
If you have jaw pain or clicking, ask about TMJ / TMD treatment as well. Bite and jaw problems are often connected.
How Invisalign clear aligners work
Invisalign clear aligners are a series of custom-made trays. Each set moves your teeth a small, planned amount. You wear each set for a short period, then switch to the next, and your teeth gradually move toward their final position.
Here is what treatment looks like at Southern York Smile Care:
- Consultation. Dr. Haywood examines your teeth and bite and talks about your goals.
- Digital scan. The iTero Element 3D scanner captures your teeth in minutes, with no goopy impressions. You can see a preview of how your teeth may move.
- Your custom plan. Dr. Haywood plans each movement, and your aligners are made to fit your teeth exactly.
- Wearing your aligners. You wear them most of the day and night, taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush.
- Check-ins. Short visits let Dr. Haywood make sure your teeth are on track.
- Retainers. Once your teeth are in place, a retainer helps keep them there.
How long does treatment take?
Every case is different. Minor spacing or crowding may be corrected in a matter of months, while more complex bite problems take longer. Dr. Haywood will give you an estimate at your consultation, based on your scan and the movements your teeth need. Wearing your aligners as directed is the biggest factor you control. Aligners left in a case do not move teeth.
Tips for living with aligners
- Keep your aligner case with you, so the trays never get wrapped in a napkin and thrown away.
- Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in, so food is not trapped against your teeth.
- Clean your aligners gently with a soft brush and cool water. Hot water can warp them.
- Drink plain water with aligners in. Take them out for coffee, tea, soda and anything with sugar.
- Expect a little pressure for a day or two with each new set. That means they are working.
Clear aligners vs. metal braces
Because Invisalign aligners are clear, most people will not notice you are wearing them. They look a little like a thin, clear mouth guard. Here is how they compare with traditional metal braces:
- Appearance. Aligners are nearly invisible. Metal braces are easy to see.
- Eating. You remove aligners to eat, so there are no food restrictions. With braces, sticky and hard foods can break brackets.
- Cleaning. You can brush and floss normally with aligners out. Braces make cleaning around wires harder.
- Comfort. Aligners are smooth plastic, with no wires or brackets to rub your cheeks.
- Responsibility. Aligners only work when you wear them, so they need commitment.
For a deeper comparison, read Invisalign Clear Aligners: Straight Teeth, No Metal Braces.
Who is a good candidate?
Invisalign treats many cases of crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite in adults and teens. Invisalign Teen is designed for growing smiles, and Invisalign Express can suit minor corrections that need fewer aligners.
Some patients mainly want straighter-looking front teeth. For them, instant orthodontics with veneers or crowns may be an option. It changes how teeth look without moving them. Dr. Haywood will tell you honestly which approach suits your bite. You can also learn more on our orthodontics page.
Dr. Steven Haywood is an Elite Invisalign Provider with more than 35 years in practice. You may also find our article Invisalign vs. Mail-Order Aligners helpful, since in-person care lets your dentist check your teeth and gums throughout treatment.
Paying for Invisalign
Southern York Smile Care is out of network with all insurers. You pay at the visit, and the office files the claim with your insurance for reimbursement. Invisalign can be paid monthly after a down payment, and payment plans are also available through CareCredit and Cherry. Kelley Fisher, the Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, can walk you through the options. See our financing page for details.
Your next step toward a straighter smile
To find out whether Invisalign clear aligners are right for you or your teen, call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury. The practice welcomes patients from York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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