It’s probably not going to qualify for its own greeting card, but October is National Orthodontic Health Month. Why does it qualify for its own month? Because straight teeth are a big deal for your smile and your oral health. At Davenport Dental Group in Laredo, TX, Dr. Dick Davenport offers ClearCorrect short-term orthodontic treatment to give you the straight teeth you want.

Straight Teeth Are Important

When you think about it, teeth are amazing things. With care, your permanent teeth will allow you to smile with confidence and to eat all the foods you love for the rest of your life.

That’s true as long as your teeth are properly aligned. Crooked teeth, overbite or underbite, or gaps between teeth can definitely impact your smile. Studies show that people who smile freely and often are viewed as being more likeable and trustworthy. A great smile is an asset in your social life and in terms of occupational success.

Misaligned teeth can impact your oral health. Teeth that are crowded or overlapped are tough to brush and floss thoroughly. That can result in the formation of gum disease and can lead to localized or widespread dental infection. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even pose a threat to your general health.

Metal Braces Work Well, But…

Traditional metal braces use metal brackets secured to the fronts of teeth that are connected by metal wires. The wires are tightened periodically to put pressure on the teeth to move them slowly into the correct positions.

Metal braces are very effective, but they’re not very comfortable. The metal can irritate or even cut the tongue and the insides of the cheeks. They’re also very uncomfortable in terms of smiling. The “mouthful of metal” appearance is very embarrassing to teens and adults alike. Metal braces can also make it hard to thoroughly brush and floss, and they come with a number of food restrictions in most cases. Treatment often takes two to three years.

To be fair, complex orthodontic cases are usually best served by metal braces. For almost everyone else, there’s ClearCorrect from Dr. Dave Davenport of Davenport Dental Group in Laredo, TX.

About ClearCorrect

ClearCorrect clear dental aligners avoid all of the issues associated with metal braces.

The smooth, clear plastic won’t irritate your mouth. The completely customized aligners fit snugly over your teeth and it’s very hard for another person to detect them while they’re in place. You can smile and laugh with confidence.

You remove the clear aligners to eat and to brush and floss as usual. There are no food restrictions when you use ClearCorrect. For best results, you wear the aligners for 20-22 hours each day. You can and should sleep with them in place; they won’t come off unexpectedly.

On a predetermined schedule, you switch to the next aligner to continue moving your teeth in position. ClearCorrect treatment is often complete within 12-months rather than the 24-26 months for metal braces.

Is ClearCorrect Right For You?

Orthodontic treatment has to consider a number of factors before the right approach is determined. Dr. Dick Davenport of Davenport Dental Group will perform a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, to determine whether ClearCorrect is the best choice for you. Call our Junction Drive office at 956-242-6745 or our Winfield location at 956-517-2695 to schedule a consultation or to set up your next regular checkup.