Highlands Dental Care
Orthodontist
in Damascus, MD
Teeth that aren’t straight can cause many dental issues, affect your confidence level, and prevent you from showing off your smile. If you’re in that group, our orthodontist in Damascus, MD, has solutions that can help.
Damascus’ Invisalign®-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. James Tong is an Invisalign®-certified provider with years of experience in straightening smiles without the need for traditional braces. Invisalign® is the latest orthodontic technology that uses clear, removable aligners to move teeth into place.
With Dr. Tong’s Invisalign® certification, you can be sure you are in good hands. Whether you need to correct a small alignment issue or require more extensive treatment, Dr. Tong’s customized Invisalign® plans are a discreet and comfortable solution.
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to move your teeth into place. Each aligner, calculated and manufactured to fit precisely for each stage in your treatment, is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving your teeth.
The Benefits of Invisalign®
Discreet: The clear aligners are almost invisible, perfect for adults and teens who want a subtle solution.
Comfortable and Removable: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners are removable, so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss without restrictions.
Fewer Visits: Invisalign® requires fewer visits than traditional braces, so you don’t need to spend half of your treatment in our dentist’s chair.
Invisalign® Suits All Ages
For teens, Invisalign® is a less noticeable way to straighten teeth during your most critical social years. For adults, Invisalign® is the way to get orthodontic correction without disrupting your professional life.
Your Customized Invisalign® Treatment
Dr. Tong will start your treatment with a full exam and 3D digital imaging to map out the movement of your teeth over time. From this, a series of aligners will be custom made to fit your smile goals. As you progress through treatment, Dr. Tong will monitor your results and make any necessary adjustments to get the best outcome.
Traditional Orthodontics
Traditional orthodontics remains a reliable and effective option for patients with a range of alignment issues. Braces consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth, with wires threaded through the brackets to guide tooth movement. In some cases, metal bands may be placed around the back teeth for added support. Small rubber bands secure the wires to the brackets, while the wires, made from metal alloys, apply steady, gentle pressure to gradually shift teeth into place. Brackets are typically made of durable stainless steel for long-lasting results.
During your visits, Dr. Tong, Damascus’ trusted dentist, will adjust the wire to make sure your teeth move steadily into alignment.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are highly effective for treating even the most complex dental issues, such as severe crowding and bite misalignments. They offer a durable solution, as the metal brackets and wires are designed to withstand the entire duration of your orthodontic treatment.
Additionally, traditional braces can be customized, allowing kids and teens to personalize their braces with colorful elastics, making the process more fun and engaging.
Dental Problems Orthodontic Treatment Can Fix
Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing or sleep apnea.
Crossbite – Upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth; the bite is out.
Crowding – Too many or misaligned teeth due to not enough room in the jaw.
Deep Overbite – Lower front teeth bite into the upper gum, affecting the bite.
Face and mouth disfiguring – Misalignment affects the development and positioning of teeth.
Jaw and joint pain – Misalignment causes jaw discomfort and pain.
Missing or extra teeth – Gaps or extra teeth that affect the bite and overall oral health.
Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – Upper teeth stick out too far, often with a short lower jaw.
Self-image – Aesthetics can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Spacing between teeth – Teeth missing or too far apart causes alignment issues.
Speech, chewing or biting problems – Oral function difficulties due to misaligned teeth.
Underbite – Lower jaw extends past the upper jaw, functional and aesthetic concerns.
Finger or thumb sucking (children) – Can cause upper teeth to protrude or bite misalignment.
Teeth erupting out of position (children) – Early misalignment can affect permanent teeth positioning.
Achieve a Straighter, Healthier Smile with Dr. Tong
If you’re looking for a way to straighten your teeth, opt for a subtle solution like Invisalign® or the reliability of traditional braces. Dr. Tong at Highlands Dental Care offers personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages to give you a smile you feel comfortable showing off. From correcting bite issues and overcrowding to improving self-confidence through a beautiful smile, our comprehensive orthodontic treatments are designed to meet your needs.
Schedule a consultation today with our trusted orthodontist in Damascus, MD, to start your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile.