Short-term Orthodontics

At Advanced Dentistry of Amarillo, we offer clear braces through the revolutionary system known as Six Month Smiles, which yields a successful orthodontic outcome of straighter teeth in a fraction of the time. Clear braces, such as Six Month Smiles, employ low-force straightening techniques. This state-of-the-art orthodontic technology uses transparent brackets and tooth-colored wires.

Why should I choose Six Month Smiles?

Our clear braces produce beautiful, straighter-looking teeth in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional metal braces or Invisalign to accomplish the same aesthetic goal.

Benefits of Six Month Smiles include:

• Enhanced Comfort – Metal braces are known for causing irritation of the lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue. The brackets used in Six Month Smiles are more comfortable because of their low-force construction, as compared to traditional metal brackets.

• Safer – Other orthodontic treatment methods have a higher risk of root damage or tooth decay. Patients with clear braces also have a significantly reduced risk of having teeth extracted.

• Less Expensive – Six Month Smiles is less expensive than other clear treatment systems for orthodontic needs, such as Invisalign or ClearCorrect.

• Great Results – While every patient is different, straighter teeth can be achieved in an average of six months using clear braces.

Are clear braces right for me?

We only recommend Six Month Smiles for patients who are at least 16 years of age and are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile because of crooked teeth. This form of orthodontic treatment may not be ideal for patients that require realignment all of their teeth to fix a non-ideal bite.

Six Month Smiles is only available from a dental practice that has met the criteria to be a licensed provider of the treatment system. We are proud to offer this state-of-the-art treatment method as part of our commitment to excellence in cosmetic and comprehensive care.

If you are interested in learning more about clear orthodontic systems such as Six Month Smiles, the first step is scheduling a consultation. At this consultation, we will evaluate your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and answer any questions you may have about clear braces.

Neuromuscularly Guided Orthodontics

Orthodontics is about more than just straight teeth! New advances in orthodontic science mean that the whole facial appearance is treated and improved, not just the teeth. Ideal esthetic jaw and facial development can be triggered and controlled by stimulation in the correct areas.

Jaw Surgery for Overbites/Underbites May Not be Necessary

Jaw surgery may be an excellent treatment method in complex cases to achieve a very positive outcome. In more mild to moderate situations jaw surgery is offered as an option along with orthodontics, and patients can choose if they want to proceed with orthodontics alone, and not proceed to surgery. Some cases can be treated very effectively non-surgically via neuromuscularly guided orthodontics. We are happy to provide a consultation to review options for non-surgical jaw development orthodontics.

Extraction of Teeth is Rarely Necessary for Successful Orthodontics

Often, traditionally-trained orthodontists will recommend extracting two to four bicuspids (premolars) to create space for orthodontic straightening purposes. The reason why traditional orthodontists recommend extractions in certain cases is because they see that there is currently not enough room in the dental “arch” to move the teeth into straight alignment without overlapping. At Advanced Dentistry of Amarillo, we work with orthodontists that use specialized techniques and appliances to create space for teeth alignment without extractions, by actually growing/expanding the dental arches instead of just working with what is there to begin with. Extraction of teeth and then moving the other teeth into their place does not solve the problems that can occur as a result of small dental “arches,” including airway issues and future TMJ joint problems. By utilizing orthodontics as a tool in our cases, we can help guide you to achieve a wider facial appearance, a broader smile, a fuller appearance of the entire smile line, better lip posture, better chin definition, and a more well-defined neck and jawline.

How does Neuromuscular Orthodontics Help with TMJ?

Phase 2 TMJ therapy utilizing orthodontics maintains your correct bite position without the continued need for a Phase 1 TMJ orthotic appliance on the lower teeth. Often this involves bringing the upper teeth and lower teeth & jaw forward, to stabilize the decompressed condylar (TMJ joint) position achieved with neuromuscular orthotic therapy. Arch development can be accomplished via several methods and appliances. These include: fixed upper appliances called FAGGAs, or Fixed Anterior Growth Guidance Appliances, ALF appliances (Advanced Lightwire Functional appliances), DNA appliances, and also strategic use of expansive archwires by our orthodontists we work with. The ultimate goal of neuromuscularly guided orthodontics is to permanently move your teeth into the position that is physiologically correct for your head, neck, TMJ, and overall posture.

SPARK Clear Aligners

Much like the popular “Invisalign” clear aligners, SPARK clear aligners are a fantastic option for patients who want a discreet corrective treatment. SPARK clear aligners work similarly to Invisalign in the way that they use a series of aligner sets to gradually shift your teeth into the best position for aesthetics and function.

What makes Spark aligners stand out from the rest of the leading aligner brands, including Invisalign, is the aligner material clarity, comfort, and the system’s efficiency in moving teeth gently but quickly. SPARK aligners are famous for being the clearest aligners available. Some other brands of clear aligners may turn yellow with time. SPARK aligners maintain their clarity. They are made using a material called TruGEN™, and the even newer TruGEN™ XR, an innovative technology that engineers designed to be more smooth and comfortable.

Why Should I Go Through Clear Aligners as an Adult?

Clear aligners are a particularly popular choice among adults because patients can get the results of braces but with a more discreet appearance. Not only do SPARK and Invisalign aligners give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile, they can also give you a healthier smile too. Dr. Miller often uses SPARK aligners before porcelain veneers cases to ideally align the teeth before preparing to place the veneers, so that the veneers can be as conservative as possible.