Treatment Methods
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have been the backbone of orthodontic treatment since the early days. With modern advances, the designs are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever before. This standard solution combined with good oral hygiene and regular appointment attendance continues to give our patients functional smiles that last a lifetime. We offer traditional braces in both stainless steel and champagne finishes - the choice is yours!
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces because they offer a lot of the same benefits with a less noticeable appearance. These braces provide similar strength and durability as metal braces, but the clear materials are nearly invisible. This type of treatment delivers the exceptional results our patients love with a more inconspicuous design. If esthetics are important and you aren’t a candidate for clear aligners, ceramic braces may be the choice for you!
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners help gradually straighten teeth with minimal disruptions to your personal appearance. While not all patients are candidates for aligners, this newer technology has made significant advancements over the recent years. This discreet treatment method fits seamlessly into the modern, busy lifestyle. Your aligners are custom-made for you to achieve the optimal level of comfort. Progressive results allow patients to watch their smile change from week to week and typically require less frequent appointments than traditional braces while yielding the same exceptional treatment results.
Other Orthodontic Helpers
Braces and aligners can’t always do all the work alone. It isn’t unusual for Dr. Bates to use additional methods to achieve the best outcomes, such as palatal expanders, space maintainers, elastics/rubber bands, interproximal reduction (IPR), habit appliances, or headgear.
Retainers
Orthodontic retainers are essential to maintain beautiful, lifelong smiles and protect the results of your orthodontic treatment. Without retainers, teeth will naturally shift over time with consistent forces from everyday use, like biting, chewing, speaking, and continued growth! There are multiple different retainer options after treatment and Dr. Bates works with every patient to determine the best retainer solution for their individual lifestyle.
Corrective Orthognathic Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic jaw surgery consists of surgical intervention in combination with orthodontic treatment to correct the malposition of the underlying skeletal/jaw relationships. Common presentations of a patient that may be a candidate for this type of treatment are severe underbites, open bites, or overbites. Throughout treatment, Dr. Bates will work closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to achieve the best treatment results. Jaw surgery could be an option for patients who are interested in correcting their functional needs, as well as improving facial appearance, symmetry, and harmony.
Craniofacial/Cleft Lip and Palate
Craniofacial anomalies, cleft lip/palate, among other congenital facial malformations may require some orthodontic intervention as a part of the overall team approach to treatment. Dr. Bates is one of the few specialists in the state of Alabama that participates in the Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS) state program and has experience in proper planning and treatment of patients with craniofacial birth defects. To learn more about CRS and to see if your child is a candidate to receive funding for treatment, you can visit them online at https://www.rehab.alabama.gov/services/crs
Gingival Reshaping
Reshaping of the gum tissue after orthodontic treatment may enhance your smile. This procedure often involves removing excess tissue to change the shape of your gums and improve the esthetics of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Dr. Bates will work closely with your dentist or a periodontal (gum) specialist to achieve the best treatment results.
Enamel Reshaping
Minor adjustments to the shape of your teeth can help improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile and the function of your teeth. It involves removing a small amount of enamel to smooth and correct uneven spots or rough edges on the teeth. This effective, reshaping procedure is minimally invasive and can improve the final results of orthodontic treatment