Cleaning
Crowded or overlapping teeth can make certain surfaces more difficult to brush and floss effectively.
Invisalign & Orthodontics
Straighter smiles,thoughtfully planned.
Invisalign-certified provider
Personalized orthodontic care designed to improve alignment, bite, and the way your smile feels and functions.
Orthodontic care
Alignment is about more than appearance.
Orthodontic treatment addresses the position of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth come together. Alignment can influence appearance, chewing, cleaning, tooth wear, and—in some cases—other aspects of oral function.
Dr. Menon works with each patient to understand their concerns, evaluate their teeth and bite, and discuss a treatment approach suited to their individual needs.
What can cause misalignment?
Many factors can shape a bite.
- 01
Crowding
Insufficient space in the jaw or the size and position of the teeth may contribute to crowding.
- 02
Spacing
Differences between tooth size and available jaw space may create gaps between teeth.
- 03
Jaw & bite relationships
The relationship between the upper and lower jaws can contribute to certain bite problems.
- 04
Early tooth loss
Losing primary teeth earlier than expected can sometimes affect how permanent teeth emerge and position themselves.
- 05
Oral habits
Certain childhood habits, including prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, can affect tooth position.
Why alignment matters
Form, function, and a smile that feels balanced.
Tooth wear
Certain bite relationships can contribute to uneven patterns of tooth wear.
Function
Tooth and jaw alignment can influence how the teeth come together during chewing.
Speech
Some alignment or bite conditions may affect speech.
Appearance
Orthodontic treatment can also address aesthetic concerns related to tooth position and spacing.
Invisalign
A more discreet way
to straighten your smile.
Invisalign uses a series of custom clear aligners designed to gradually move teeth according to an individualized treatment plan. Dr. Menon is an Invisalign-certified provider.
Clear
The aligners are transparent and designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Removable
Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Customized
Treatment uses a planned series of aligners created for the patient's teeth and desired tooth movement.
Progressive
Patients move through a sequence of aligners as treatment progresses according to their prescribed plan.
Daily wear
Successful treatment depends on wearing the aligners according to the dentist's instructions.
What can Invisalign address?
Clear aligners may be considered for several concerns.
Invisalign is not appropriate for every orthodontic case. Candidacy depends on an individual evaluation of the teeth, bite, treatment goals, and movement required.
Ask about Invisalign- Crowded teeth
- Gaps or spacing
- Certain overbites
- Certain underbites
- Certain crossbites
- Generally misaligned teeth
The Invisalign process
What to expect.
- 01
Consult
Discuss your smile, concerns, bite, and treatment goals with Dr. Menon.
- 02
Evaluate
Your teeth and bite are evaluated to determine whether clear aligner treatment may be appropriate.
- 03
Plan
If Invisalign is appropriate, an individualized tooth-movement plan is developed.
- 04
Align
Wear each prescribed set of aligners according to the treatment plan while the teeth gradually move.
- 05
Monitor
Return for periodic appointments so treatment progress can be evaluated.
- 06
Retain
After active orthodontic treatment, retainers may be recommended to help maintain the new tooth positions.
Invisalign vs. traditional braces
Two approaches to a straighter smile.
Invisalign
Clear removable aligners
- Clear removable aligners
- Removed when eating
- Removable for brushing and flossing
- Requires consistent patient wear
- May be appropriate for many, but not all, orthodontic concerns
Traditional braces
Bracket-and-wire orthodontic treatment
- Brackets and wires remain attached to the teeth during treatment
- Provide continuous orthodontic force
- Periodically adjusted during treatment
- Do not depend on remembering to insert aligners
- May be recommended depending on the type and complexity of movement needed
The right option depends on your teeth, bite, treatment needs, and personal preferences.
Traditional braces
A proven approach
to orthodontic movement.
Dental braces are orthodontic appliances designed to apply controlled pressure so teeth gradually move toward planned positions. Traditional braces use brackets attached to the teeth and orthodontic wires that are adjusted as treatment progresses.
Brackets can be made from different materials, including metal or ceramic. The appropriate appliance and treatment approach depend on the movement required and the individual plan.
How braces treatment works
A planned sequence of care.
Treatment length varies depending on the type and extent of tooth movement required.
- 01
Examination
Dr. Menon evaluates the teeth, bite, and oral health.
- 02
Records
Dental impressions and X-rays may be used to evaluate tooth position and supporting structures.
- 03
Treatment plan
A treatment plan is developed based on the examination.
- 04
Braces
Brackets are bonded to the teeth and orthodontic wires are positioned to create controlled tooth movement.
- 05
Adjustments
Patients return periodically so treatment can be monitored and the orthodontic appliances adjusted as necessary.
- 06
Retention
After active orthodontic treatment, retainers may be recommended to help maintain the new tooth positions.
Care during treatment
Daily care supports your treatment plan.
Caring for braces
- Brush carefully around brackets and wires.
- Floss using an appropriate technique or recommended tools.
- Follow instructions about foods that could damage orthodontic appliances.
- Contact the office if a bracket or wire becomes damaged or uncomfortable.
- Attend recommended appointments.
Caring for aligners
- Remove aligners when eating unless instructed otherwise.
- Clean your teeth before replacing aligners when practical.
- Clean aligners according to the provider's instructions.
- Wear aligners consistently according to the prescribed plan.
- Keep scheduled progress appointments.
Frequently asked
Orthodontic questions.
Patients may experience temporary soreness or discomfort when braces are first placed or following adjustments. Orthodontic wax may help with irritation from appliances. Contact the dental office if discomfort is significant, persistent, or associated with a damaged appliance.
Careful brushing around brackets and wires, appropriate flossing techniques, following food-related instructions, and attending recommended appointments are important during treatment. Contact the office if an appliance becomes damaged or uncomfortable.
Treatment length varies depending on the type and extent of tooth movement required. Dr. Menon can discuss an expected treatment plan after evaluating your teeth and bite.
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses a planned series of removable aligners to gradually move teeth.
No. Whether Invisalign is appropriate depends on the patient's teeth, bite, treatment goals, and the type of tooth movement required. An examination is necessary to determine an appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment length varies by patient and depends on the type and extent of movement required. An individualized evaluation is needed before an expected timeframe can be discussed.
Retainers are commonly used following orthodontic treatment to help maintain tooth position. Dr. Menon can provide instructions based on the patient's treatment.
Orthodontic consultation
Find the approach that fits your smile.
Whether you’re considering clear aligners or traditional braces, a consultation can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate for your teeth, bite, and goals.