Williams practices a modern approach to aligning the teeth, offering both clear aligner treatments and self-ligating braces. Although traditional braces with “colors” are the tried-and-true treatment that most people are familiar with, self-ligating braces are a more contemporary method providing many benefits. They do not require “o-ties” or the “colors” to hold the wire in position. The self-ligating braces allow the teeth to move faster, reducing total treatment time and decreasing the frequency of orthodontic appointments from every four weeks to every eight. It also allows for a more hygienic environment making it easier to keep the teeth clean. Williams prefers the self-ligating brackets (braces), especially in patients with overcrowded, mis-aligned teeth, because the system reduces the probability of tooth extraction which would otherwise be required with traditional braces with o-ties.

   

Another form of treatment Williams offers, clear aligners, have become increasingly popular over the years. “My patients love them because the aligners are virtually invisible, they can be removed while eating whatever food they’d like and my aligner patients can maintain their normal hygiene routine,” she says.

   

Treatments are successful with great patient compliance, wearing the aligners daily for 20 to 22 hours, changing out to new ones every 10 to 14 days. With so many television and print ads, it may be confusing to know which aligners work best. “It is best to undergo orthodontic care, even with clear aligners, under the constant care of a trained, licensed dental professional, preferably an orthodontist,” implores Williams.

   

Over 30 percent of Williams’ patients are adults. With so many more treatment options than years ago, adults ranging from 21 up to their 60s and 70s are finding orthodontics an attractive possibility. “Most times patients want straight teeth for the aesthetic result. But many times, orthodontic treatment is for overall health and function,” says Williams. Aligning the teeth can make it easier to keep the teeth and gums healthy and clean, preserving the stability and longevity of the teeth, preventing early tooth loss.

   

Williams and her team are passionate about providing the best care to her patients throughout their smile transformation journey and making happy, confident lifelong members of the Get It Straight Orthodontics family along the way.