Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

We understand how important it is to feel confident about your smile and the journey to get there. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step outline about our Perfect Nichols Smile process. Our expert team is here to support you every step of the way, making the experience as seamless as possible.

Step 1: Meet with a Treatment Coordinator

The journey begins by meeting with a treatment coordinator for a thorough consultation. During this visit, they will take X-rays and photos of your smile to assess its current condition. Dr. Nichols will use this information to calculate your Nichols Smile Score, a detailed evaluation of your smile, and suggest areas for improvement.

Step 2: Dr. Nichols Crafts Custom Treatment

Based on your Nichols Smile Score, Dr. Nichols will create a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs. This plan focuses on improving alignment, spacing, and overall dental health to ensure the best results for your perfect smile.

Step 3: Orthodontic treatment

Your journey will begin with Damon Braces and Spark Aligners. They play an important role in the development of your teeth and will likely last until the end of your treatment to be effective. Depending on your Nichols Smile Score, you may also be recommended additional treatments. We may utilize other appliances throughout your treatment to perfect your smile. Learn more about these appliances by clicking on them below!

Stage 1: Facial Profile, Lip Volume, and Airway

The initial treatments focus on enhancing your facial profile, lip volume and airway. Possible options include Damon Braces or Spark Aligners, along with a Palate Expander to widen the upper jaw. The Herbst appliance may also be used, it has glued-in screws to advance the lower jaw.

Stage 2: Alignment and Smile Arc

Next, the focus shifts to straightening your teeth and closing any gaps. Damon Braces or Spark Aligners are mainly used to achieve a well-aligned smile and refine the smile arc.

Stage 3: Upper Tooth Position and Midlines

Adjustments are made to the position of your upper teeth and midlines. Damon Braces or Spark Aligners will continue to be used. TADs (mini screws) may be used to refine tooth positioning. Gingivectomies and Bite Turbos provide other options to help ensure proper bite and tooth alignment.

Stage 4: Smile Width and Occlusion

Further adjustments are made to enhance the width of your smile and ensure proper occlusion. Treatments may include Damon Braces, Spark Aligners, and TADs, along with the Herbst appliance (used less in adult cases), Palate Expanders, and Bite Turbos. Elastics may also be used to fine-tune jaw position. 

Stage 5: Tooth Shape and Color

This step focuses on the shape, proportion, and color of your teeth. Damon Braces, Spark Aligners along with Hard Tissue Contouring and Teeth Whitening,  help achieve these goals. 

Stage 6: Gum Display and Shape

The last adjustments address the appearance of your gums. Damon Braces or Spark Aligners will play a big role in this stage but, the most popular tactics are Gingivectomies and TADs. These may be used to refine gum shape and visibility.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Nichols Smile!

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of your perfect smile journey! After months of dedication and expert care, it’s time to celebrate the beautiful, confident smile you’ve worked so hard for.

Step 5: Maintain your perfect smile

Retainers are essential to maintaining your beautiful smile. We offer retainers to anyone who has undergone treatment, whether with us or another provider. Our program ensures access to high-quality retainers, keeping your smile looking its best.

We provide an unlimited, 8-year retainer program, as well as options for one-time retainer purchases.

Schedule a Consultation

 

You’ve seen all the steps it takes for you to achieve a beautiful, confident smile. Now, it’s time to take the first REAL step! Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey towards a perfect smile.