Treatment Options

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Metal braces

Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of the highest-grade metals available for orthodontic treatment in the world. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than what used to be offered!

Ceramic Braces

Clear braces are made of translucent (clear) ceramic and medically processed plastics. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal. The main drawbacks to clear brackets is that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.

Invisalign®

The Invisalign® System is a series of clear retain-like overlays—called aligners—that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to teen and adult patients with certain orthodontic problems. Heetland Orthodontics is a preferred provider of Invisalign and have a digital scanner to make getting this treatment easier than ever. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign® system.

Invisalign®

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign® is a great treatment option for people who do not have severe orthodontic problems or need a tune up. The “braces” consist of a series of clear, customized, removable plastic trays called aligners.  If your bite is not severely off and your teeth are not severely crooked, then Invisalign® could be a great choice. This appeals to many adults, especially people who wore traditional braces as children and then need more treatment later in life. Because they are nearly undetectable, few people will know that you’re straightening your teeth!

How It Works

Invisalign® aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by Dr. Kelly Heetland and Dr. Shawna Heetland. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit Heetland Orthodontics for an initial exam at no charge to determine if Invisalign® is right for you.

Invisalign® is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every teen or adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign® can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, contact us (940) 691-2911 to schedule an appointment.

Advantages of Invisalign
  • They are virtually invisible, and practically nobody knows you’re wearing them but you.

  • They are easier to clean than traditional braces.

  • They are stain resistant.

  • The aligners are numbered and worn for two weeks each, so with excellent compliance, your time in treatment is well established.

Invisalign® Teen

Invisalign® Teen can help your smile with clear aligners as an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment during your teenage years. Invisalign Teen aligners are removable and minimally noticeable, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

What makes Invisalign teen unique is that they have a Blue Dot Wear Indicator to show how long each aligner has been worn, six free replacement aligners in case some are lost or broken, and other changes designed to accommodate growing mouths. Invisalign Teen is another option for teeth-straightening system for today's teens' busy lifestyles!

What is Invisalign Teen?

Way to straighten your teeth without braces.
Series of clear, removable, custom-made aligners.
Uses no wires or brackets.
Custom-made for fit.

How does Invisalign Teen work?
  • Wear each set of aligners for about two weeks.

  • Remove only to eat, drink, brush and floss.

  • Your teeth will move gradually each week.

  • Visit us every 6-10 weeks.

  • Total treatment time averages 10-22 months.

  • Average number of aligners is between 18 and 32.

  • What conditions does Invisalign Teen treat?

By using its advanced technology, Invisalign Teen can treat a broad range of dental and orthodontic conditions, which, in the past, were usually treated with traditional braces. These conditions include:

  • Crowded teeth

  • Spaced teeth

  • Crossbite

  • Overbite

  • Underbite

Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is used along with orthodontic treatment to correct abnormalities of the jaw bones and help teeth fit together better. Untreated, the jaw discrepancies may cause difficulty chewing, talking, sleeping, cause excessive tooth wear, joint discomfort and other issues. Typically this treatment improves the facial balance and appearance, particularly the profile. Typical treatment sequence includes;

1) Start with braces or aligners to straighten the teeth and "decompensate" the compromised positions they are often in as a result of the jaw discrepancy.

2) Jaw surgery (typically performed by an oral surgeon in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area or Oklahoma).

3) Continuation of orthodontic treatment to complete the treatment and stabilize the bite after surgery.

Orthodontists Drs. Heetland are experts in these cases and trained extensively in bone biology, surgical diagnostics and case management. There are recent advances in technology, techniques and methodology to reduce post-surgical recovery time. With even more recent advancements, orthognathic surgery may not be necessary with less invasive orthodontic adjuncts use with braces or invisalign alone to correct the problem. Drs. Heetland will help determine which treatment option is the correct treatment for you.

Retention

When active treatment is complete, we will fit you for retainers. The retention phase is a life long process that we will guide you through.We offer many different kinds of retainers and will determine which type is best for you. The first set of retainers are included in the initial treatment fee.

General retainer guidelines:
  • Wear your retainers as instructed.

  • Clean retainers daily with a toothbrush, non-grit toothpaste and warm (not hot) water to remove plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent or orthodontic appliance cleaners may be used, but do not soak retainers in mouthwash.

  • When retainers are not being worn they should ALWAYS be in your retainer case. They are easily lost & pets love to chew retainers.

  • Retainers are breakable, so handle them with care.

  • If retainers are lost or broken, call us as soon as possible.Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine and napkins.

  • Always bring your retainers to your retention appointments.

  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers or if they need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.

  • With proper care retainers will last for years!

  • Preserving your final orthodontic result depends on your retainer wear, so follow through with the hard work of active treatment.