Orthodontic appliances work by placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction to slowly move teeth to a corrected position. Dr. Hunter uses completely invisible orthodontics with custom solutions that combine the latest esthetic options often including a combination of orthodontic devices resulting in superior outcomes, more comfort and shorter treatment times.

At Hunter Orthodontics, we use a state-of-the-art 3Shape TRIOS Intraoral Digital Scanner to create an accurate digital model of your teeth that is used to make your custom appliance. This high-tech scanner and software replaces the traditional and often uncomfortable method of taking dental impressions using molds.

Our radiation-free digital equipment increases patient comfort (no more gagging!). It allows for more precise measurements of your teeth and bite ensuring a more comfortable fit of your othodontic appliances and resulting in improved outcome for your treatment. You save time as well. We review the digital model and make our diagnosis in a single shorter visit. The software allows you to visualize your misalignment and aids us in discussing your treatment options.

We have lingual treatment options that can make you smile-ready for your wedding or next big life event in as little as 6 months. Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Hunter can use a very small lingual brace to align your teeth. No one will know you have braces, which is an advantage over other 6-month Fast Brace Treatments provided by general dentists.

Invisible lingual braces are evolving rapidly, with brands including Alias, InOvationLMTM, and INBRACE offering completely invisible braces that attach to the interior (lingual) side of the teeth with tiny self-ligating brackets to hold thin wires in place no one will know you are wearing braces but you!.

Your individual treatment plan will be designed by Dr. Hunter, who specializes in providing the most effective and advanced options for lingual orthodontics. Lingual appliances are available to adults and adolescents with all their permanent teeth.

The Alias lingual bracket system uses high-tech wires with light forces to reduce the pressure on your teeth. Alias brackets have rounded contours and a low profile designed for patient comfort and clinical performance.

With the increasing number of adults and teens seeking esthetic options for orthodontic treatment, Alias lingual braces offer the advantage of esthetics without the compromise and compliance required with aligners.

In-Ovation L MTM No Trace lingual braces work behind the scenes. This virtually undetectable orthodontic treatment can comfortably correct your smile in as little as 6months. MTM No Trace uses extremely small low-profile brackets that rest on the back side of the teeth to achieve minor tooth movement.

INBRACE is a new style of braces that hides behind the teeth and uses a space-age memory wire to perfect a patients smile. The product also significantly decreases treatment time and doctor visits for patients, establishing this new technology as the most advanced and efficient braces on the market today.

INBRACE has the added benefit of allowing you to brush and floss normally so there is nothing to remember to put back in after eating. Perfect for the busy adult or teen who wants a quick and discreet solution to straighten teeth.

Empower ceramic braces include a non-staining self-ligating clip to hold your archwire in place, instead of 'rubber band' elastic ties that stain and break down over time. Empower ceramic self-ligating braces also improve oral hygiene over elastic ties and allow Dr. Hunter to make quicker wire adjustments.

An alternative to fixed braces, Dr. Hunter can straighten your teeth with a series of removable, semi-invisible clear aligner trays that are custom-made from our intraoral scanner image of your teeth. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth.

Mild misalignment (malocclusions) can be addressed by aligners. Dr. Hunter will perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth and bite to determine if you are a good candidate and will recommend the appropriate product for your unique situation.

Unlike internet-based 'at-home' aligner services, our clear aligner therapy is directed by an experienced orthodontist who will ensure your aligners fit properly. In addition, Dr. Hunter provides regular monitoring to ensure optimal results and prevent potentially irreversible damage.

Aligners are removable (for eating, drinking and oral hygiene) but must be worn 22 out of 24 hours every day to ensure that tooth movement progresses. Your teeth will move slowly as you sequentially replace aligners about every two weeks.

Composite-bonded attachments may be necessary for aligner retention and for certain tooth movements. The treatment time and number of aligners depend on the severity of the patient's malocclusion. Complex tooth movements require the addition of fixed appliances, ceramic or lingual braces.

ClearCorrect can treat a wide variety of issues that keep people from achieving their ideal smiles. Straighter teeth dont just look better; they work better too. Poorly-aligned teeth can interfere with bite function, wear out quicker, and are more prone to cavities.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have an examination by an orthodontist by age 7, or earlier for certain malocclusions. Common malocclusions that are addressed early include: crossbites, open bites, deep bites, habits, jaw growth imbalances, protruding front teeth, severe crowding and spacing, and impacted and ectopic teeth. If Dr. Hunter determines that your child is not ready for treatment at this time, he will recommend follow-up visits to evaluate growth and development, and determine the appropriate time to initiate treatment.

Dr. Hunter prefers to keep first stage treatment time to a minimum, approximately 12-18 months, to maintain patient cooperation. For these patients, a second phase of treatment will be considered after the majority of permanent teeth have erupted.

Many orthodontic patients begin treatment in their teen years to correct crowding, spaced teeth, crooked teeth, protruding teeth and bite problems. There are many options when beginning orthodontic treatment in adolescence, once a patient has their full set of permanent teeth. Treatment at this stage of life usually takes less time and is less costly when compared to correction of dental problems that have been allowed to progress into adulthood.

Treatment options for teens are similar to those for adults, including popular lingual braces, which are attached to the inside of the teeth. They are comfortable and invisible no one will know you have braces. Lingual braces are also an excellent option for active teens, including those who play sports. Another benefit: A beautiful smile can help improve self-confidence.

It's never too late to improve your smile! Orthodontic treatment can be provided at any age; in fact, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult. Adults want treatment that is completely invisible and a short treatment time.

Many adult patients must wear a retainer long-term after braces have been removed to maintain ideal alignment. A fixed retainer, small wire bonded on the tongue side of the teeth, may be necessary to preserve your beautiful results.

Mark S. Hunter, D.M.D., received his predental education from the University of Detroit (1985). He graduated in the top five of his dental school class with a D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (1989) and received his orthodontic specialty certificate from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Dentistry (1991).