Orthodontics

Many people seek orthodontic treatment because they want a straighter smile, but properly aligned teeth offer benefits that extend well beyond cosmetics. When teeth are crowded, overlapping, or spaced too far apart, they can be:

• Harder to clean effectively
• Plaque and bacteria can collect in difficult-to-reach areas
• Increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Orthodontics addresses those concerns. At DeStefano Dentistry in Pittsford, Dr. Thomas DeStefano believes orthodontic treatment should improve both the appearance and long-term health of your smile. We proudly offer SureSmile clear aligners and Six Month Smiles, giving adults effective options for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic concerns while fitting comfortably into their lifestyles.

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Experience a Balanced Bite with Orthodontics from DeStefano Dentistry

A balanced bite helps distribute chewing forces more evenly across your teeth. When your bite is misaligned, certain teeth may experience excessive wear while your jaw muscles work harder than they should. Over time, this can contribute to tooth damage, jaw discomfort, and even headaches.

Orthodontic Problems We Treat in Pittsford, NY

Not every patient requires traditional braces or extensive orthodontic treatment. SureSmile and Six Month Smiles are excellent solutions for many adults with mild to moderate alignment concerns, including:

Crowded teeth
Small gaps between teeth
Crooked or rotated teeth
Minor bite problems
Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Relapse caused by not wearing retainers
Cosmetic alignment concerns before veneers or other smile enhancements

During your consultation, Dr. DeStefano will evaluate your bite, discuss your goals, and help you determine whether SureSmile clear aligners or Six Month Smiles is the better fit for your needs. If your case requires more comprehensive orthodontic care, we’ll gladly refer you to a trusted orthodontic specialist.

How Orthodontic Treatment in Pittsford, NY, Supports Your Oral Health

While many people think of orthodontics as a cosmetic treatment, straightening your teeth can also make it easier to maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Teeth that are properly aligned are generally easier to brush and floss because there are fewer tight spaces where plaque and food particles can hide.

Improved alignment may also reduce uneven pressure on certain teeth when you bite and chew. Over time, this can help minimize excessive wear, lower the risk of chipped teeth, and reduce strain on your jaw joints.

Many patients also notice that their smile simply feels more comfortable after orthodontic treatment. Chewing becomes more efficient, cleaning becomes easier, and many people feel more confident smiling, laughing, and speaking in both personal and professional settings.

At DeStefano Dentistry, we believe orthodontic treatment is an investment in your long-term oral health, not just your appearance. Every treatment plan is designed to create a smile that looks beautiful while functioning properly.

SureSmile or Six Month Smiles: Which Is Right for You?

Both orthodontic options provide excellent results, but each has unique advantages.

SureSmile is ideal for patients who prefer nearly invisible treatment and the convenience of removable aligners. Since the aligners can be removed for meals and brushing, they’re easy to incorporate into everyday life. They’re a popular choice for adults who want a discreet orthodontic solution.

Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to quickly straighten the teeth that are most visible when you smile. Many patients appreciate its shorter average treatment time and the fact that it can address certain alignment concerns more efficiently than clear aligners.

What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment at DeStefano Dentistry

Whether you choose SureSmile or Six Month Smiles, we take time to understand your goals, evaluate your bite, and determine the best path forward. Our goal is to give you a healthier, more confident smile.

Your treatment typically includes:

Comprehensive Consultation: We’ll examine your teeth, bite, and overall oral health while discussing what you’d like to improve.
Digital Imaging: We use advanced digital scans to create an accurate picture of your current smile and then the possibilities for your new smile.
Custom Treatment: If you choose SureSmile, you’ll receive a series of custom clear aligners designed to gradually move your teeth. If Six Month Smiles is the better option, we’ll place discreet tooth-colored brackets and wires designed to straighten teeth visible when you smile.
Progress Visits: Throughout treatment, you’ll visit our office periodically so Dr. DeStefano can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Retainers: After treatment is complete, night-time retainers help preserve your new smile and keep your teeth from shifting over time.

Living with SureSmile or Six Month Smiles from DeStefano Dentistry

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to interrupt your daily routine. Both SureSmile and Six Month Smiles are designed to fit comfortably into busy lifestyles.

General Care

Throughout treatment, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with your routine dental cleanings will help keep your teeth and gums healthy while your smile is transforming.

SureSmile

If you choose SureSmile, you’ll remove your aligners when eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing. Because they’re removable, you won’t have to avoid your favorite foods. Simply wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day to keep your treatment progressing on schedule.

Consistency is one of the biggest keys to success. Wear your aligners as instructed to keep your timeline moving at the ideal pace.

Six Month Smiles

Patients wearing Six Month Smiles can continue enjoying most of their normal activities as well. While you’ll need to be mindful of very hard or sticky foods, the clear brackets and tooth-colored wires are much less noticeable than traditional braces.

Attend your regular check-ins with Dr. DeStefano to make sure your smile is on track for straighter teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics at DeStefano Dentistry in Pittsford

Straightening your teeth before cosmetic treatment often leads to more natural-looking, conservative results. Properly aligned teeth may reduce the amount of enamel that needs to be reshaped for veneers and create a stronger foundation for whitening and other cosmetic procedures.

Because DeStefano Dentistry offers comprehensive cosmetic dentistry alongside orthodontics, Dr. DeStefano can develop a treatment plan that considers your entire smile instead of focusing on a single concern. Whether your goal is straighter teeth, a brighter smile, or a complete smile transformation, we’ll help you determine the ideal sequence of treatment to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.

Why Choose DeStefano Dentistry for Orthodontics?

Choosing orthodontic treatment is an important decision, and finding the right dental team can make all the difference in your experience. At DeStefano Dentistry, we take time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and recommend treatment options that align with your goals.

Patients appreciate our personalized approach because we don’t believe every smile should be treated the same way. Some patients benefit most from the convenience of SureSmile clear aligners, while others may achieve their goals more efficiently with Six Month Smiles. Our focus is always on recommending the treatment that’s right for you.

Conveniently located in Pittsford, we proudly help patients throughout the Rochester area improve both the health and appearance of their smiles in a welcoming, comfortable environment.

Caring for Your Smile After Orthodontic Treatment at DeStefano Dentistry

Completing your orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone, but keeping your smile straight requires ongoing care. Once you’ve finished treatment with SureSmile or Six Month Smiles, following a few simple habits will help protect your results for years to come.

To maintain your new smile, be sure to:

Wear Your Retainer as Directed: Retainers help prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions. Following your retainer schedule is one of the most important parts of orthodontic aftercare.
Brush and Floss Every Day: Straight teeth are easier to clean, but good oral hygiene is still essential for preventing cavities and gum disease.
Keep Up With Regular Dental Checkups: Continue visiting DeStefano Dentistry for routine cleanings and exams so we can help keep your smile healthy and monitor your long-term oral health.
Protect Your Smile During Sports: If you participate in sports or other recreational activities, wear a custom mouthguard to reduce the risk of dental injuries.
Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools: Opening packages, chewing on ice, or biting fingernails can damage your teeth and dental work.
Contact Us if Your Retainer No Longer Fits: A retainer that feels too tight or too loose could indicate your teeth have started to shift. Let us know as soon as possible so we can help protect your results.
Consider Professional Teeth Whitening: Many patients choose to brighten their newly straightened smiles with professional whitening after orthodontic treatment. If you’re interested, ask about it today.

With proper care, your investment in orthodontic treatment can provide lasting benefits for both your confidence and your oral health. Our team is always here to answer questions and help you enjoy your healthy, straight smile for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Pittsford, NY

Treatment varies depending on your individual needs and the system you choose. SureSmile treatment may take anywhere from several months to around 2 years, while Six Month Smiles often averages about 6 months for qualifying patients.

Neither option is better for every patient. SureSmile offers removable, nearly invisible aligners, while Six Month Smiles uses discreet braces that can often produce faster cosmetic results. We’ll help determine which option is best for your smile.

You may notice mild pressure after beginning treatment or switching to a new aligner or adjustment, but most patients find the discomfort temporary and manageable.

Absolutely. Many of our orthodontic patients are adults who want to improve both the appearance and function of their smiles.

Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will gladly review your coverage and discuss financing options if needed.

Most patients have a short visit around once a month so we can monitor progress and ensure treatment is progressing as planned.

Yes. Wearing a retainer after completing orthodontic treatment helps prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions. Following your retainer instructions is one of the best ways to protect your investment.

Many patients choose to brighten their newly straightened smiles with professional teeth whitening after completing orthodontic treatment. Dr. DeStefano can discuss the ideal timing if whitening is part of your smile goals.

You may notice a slight adjustment period when you first begin wearing SureSmile aligners or after having Six Month Smiles placed. Most patients adapt within just a few days and quickly return to speaking normally.

SureSmile aligners should be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water or a cleaner recommended by our office. If you’re wearing Six Month Smiles, brushing after meals and flossing carefully around the brackets will help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.

Once your teeth have reached their ideal positions, we’ll provide a custom retainer to help maintain your results. Wearing your retainer as instructed is essential for keeping your new smile straight for years to come.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation in Pittsford, NY

Enjoy the joys of a straighter smile, from increased confidence to improved oral health. Whether you’re interested in the convenience of SureSmile clear aligners or the accelerated cosmetic results of Six Month Smiles, Dr. Thomas DeStefano will help you choose the treatment that best fits your goals and lifestyle.

DeStefano Dentistry is committed to helping patients throughout Pittsford and the greater Rochester area achieve healthy, beautiful smiles with personalized orthodontic care. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn which treatment option is right for you.

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