Why Visit an Orthodontist for Invisalign?

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If you look at most dentists and orthodontists, you may see one major overlap between the services offered: Invisalign. So, it can be easy to assume that you can get the same services at one practice than you can at another. Here, we’ll look at when it’s better to see an orthodontist for clear aligners in Columbia, SC and why it matters.

Invisalign Today

In the past, Invisalign was largely used for mild misalignment issues. In 1998, if a child or adult had a more moderate case, they were likely to get traditional braces. Since then, there have been endless iterations to the product, making it more practical to fix more moderate cases than ever before. However, even with all the advancements, only traditional braces can work for the most severe cases.

Orthodontists and Invisalign

In general, orthodontists are recommended for patients with more severe misalignments. This is because they not only know more about straightening the teeth and jaw, but also because they’ve likely worked with more cases of clear aligners than a regular dentist. This doesn’t mean that a regular dentist can’t handle mild cases, only that you may want that extra experience and expertise when it comes down to it.

Why Invisalign?

There are several types of clear aligners on the market, so you may wonder if Invisalign is worth it for you. The best way to decide is to talk to an orthodontist in Columbia, SC. At Tompkins Orthodontics, for example, we offer both Spark and Invisalign. We not only give our patients all the information they need upfront, whether it’s about treatment time or costs, we also make official recommendations based on what you’re looking for. For example, if you have more severe crowding, you may need Invisalign to treat the issue.

There are multiple practices in Columbia that you can visit if you need clear aligners, and this is true whether you go to an orthodontist or a dentist. While most dentists will refer you to an orthodontist if you need one, it’s important to remember that the terms ‘moderate’ and ‘severe’ may be interpreted differently at different practices. If you’re looking for an opinion you can really trust, contact our team today!

3 Possible Reasons For a Lisp

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Many people think a lisp is just an odd speech quirk. But in practice, it can point to underlying dental or orthodontic issues. Some lisps clean up on their own; others may linger unless addressed. If your child—or even you—struggle with this speech pattern, it helps to know what might be causing it.

1. Tongue Placement And Muscle Habits

One of the most common reasons for a speech impediment like a lisp is simply where the tongue rests or how it moves when speaking. If the tongue presses too far forward between the teeth as you say “s” or “z” sounds, you get that noticeable “th”-like effect. Some people develop this habit naturally, while others may do it after injuries or during prolonged thumb-sucking. Even adults may keep the habit until they retrain tongue position.

2. Tooth Alignment And Bite Issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t just how the tongue is used—it’s the space it has to work with. If teeth are crowded, uneven, or shifted, the tongue may have to find awkward paths to make sounds. Misalignment can interfere with normal airflow patterns, creating lisping without anyone realizing why. That’s where braces in Columbia, SC or other orthodontic work play a role. Straightening teeth and correcting the bite can remove some of the obstacles that force the tongue into odd positions.

3. Missing Teeth Or Gaps

Holes in the dental arch—gaps from missing teeth or spaces from extractions—can change how you shape words. When air escapes through unexpected openings, the sound doesn’t come out right. Gaps near the front teeth may especially make “s,” “sh,” or “z” difficult. Sometimes the addition of prosthetics or aligners helps close the gaps and improve pronunciation.

A lisp isn’t always just about speaking clearly—it might be a clue to something happening in your mouth. Whether it’s tongue habits, alignment, gaps, or dental work, understanding the source is the first step. By checking in with an orthodontist in Columbia, SC, you can figure out whether a lisp is something likely to resolve on its own or whether treatment should be considered. Either way, you get a clearer idea and a better chance of smoother speech ahead. Contact Tompkins Orthodontics today to book your appointment.

How Long do the Effects of Braces Last?

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Are you about to get new braces in Columbia, SC? Or, maybe it’s almost time to have your braces removed? Either way, you may be wondering how long the effects of your braces will last. You already know what to expect from your restored alignment, since your orthodontist explained it to you. But it would be nice to know how long you can expect to enjoy the improved appearance of your teeth, right?

After Braces Are Removed

The new position of your teeth is intended to be a permanent adjustment. Ideally, the effects of braces will last a lifetime. However, this will be impacted by how well you adhere to your orthodontist’s instructions for follow-up care. This includes adhering to the schedule for wearing your retainer.

Your retainer assists in “re-training” your teeth so that they don’t slowly slip back into their old position. The braces were left on for a period of time that was long enough to make the membranes in your gums adjust to the new position. The effects of the retainer assist in keeping teeth aligned because the teeth may want to shift a little after the braces are moved.

Your orthodontist will also want you to come in at regular intervals for up to a year later. This allows the orthodontist to check that your teeth’ alignment is still optimal.

Why do Teeth Move After Braces?

The teeth are under pressure while braces are being worn. This gentle pressure is what enables the re-alignment. When the braces come off, the pressure is suddenly released. The teeth will be just a little bit loose at this stage because they were being shifted into a new position. But with the retainer in place for enough hours of each day, the teeth will finally settle into their permanent place. After the period of time that your orthodontist in Columbia, SC requires you to wear the retainer, your teeth will cease to be loose and they will stay fixed in their new position indefinitely.

If you have any questions at all about your braces or what kinds of braces may be available to you, consult with your orthodontist today.