KEEPING ‘EM STRAIGHT

Brace yourself for a clear alternative to metal braces.

Dr. Luisa Betancur has sunk her teeth into the field of orthodontics. For her, it’s a rewarding career because she utilizes her talent to help create healthy, beautiful, and lifelong smiles. Her practice, Ford and Betancur Orthodontics, has locations in The Villages and Ocala. Both offices offer patients the best of both worlds—personable, hometown service combined with the latest advances and techniques to straighten teeth and transform smiles.

What is the difference between a general

A general dentist performs procedures such as filling cavities or teeth whitening. An orthodontist helps straighten crooked teeth or

I have crooked teeth. Why should I see an orthodontist instead of a dentist? An orthodontist has completed three extra years of dental school training to become experts in straightening and correcting your bite.

I’m a 65-year-old woman who has crooked teeth. Most people have their teeth straightened when they are children. Am I too old to see an orthodontist? Absolutely not. For many of my patients, their parents could not afford to get their teeth straightened when they were younger. As a result, they are coming to me to have their teeth straightened later in life. They soon discover that flossing is much easier with straight teeth.

Are there any alternatives to metal braces? Yes. I use a product called Invisalign, which is a clear plastic aligner that is comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible with no metal braces or wires to cause mouth abrasions. It can be used to treat almost anyone who desires straighter teeth. Patients wear a set of aligners for two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

As a patient replaces each aligner with the next in the series, his/her teeth will move until they have straightened to the final position.

How experienced are you with Invisalign? I do hundreds of cases a year—more than anyone in the area. I’m an expert in teeth straightening and that’s why I achieve good results. We are the only top 1% provider in Invisalign in the area.

What are the advantages of having straight teeth?

It reduces decay and inflammation of gum tissue by improving the ability to brush and floss between teeth. Also, with straight teeth, you can chew and digest food much better.

What makes you so passionate about your field?

I love establishing relationships with patients and seeing their smiles transform.

For more information visit www.BetancurOrtho.com or call 352.751.3534 for The Villages office and 352.368.9099 for the Ocala Office.