Braces & Invisalign Experts in Shelby & Gastonia
Get in Touch
Please reach out and contact our Orthodontic Associates team with any questions or concerns, and to help you take the first steps toward your beautiful new smile.
We proudly serve patients of all ages from Shelby and Gastonia and the surrounding areas, so come in for your first free consultation with Dr. Patel.
Shelby Orthodontic Office
Address
Orthodontic Associates
1610 E Marion St., #200
Shelby, NC 28150
Phone
Office Hours
Monday: 8AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8AM – 5PM
Thursday: 8AM – 3:30PM
Friday: Closed
Gastonia Orthodontic Office
Address
Orthodontic Associates
1367 E Garrison Blvd., Suite B
Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone
Office Hours
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm*
*Open select Fridays each month, please call our office for more details.
A Trusted Orthodontist in Shelby & Gastonia
Dr. Neal Patel earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Duke University, where he excelled academically as the valedictorian of his high school class before his undergraduate studies. Following his passion for dentistry, Dr. Patel continued his education at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine, graduating near the top of his class and earning induction into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.
Dr. Patel further specialized in orthodontics by completing a rigorous two-year residency program at the University of Louisville Department of Orthodontics. This prestigious program is renowned for its intensive clinical training, and Dr. Patel graduated with a certificate in Orthodontics and a Master's of Science in Dentistry.
His comprehensive orthodontic training includes certification in Invisalign and experience with the latest orthodontic technologies. Dr. Patel's commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous professional affiliations, including American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, North Carolina Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the North Carolina Dental Society.
Shelby & Gastonia Braces
Braces in Shelby and Gastonia are an excellent choice for correcting complex tooth issues. They can often work faster at aligning teeth and closing gaps than other treatments might, potentially reducing overall treatment time.
Braces don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments can, making Shelby and Gastonia braces a cost-effective orthodontic option.
Traditional metal braces are one of the most efficient orthodontic tools available. Made of durable metal brackets affixed to the teeth and connected by wires and tiny rubber bands or elastics, these braces are highly effective. The brackets, wires, and bands work together to apply gentle pressure, gradually moving the teeth into their desired positions with regular adjustments from our doctors.
Clear braces function similarly to traditional metal braces but are made from transparent ceramic, making them less noticeable. This option is perfect for patients who want an effective treatment with a more subtle appearance.
LightForce clear braces represent the latest orthodontic technology, offering a fully customized treatment experience. These braces are designed using 3D printing technology, ensuring a perfect fit for your teeth. Their clear, aesthetic appearance provides an excellent combination of efficiency and discretion.
Shelby & Gastonia Invisalign
Invisalign is incredibly popular with both patients and orthodontists in Shelby and Gastonia and is the top alternative to traditional braces. Instead of brackets and bands, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are made of a comfortable plastic material and customized to fit snugly over your teeth. To keep your teeth moving in the direction you want them to, you’ll need to switch your invisible trays out for the next one in the series every one to two weeks as directed by Dr. Patel.
The Invisalign system can only work if the recommended guidelines are followed exactly! Aligners should be worn 20 – 22 hours per day throughout treatment. If patients neglect to wear the aligners as directed, it can impede the results and also add time to the orthodontic process.
Invisalign is at its most efficient when correcting many of the most common orthodontic issues. For some complex cases, Invisalign may not be a good option. A free consultation with Dr. Patel at Orthodontic Associates in Shelby and Gastonia will allow us to determine your eligibility for Invisalign.
Shelby & Gastonia Braces & Invisalign: Find the Treatment for You
Dr. Patel has lots of experience providing customized treatment plans for each individual patient. When you visit our offices in Shelby and Gastonia for a free consultation, our talented team will pay special attention to your particular orthodontic needs, as well as your specific tooth shape, lip movement, and face shape.
Using these as the basis for braces or Invisalign treatment results in a beautifully aligned smile that’s just right for you. To learn more about Shelby and Gastonia orthodontics, schedule your free consultation with Orthodontic Associates.
