Orthodontics
For people who want a healthy smile, is the important reason to receive orthodontic care. If you choose to want braces, having them will greatly improve the way you look and feel. When the treatment is all finished, you will have the smile you’ve always wanted and you will feel confident showing it off. Our office also wants you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire experience and we dedicate our time to give you the quality care you deserve.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances are made up of metal, ceramic or plastic. They can be removable, or brackets bonded to the teeth. By wearing them over time, a constant controlled gentle force will slowly move teeth to the proper position. Any age can wear braces.
Duration of Treatment
The length of treatment depends on age, the treatment method, the severity of the case. It can last between several months to several years. A factor that plays in the successful treatment is the patient. The more dedicated, the more efficient it will be. In some situation for children, receiving early treatment head on can also help provide a quicker treatment time later in their lives. Before beginning, your doctor will discuss all the options and provide the time frame for your treatment. Please contact our office to learn about orthodontic options and to schedule an appointment about your future treatment!
Types of Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
The traditional metal braces are the most common type known. by using metal brackets and arch-wires to straighten your teeth. Another type of braces is ceramic which are are known for being less visible on the teeth than metal braces. They are mostly used on older teens and adult patients who have cosmetically concerns. Since the ceramic ones are larger and more brittle then their metal parts, they require more attention and tend to be used on upper teeth.
Another alternative is clear aligners also known as Invisalign. They are a series of invisible, removable and comfortable acrylic trays that can straighten your teeth just like braces. Since they are invisible, they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want during the treatment. In addition, this also makes brushing and flossing easier as well. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during the treatment.
Self-Ligating Braces
Another type of braces are self-ligating ones. They are made from the same material as the traditional braces; however, they do not require elastics which means less appointments and less friction being placed on the teeth. They come with metal, ceramic or clear brackets. They’re the same size as metal braces, but they use a special chip in place of the elastics to help guide the arch-wire back the teeth into place. The chip reduces the amount of pressure on the tooth and requires few adjustments because the elastics don’t have to be replaced.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Another type of braces is ceramic which are also known as clear braces. They are known for being less visible on the teeth than metal braces. For this being the major reason, they’re mostly used on older teens and adult patients who have cosmetically concerns. Since they’re less prominent, they do require a lot more attention to hygiene, as the ceramic ones are larger and more brittle then their metal parts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used on upper teeth than lower.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are also removable; so, you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, this helps to make brushing and flossing less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Gold Braces
Another type of braces is gold ones. They are like the traditional metal braces. However, since they’re made of steel they are coated in gold. The gold may appear as more cosmetically pleasing then the traditional metal braces. Also, the cost of the gold braces are comparable to the clear braces.
Lingual Braces
Lastly, lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore invisible when you smile. They are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth and they are created for you. They can be a reasonable option for athletes, models, actors and actresses, musicians and adult professionals who are worried about their cosmetic appearance.
