Metal braces are the traditional method used to straighten teeth, and that’s because it’s proven, effective, and affordable! However, today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before. Patients often have fun choosing colored elastics for their braces. Braces are the most widely used orthodontic treatment method, as they can correct a variety of orthodontic problems, both big and small! Orthodontic issues such as overbites, crossbites, underbites, and more can be successfully treated by metal braces, resulting in a smile you’ll want to show off.
Clear, or ceramic, braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but they are made with clear and tooth-colored materials to give it that disguisable look. Ceramic braces function the same way metal braces do, they require wires and brackets to be cemented to teeth and little by little teeth will be moved into their permanent position.
Clear aligners are practically invisible, and they are removable. The treatment plan is unique to your teeth straightening needs. You will receive a new set of aligners every few weeks, and each aligner helps you get closer and closer to your straight smile. To learn more about clear aligners, click here.
Dental braces are a type of dental appliance that is used to straighten your teeth over a period of time. Traditional metal braces use dental cement to place metal brackets onto the teeth. The brackets are connected using metal wires and are hold into place using rubber bands.
Clear braces are similar to traditional braces. They are cemented with brackets, wires, and rubber bands, but they are tooth colored. The tooth colored braces help to straighten teeth but appear more discrete. They typically cost more than traditional braces.
Depending on your teeth’ position, dental braces can take an average of two to four years to straighten your teeth. Over time, your wires and/or bands are adjusted to move your teeth little by little.
Retainers are essential to maintaining your straight smile after orthodontic treatment has been completed. Retainers are created and molded to fit your teeth to keep them in place. Our orthodontic team recommends that you wear your retainers for the first four to six months for at least twenty-two hours a day. After the first six months, you must continue to wear your retainers every night to keep your teeth in place. Over time, if the retainers are not worn, then your teeth will shift out of place and become crooked again. Retainers are an essential part of maintaining your finished smile!
