Getting braces is an investment in your smile, oral health and function. With advances in orthodontic technology, today you have more options than ever to help achieve a straighter and healthier smile.
The primary goal of orthodontics is to correct the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth. This can be accomplished by using orthodontic appliances known as brackets and wires, which apply gentle, constant pressure to your teeth. These changes can correct the shape of your face, jaw and bite to give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Orthodontics also addresses problems such as crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crowded teeth and a variety of other jaw, bite and facial issues.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel bands, brackets Pasadena and a thin archwire to gently shift your teeth over time. The archwire helps guide the teeth into their new positions, while the bands keep the wire in place. A traditional metal braces treatment can take up to three years. Today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter and more comfortable than their predecessors. They are available in clear synthetic material or “tooth colored” ceramic, which make them less visible. The ceramic brackets can stain if you don’t carefully brush and floss your teeth, so it’s important to maintain good dental hygiene during this period.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable and comfortable aligner trays that straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you’re wearing them. You will need to wear the trays for 20-22 hours per day, except when you’re eating or drinking. You’ll also need to visit our office about once every six weeks so we can check your progress and provide you with a new set of trays.
Fastbraces
Fastbraces are a faster alternative to traditional braces. They use a unique bracket system that uses a sliding mechanism to help the archwire guide your teeth into their new position. This reduces friction between the wire and your teeth, which allows for a faster, more comfortable adjustment.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are a new type of bracket that eliminates the need for rubber bands. These brackets have a special feature that makes them “self-ligating” – they create their own friction by separating the wire and the tooth, rather than requiring a rubber band to hold it in place. This makes them faster, more comfortable and more effective than other types of braces.
Surgical Orthodontics
Sometimes it’s necessary to correct bite, jaw or skeletal problems with surgery. These treatments, which are performed by a specially trained orthodontist, can greatly speed up your treatment.
You may also need to have a combination of treatments, including orthodontic braces and surgical orthodontics, to get the results you want. Your orthodontist will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all of your specific needs and goals. They will determine how long your treatment should last based on the severity of your case and the way your teeth grow in.