Right now is a great time to improve your smile with orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic technology has come along in leaps and bounds in recent years, and Sawgrass Orthodontics is proud to offer our patients a wide variety of unique treatment options. Our expert team can use the various types of braces to successfully treat a range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbite
- Impacted teeth
Traditional braces are just one of the treatment methods we use to address these problems, but braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and the most easily recognizable. Modern braces are smaller, better looking, and more efficient than the bulky contraptions of the past. This transformation has resulted in a better orthodontic experience for both patients and orthodontists.
If you’ve been considering braces to improve your oral health and achieve a healthier smile, you may be wondering what options are available to you. When you schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny, they’ll determine which treatment option would be best for you and your unique smile. Let’s take a closer look at what types of braces are available, how they differ, and how this treatment staple can give you a beautiful smile you’ll want to share with the world!
What are traditional braces?
You’ve probably seen traditional braces in action before. They’re made out of metal or clear brackets attached to your teeth and connected by wires held in by tiny rubber bands or doors. They’re especially good at fixing complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This has the potential to shorten your treatment time, although, of course, this will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, the average treatment time for braces tends to be anywhere from 18-36 months.
While there is a bit of a learning curve involved with the maintenance of traditional braces, it gets easier with time and practice. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, and it’s even more critical for patients in braces since food and bacteria can get stuck in between the wires and teeth. For patients who struggle with brushing and flossing effectively while wearing braces, there are many accessories designed to make it easier. Waterpiks help rinse any hard to reach areas, and ortho picks can assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Sticky and crunchy foods can damage the brackets and wires, so if you have braces, you’ll need to avoid these kinds of foods during treatment. While it can take some getting used to, it won’t last forever! Any minor frustrations will be more than worth it once your braces come off and get a look at your beautiful new smile.
Patients in braces can expect follow-up visits in our office every 4-6 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny will change the bands that are attached to the brackets and may replace the wire as well. These check-ups tend to be reasonably brief, so you can get back to school or work quickly! There can sometimes be a bit of residual soreness following these adjustments, but it should only be temporary.
These visits are a crucial part of the overall treatment plan. To help us ensure the very best results in the least amount of time, you should always try your best not to miss them!
Metal braces
Thanks to a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, metal braces are very durable and long-lasting. Modern braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, with smaller brackets and customizable bands in which you can choose. They have a long track record of delivering excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Ceramic braces
Sometimes referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or esthetic braces, ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more subtle straightening option.
Although ceramic braces are sturdy, the material these braces are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle and efficient way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable aligners that are designed to fit comfortably over the teeth. Like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment, and replacing them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.
Invisalign offers patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces do. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you usually would!
Find the braces that work for you at Sawgrass Orthodontics
Here at Sawgrass Orthodontics, we know that every case is unique. What works for one patient may not be the right choice for another, and that’s why Dr. Penny and Dr. Kristen create a customized treatment plan for every patient they see. They will take your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals into consideration when recommending the course of treatment that would work best for your smile.
If you’re in Sunrise or the surrounding communities, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a beautiful, healthy smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny!
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