Braces

A healthy, functional, and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well aligned. A good bite with teeth that are straight not only looks good, it contributes to overall oral health and well being.

Braces are orthodontic devices that are used to address problems such as crooked, gapped or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, and improper jaw relationships. With advances in orthodontic technology and systems of care, a wide selection of braces is available today. Providing effective and efficient care, these choices are far less bulky, much less noticeable, and more comfortable than previous generations of braces.

The type of braces the dentist recommends for a patient’s case depends on several factors including:

• The severity of the bite problems
• The degree of crowding or spacing of the teeth
• If there is a need for extractions
• The relationship of the upper and lower jaws and if a surgical correction is also required
• How long the braces need to be worn to achieve the best outcome of care
• If any supplementary appliances are needed to support orthodontic correction
• A patient’s cosmetic concerns

Metal Braces

The most common type of braces worn today, remain “metal braces”. Made of high-grade stainless steel, these braces are significantly smaller and have a lower profile than their predecessors from years ago. Each brace, which is known as an orthodontic bracket, is individually bonded to the front of each tooth. Metal braces allow for efficient and highly controllable tooth movement.

Ceramic Braces

When conventional braces offer the best approach to care, but a more cosmetic appearance is desired, ceramic braces provide an excellent alternative to traditional metal brackets. Ceramic braces, or clear braces, blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making it less obvious to others that you are wearing orthodontic appliances. While being far less visible, they still function in very much the same way as metal braces.

Orthodontic Clear Aligners

One of the most recent options in orthodontic treatment that has provided a more discreet, convenient, and comfortable method of care is a custom sequence of removable clear aligners that gradually move the teeth into their correct positions.

Clear Aligners are a form of orthodontic treatment that works to correct many different types of malocclusions through the use of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners. As a more discreet, comfortable and completely removable method of care, clear aligners provide an effective alternative to traditional orthodontic braces and metal wires for certain types of malocclusions. Developed by a team of Stanford University students, the advanced 3D imaging, modeling, and aligner technology that defines the Aligner system of care was introduced to the public in the year 2000. Since that time, it has become an extremely popular option in care.

Clear Aligners use advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to formulate a sequence of custom-made clear aligners. The aligners, each of which is worn for a couple of weeks, incrementally move the teeth into place until the final desired corrections are reached. The advantage and appeal of the Clear Aligner method are that the clear aligners are more cosmetic, comfortable and convenient than other orthodontic appliances and operate with minimal interference to daily activities. Clear aligners allow teens and adults to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods, and engage in sports without the fear of breaking their orthodontic appliances or sharp poking wires. Moreover, as the aligners are completely removable, tooth brushing and flossing are much easier as there is no need to clean in between any attached orthodontic brackets or wires.