Curious about Which Type of Braces are Best for You? Call Smith Orthodontics to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation!
Thanks to today’s technology and innovation in orthodontics, patients now have many options when it comes to treatment. While traditional metal braces are still widely used, clear braces are becoming increasingly popular, as well as invisible removable aligners (Invisalign®) that can be worn by patients self-conscious about treatment.
Self-Ligating Braces
One option that you may not be familiar with is self-ligating braces. Self-ligating brackets are relatively new to orthodontics. These high-technology brackets have replaced the prior style of brackets that have colored rubber ties with an “sliding gate” which is more hygienic and less visible. These braces don’t need rubber bands, and continue tooth movement outside of appointments all by themselves! Depending on what is being treated, self-ligation can also be more comfortable for patients.
Self-ligating brackets such as Innovation, Damon, Empower, Smart Clip, as well as many others allow the orthodontist to specifically plan the average position each tooth will occupy in the future. Once the teeth are aligned, the orthodontist hand-bends the final wires to the patient’s personal best bite position to get the optimal prescribed final tooth position.
At Smith Orthodontics, our orthodontists take technology beyond the brackets. While using self-ligating brackets, we replace hand-bent wires with robotically bent ones that are many times more accurate than a human could bend. The doctor uses expert training and experience to set the best bite position, and a robot crafts a series of personalized wires. Just like in the rest of medicine has evolved into microscopic surgeries, and robotic treatment assistants, the orthodontic field has evolved as well.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the most popular type of braces today for teens and adults. These braces are made of ceramic and other clear materials and are less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have aesthetic concerns. Even though they tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, ceramic braces require more attention to oral hygiene as they are larger than metal braces. Another benefit of our ceramic braces is that they don’t discolor like most do with certain foods and smoking.
Wild Smile Braces
Wild Smile Braces offers a vibrant and exciting alternative for our younger patients undergoing Interceptive Phase I treatment at our orthodontic clinic. Designed creatively, these braces provide a unique and fun way for patients to express themselves. The highlight of this option is the opportunity to choose from various shapes and colors, allowing individuals to personalize their braces and make a statement with their orthodontic treatment.
Included with Wild Smile Braces are colored ties, adding an extra layer of customization. Patients can change these ties at each adjustment, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing appearance that maximizes the cool factor. Beyond the functional aspect of orthodontic correction, Wild Smile Braces make the journey enjoyable and empowering, fostering a positive attitude towards orthodontic care. Our orthodontic clinic takes pride in offering this engaging option, creating a cheerful and personalized experience for our young patients.
Clear Aligners
Clear appliances (such as Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners) use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell because they’re invisible! Because aligners are also removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a challenge. Basically every problem you’ve heard about with braces, Invisalign solves!
