Orthodontics (Invisalign®)

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for choosing to receive orthodontic care. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, having braces are one way to improve how you look and feel.

When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you’ve always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, so our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Braces and other orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable, or they may consist of brackets bonded to your teeth. Braces slowly move teeth to the proper position by placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction.

Nowadays, braces no longer have to be metal. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic, and in some cases, you can pick from a variety of colors. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster and with more comfort.

Treatment Time

Treatment time will vary based on several factors, like your age, the type you choose, and how severe your case is, and can range from 6 months to 3 years. For children, receiving interceptive, or early, treatment can also reduce treatment time later on in life. The real key to successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the quicker and more efficient your treatment will be.

Before starting your orthodontic care journey, we will discuss all of your options and give you an estimate of how long your full treatment may take. Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide.

Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, these braces straighten your teeth with metal brackets and arch wires. With metal braces, you can add colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces; however, they do not require elastics. They come with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets and are the same size as metal braces but use a special clip instead of elastics to help the arch wire guide your teeth into place. The clip reduces the amount of pressure on the tooth and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene, as ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. Therefore, we tend to use ceramic braces more on upper front teeth rather than the lower ones.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and form-fitting acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners virtually invisible, but they are also removable, allowing you to eat and drink what you want while undergoing treatment. This also makes brushing and flossing less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions.

Gold Braces

Like traditional metal braces, gold braces are made of stainless steel; however, they are coated in gold. The gold coating is typically considered a more aesthetic option than traditional metal braces, and the cost is comparable to most clear braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. They are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth and are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.

Schedule your visit to Emerald Dental

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Orthodontics (Invisalign®)

Orthodontics (Invisalign®)

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Treatment Time

Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Self-Ligating Braces

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

Clear Aligners

Gold Braces

Lingual Braces

Schedule your visit to Emerald Dental

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