If you’ve been exploring braces treatment recently, you may be wondering what options and types of braces are available to you. During your initial consultation with Dr. Morra, she’ll perform an orthodontic examination that will help her determine which treatment option is right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Modern braces are not only smaller and more aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also able to shift your teeth more efficiently, leading to a better orthodontic treatment experience!
Here at Dream Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a wide range of treatment options to patients of all ages in our South Surrey offices. Using the latest in orthodontic techniques along with innovative technology, Dr. Morra, certified orthodontic specialist, can successfully treat a number of orthodontic issues, using a variety of treatment methods. This includes traditional braces, which have gone through quite a transformation over the years.
What you should know about traditional braces
As our most popular treatment option, braces are exceptionally good at fixing complex tooth issues. They can also work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might, which has the potential to shorten your treatment time. Because every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, the average can be anywhere from 18-36 months. The good news is that you’ll see signs of improvement after only a short time, so you be encouraged about how well your new appliance is working, and enjoy the excitement of building the smile of your dreams.
The maintenance involved with traditional braces can be a little tricky in the beginning but don’t worry, it gets easier as you go. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, particularly during orthodontic treatment. There are a number of accessories designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as waterpiks to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed.
You’ll need to avoid some foods to keep your braces intact and working correctly, including anything sticky or crunchy since these can damage the brackets and wires. This won’t last forever, though, and will all be worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!
While you’re in braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us every 4-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Morra will change the bands that are attached to the brackets and may replace the wire as well. These check-ups tend to be fairly quick, so you should be able to get back to school or work in no time at all! While there may be some residual soreness after each adjustment, it should be slight and short-lived. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and help us make sure you get the best results in the least amount of time. We ask that you do your best not to miss them!
Metal braces
These are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliances and are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. These braces consist of bands that wrap around the back molars, with smaller metal brackets cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. The archwire is made of thin, springy metal, and runs through the brackets. It’s fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. These components apply gentle pressure that moves the teeth into more optimal positions over time.
Metal braces are reliable, effective, and economical. Not only that, but braces today are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear than ever before. They can even be personalized by choosing from differently colored elastics, for patients who love to show off their personality!
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 tough, the material they 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.
Ceramic brackets are often slightly more costly than metal brackets, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breakage, we believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. 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 the course of 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 normally would!
Find the perfect braces for your smile at Dream Orthodontics
Every smile is unique, and what works for one patient may not be a good choice for another. That’s why Dr. Morra creates a customized treatment plan for every patient she sees! If you’re in South Surrey and the surrounding communities, we’d love to meet you and talk more about how braces can give you a healthier, straighter smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation!