Orthodontic Options – What is the best solution for you?
by We all want a sparkling smile, but sometimes getting there takes a bit of work. Thanks to modern technology, there are many ways to get a gorgeous grin, and some treatments are so subtle no one will even know you’re getting your teeth straightened!
Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics delivers orthodontic treatment options that are both effective and affordable. State-of-the-art solutions can put a fantastic smile on your face in the shortest possible time and with a minimum of discomfort.
Let’s review the options JU Orthodontics offers you:
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces can correct crooked, crowded, twisted or widely-spaced teeth. They can adjust overbites, underbites, and other misalignments. They remain popular because they’re very durable, efficient and cost less than the newer types of braces.
Treatment with metal braces is accomplished using a combination of specially fitted silver brackets, orthodontic wires and elastic bands. As the wires’ types and sizes are adjusted, teeth gradually move into a new position.
Traditional braces now involve much less metal than they used to. Metal bands are affixed only to the back molar teeth, so they’re much less noticeable. Components of metal braces are also smaller with thinner profile, further reducing visibility and keeping irritation to a minimum.
One new and appealing feature of metal braces is that the color of the elastic bands that fit around the brackets can be changed at every appointment. Kids can express themselves by wearing their favorite colors, while adults can choose a shade of white to minimize visibility.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces with one important difference: They’re much less visible. Also known as “clear braces,” they realign the teeth and bite as effectively as metal braces, but they’re made of a ceramic material that’s similar to glass. Clear brackets and off-white or clear elastic bands are not as noticeable. Although the wires are made of metal, they’re so thin that they’re almost invisible.
Many adults prefer ceramic braces because of their subtle appearance. Because ceramic braces are less durable than metal braces, your orthodontist might use them only on the top teeth with metal braces on the bottom teeth. This reduces the possibility of breakage while biting down.
A disadvantage of ceramic braces is that the bands can become discolored if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, soda, tea or red wine. On the upside, you can get fresh bands at every monthly checkup. Ceramic braces cost more than metal braces but, for some patients, the cosmetic effect offsets the higher price.
Invisalign
Using cutting-edge technology, Invisalign aligner trays can straighten your teeth with no brackets, no wires, and no bands. These “invisible braces” are made of a smooth, clear plastic material shaped to fit over your teeth. The trays are almost impossible to detect, so no one has to know that you’re getting your teeth straightened.
Plastic trays are custom-made for you based on how your teeth look now and the results you want to attain. Aligners are changed every two weeks. Each new aligner tray moves the teeth a bit closer to the desired position. Invisalign is usually used for minor or moderate spacing, crowding or bite problems for adults and teens. Children who still have baby teeth cannot use Invisalign.
Another advantage of Invisalign is that you don’t have to dig food out of your braces whenever you eat. The trays are simply removed during meals. Regular brushing and flossing is easier, too, because there are no brackets or wires to maneuver around.
There are no food restrictions, so you can still chew gum and eat candy as long as you remove the aligner trays beforehand. Invisalign trays must be worn 20-22 hours every day, but they’re customized to fit your mouth and therefore very comfortable.
Invisalign offers patients a fuss-free orthodontic treatment solution. At bi-monthly appointments, a new tray is substituted for the old one. Just pop the new tray into position and you’re on your way. No wire tightening is necessary, just a check-up every six weeks.
Incognito Braces (Lingual Braces)
As the name implies, Incognito braces are present but not visible. Also known as lingual braces, Incognito braces produce the desired results using custom-designed brackets and wires made specifically for each individual tooth. Brackets and wires are then affixed only to the backs of teeth, so they’re virtually invisible.
These lingual braces have many advantages besides invisibility. They give your orthodontist a much higher degree of control over the desired outcome, so there are more treatment possibilities. Because Incognito braces are custom-designed for every tooth, they deliver the most powerful, precise and advanced orthodontic treatments available, making them ideal for challenging alignment problems.
Incognito braces may be less comfortable than metal or ceramic braces sometimes if they cause interference with speech. They’re an attractive option for anyone who plays certain musical instrument or enjoys contact sports. Lingual braces are mostly appropriate for adults with social and cosmetic demands. Because Incognito lingual braces require advanced orthodontic training, they are unavailable in many practices. At Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, we are professionally trained and qualified to deliver this innovative product.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are composed of brackets that have “sliding doors” to hold wires in place. Depending on your treatment plan, this system can produce the desired results as efficiently as other types of braces with longer intervals between adjustments since the wires are changed less frequently. That’s why they are sometimes called “speed braces.” However, they still require similar maintenance and oral hygiene regimen as regular braces and may not offer as many color options as the metal braces.
Professional orthodontic treatment delivers beautiful results that can last a lifetime. With so many modern treatment options, everyone can now have a radiant smile. Ask anyone who has had braces whether they’re worth the time, effort and cost. The answer will almost always be a resounding and confident “Yes!”