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 will greatly improve the way you look and feel.
When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you’ve always dreamed of as well as 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 you receive the quality care you deserve. Patients of all ages are now undergoing orthodontic treatment to allow them to have the appealing smile they have always desired!
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontics usually consists of orthodontic appliances and/or brackets and braces. Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, both slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose from brackets that are clear or metallic, and in some cases, you may select the color of your appliance. Wires are far less visible, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!
Duration of Treatment
Depending on several factors, including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is, treatment time varies and can last between one and three years. A big factor to a successful treatment is you, the patient! The more involved and diligent you are, the quicker and more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive, or early treatment, can also help provide a quicker treatment time later on in life.
Before beginning your orthodontic care, Dr. Bankhead will discuss all your options and provide an estimate for 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, they straighten your teeth by using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding 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 the use of elastics, which means fewer appointments and less friction on the tooth. Self-ligating braces come with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets.
They are the same size as metal braces, but they use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure placed 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, they are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they require more attention to oral hygiene, because ceramic braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth rather than on lower teeth.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, this helps to make brushing and flossing less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Today’s orthodontic appliances are designed to be comfortable and discreet, and fit the needs of your unique lifestyle. Invisible aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional orthodontic appliances like metal braces and headgear. They give patients the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted without ever having to wear braces.
Our office is pleased to offer our patients a “clear” alternative to metal braces with Simpli5 invisible aligners.
What are Simpli5 Aligners?
Simpli5 is a revolutionary new system of aligners designed to correct minor imperfections in about five to six months. Each set of aligners is customized to fit your mouth and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Simpli5 aligners are designed to correct minor crowding or spacing and realign teeth that have already received orthodontic treatment.
What are the benefits of using Simpli5?
Simpli5 offers many great benefits, including:
- Quicker treatment times — With Simpli5, you can begin your treatment just three to four weeks after our office has taken impressions, and most cases are completed within just five months.
- Comfort — The Simpli5 plastic aligners are custom made to fit your mouth. The aligners are made of a unique plastic material that is smooth and invisible! The aligners fit so well that your family and friends may never even know you’re wearing braces.
- Convenience — Each aligner is worn for only three to four weeks over the course of five to six months. After your treatment is complete, you’re left with a beautiful, straight smile in less time than with traditional orthodontic appliances.
Is Simpli5 the right treatment for me?
If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment with Simpli5 aligners, please contact our practice. We can answer any questions you might have and provide a comprehensive consultation to determine if Simpli5 is the best treatment for your smile.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth; the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors/actresses, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss any and all of these options! We look forward to hearing from you!