Types of Braces
Most people are familiar with the concept of braces, and thanks to technological advancements and improved techniques, we here at Senestraro Family Orthodontics specialize in a variety of braces to ensure you find the best option for your lifestyle. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Seth will be able to help you determine which appliance is right for you!
Why Braces?
We use braces to fix lots of different problems with your teeth. A lot of people who have braces need them because they have problems with their bite. Normally, your top teeth should fit easily over your lower teeth. When you bite down, your teeth should be able to touch each other. Also, your top teeth and lower teeth should match perfectly in the back of your jaw. A lot of people have bites that don’t quite fit perfectly. In some people, their lower teeth are in front of their upper teeth, which is an underbite. Others have bites where their upper teeth are too far down over the lower teeth — which is called an overbite. Some people’s bites don’t meet in the back, or their mouths don’t close the right way — which is called a crossbite.
Braces can fix other problems with their teeth besides their bite lines. Some people have teeth that are too crowded, and the teeth are in front of each other. Other people have teeth that aren’t properly spaced, so there is too much room between teeth, and not enough between other teeth. You might also have teeth that can rotate or turn in one direction. Each one of these problems can be solved with braces.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a time-tested and highly effective orthodontic appliance, composed of three primary components: brackets, an archwire, and elastic bands. The brackets, made from high-grade stainless steel, are individually bonded to the front surface of each tooth using a special dental adhesive. These brackets serve as the anchor points for the orthodontic treatment. Connected to the brackets is a thin metal archwire, which guides the movement of the teeth. The archwire is held securely in place by small elastic bands, often available in a variety of colors that patients can personalize. Throughout the course of treatment, your orthodontist will periodically adjust or tighten the archwire. This application of gentle, sustained pressure gradually shifts your teeth into their desired positions, correcting misalignments and enhancing your smile. Despite being a traditional method, metal braces have evolved over the years, becoming smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient at moving teeth.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces provide a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces. They are the same size and shape as their metallic counterparts, but they come with a significant advantage — their brackets are made from a ceramic material that can be either clear or tooth-colored. This makes them blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth, making them far less noticeable than traditional braces.
Not only do ceramic braces offer cosmetic advantages, but they are also highly effective at correcting various dental issues. Just like traditional braces, ceramic braces work by applying gentle, constant pressure on your teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. They can be used to correct the same range of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps, and various bite problems.
Ceramic braces offer a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. They allow patients to undergo orthodontic treatment without compromising their appearance, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more discreet alternative to metal braces.
Gold Braces
Gold braces offer a unique blend of style and functionality in orthodontic treatment. They are traditional braces made of stainless steel, but with a gold coating that gives them a distinctive and stylish appearance. This aesthetic appeal makes gold braces a popular choice among patients seeking a touch of elegance in their orthodontic appliances. Functionally, gold braces work in the same way as regular metal braces by effectively aligning and straightening teeth to improve bite and overall dental health. The gold coating does not compromise the strength or effectiveness of the braces, ensuring patients can achieve a beautifully aligned smile while making a fashion statement.
Braces For Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around age 7. This is typically when a child’s mouth contains a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. It is an optimal time for the detection of orthodontic problems and early intervention can often lead to simpler, more effective treatment.
Starting orthodontic visits early does not necessarily mean your child will get braces right away. It simply allows the orthodontist to monitor your child’s dental development and intervene at the most opportune time. At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we strive to make these initial visits fun and engaging to help children feel comfortable and excited about their orthodontic care.
Here are some common signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment:
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
In addition to spotting these signs, regular check-ups with your child’s orthodontist can help ensure that any potential issues are caught early and treated effectively.
Braces For Teens
Life with braces does require some adjustments, but with a little care and diligence, you can maintain your lifestyle while improving your smile. It’s crucial to keep your braces clean by brushing and flossing regularly to avoid cavities and gum disease. We also recommend using a mouthguard during sports to protect your braces and your teeth from potential injury.
Remember, the temporary inconvenience of wearing braces pales in comparison to the lifelong benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile!
While wearing braces as a teenager might seem challenging, it’s also an opportunity to take ownership of your oral health. It’s a time when you can learn good habits that will benefit your dental health for the rest of your life. And with the advances in modern orthodontics, braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than ever before.
At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we’re here to support our teen patients every step of the way. We provide education on proper oral hygiene, offer advice on dealing with common issues like discomfort or broken brackets, and celebrate each milestone towards achieving a perfect smile.
Braces For Adults
Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids and teens. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients is over 21. Whether you’re looking to correct your smile for the first time or rectify the shifting that has occurred with aging, we’re here to help.
At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we understand that adults have different needs, expectations, and concerns when it comes to orthodontics. We offer flexible scheduling, a range of payment options, and personalized treatment plans tailored to your adult lifestyle.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment as an adult include correcting crooked or crowded teeth, closing gaps, and aligning the bite. This not only improves the aesthetics of your smile but also contributes to better oral health.
Furthermore, straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. A well-aligned bite also eliminates problems caused by uneven wear or jaw stress, leading to better overall health and comfort.
So, why wait? It’s never too late to achieve the smile of your dreams. With modern advancements in orthodontics, including more discreet treatment options and shorter treatment times, it’s easier than ever for adults to undergo orthodontic treatment. At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we’re proud to help our adult patients achieve their perfect smiles.
