Orthodontics help patients create beautiful smiles with straight teeth and aligned bites. Braces are the most popular tool for creating these beautiful smiles. In the past, orthodontic patients only had a single option when it came to braces- metal braces.
Metal braces can be right for some patients; however, newer options like Invisalign treatment can come with more comfort and less visibility. At Swan Orthodontics, we offer a variety of options to our patients depending on their treatment goals.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces are made from stainless steel brackets that are attached together with a wire. These braces use tiny elastic bands, known as o-ties, which attach archwires to the brackets. These elastic ties can be clear, or wearers may choose a color.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic brackets are very similar to metal braces, but they are made of a clear ceramic material. They use the same wires and o-ties as metal braces and move the teeth the same way.
Damon Braces
Damon braces can straighten teeth with fewer visits because they are self-ligating or self-adjusting. Although they are self-ligating, you will still need some visits for adjustments to thicker wires. These brackets also have doors on the front of them, so that you do not need elastic o-ties to hold the wire in place.
Invisalign
Among the most well-known clear aligners is the Invisalign system. It relies on clear aligners that look similar to clear retainers. Each aligner is made specifically for you and will be switched weekly after your teeth have adjusted to each new aligner. Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning. Patients often like aligners because they do not have any food restrictions while wearing them. Invisalign is available for children starting at age 7, many teens and adults are also treated with them.
Other Appliances
We also offer many appliances that can be used in conjunction with braces or Invisalign to correct different bite discrepancies such as expanders, forsus, carriere, herbst, holding arches, bite planes, and thumb cribs.
Schedule a Consultation
When you come into Swan Orthodontics, we will discuss all of the options with you and recommend the best option for your individual needs. To get started on your journey to perfect teeth contact our office today for an appointment.