What Are Orthodontic Braces and Aligners?
Orthodontic braces and clear aligners are two effective options for straightening teeth and improving your smile.
Orthodontic Braces: Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are bonded to the teeth. These appliances gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions through gentle pressure. Braces are highly effective for correcting various dental issues, including overcrowding, gaps, and bite misalignments.
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a modern alternative to traditional braces. These custom-made, transparent trays are designed to fit snugly over your teeth and gradually move them into place. Clear aligners are discreet, removable, and offer a comfortable way to achieve your desired smile.
Indications for Orthodontic Treatment
Both braces and clear aligners are suitable for a range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked Teeth: Both options can effectively straighten misaligned teeth, improving aesthetics and function.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Both braces and clear aligners can close spaces, creating a more uniform smile.
- Overbite and Underbite: They can correct bite issues, ensuring proper alignment of the jaw for better oral function.
- Crowded Teeth:Both treatments can create space by shifting teeth into more favorable positions.
The Process of Getting Orthodontic Braces or Clear Aligners
The journey to a beautifully aligned smile typically involves the following steps:
Consultation
Your orthodontic journey begins with a thorough consultation, during which Dr. Yang will evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals. She will recommend the best treatment option for your needs.
Treatment Planning
For both styles of treatment, a full set of radiographs, x-rays, will be captured along with a digital 3D impression of your existing teeth and bite. A detailed treatment plan will be created, including the type of orthodontics to be used and the expected duration of treatment.
Braces
Brackets are bonded to your teeth, and wires are attached to them. Elastic bands may be added to help with the movement of teeth towards the middle and end of treatment.
Clear Aligners
You will receive your first set of aligners, along with instructions on how to wear them (typically 20-22 hours a day) and when to switch to the next set.
Regular Check-Ups
For braces, you’ll return to the office every 4-8 weeks for adjustments. For clear aligners, you'll have periodic check-ups to monitor progress and receive new aligners.
Completion of Treatment
Once your teeth have moved into their desired positions, braces will be removed, or you will finish your last set of aligners.
Retainers
To maintain your beautiful new smile, you’ll be provided with retainers, which help keep your teeth in their new positions.
Get a Perfect Smile with Braces or Aligners
Clear Aligners (Invisible Aligners)
Clear aligners are used to fix minor to mild crowding or spacing of teeth. It is a series of clear trays that you wear for about 20 hours a day to move your teeth in the direction it needs to go to give you the ideal smile, without sacrificing comfort.
Braces
We use braces to straighten your smile, especially where there is a lot of crowding or spacing between your teeth. Braces can speed up the process of moving your teeth as well.
Early Childhood Intervention
Some children show early signs of jaw issues, such as an overbite, underbite, or having a narrow top jaw. When there are potential problems present, we can use appliances to help grow a child's jaw, which ultimately helps them avoid the need for jaw surgery in the future.
Orthodontic Videos
Restraighten Smiles
Even though you had braces once before, if your teeth have moved they can make it hard to clean in certain areas. Fortunately, if you've had braces before, you might be a candidate for clear aligner therapy. This means you can skip fixed metal braces on your teeth and still achieve the smile you want! Tanya talks about her experience in this video.
Fix the Tooth That Sticks Out
Sara straightened her smile with clear aligners. There was a front tooth that had not grown down all the way, and she wanted it to line up with the rest of her teeth. As a result of her treatment, she now has the smile she has always wanted.
Resolve Teeth Crowding
Teeth can move back to where they used to be before a person has braces. That's what happened to Jonathan. He quickly decided to intervene and recorrect his smile before it could become more crowded. Watch his experience!
Boost Confidence
Faith never had braces before and wanted to straighten her lower teeth which were crowded. Dr. Yang designed a clear aligner plan for Faith. The result is a beautiful, balanced smile. Watch the video to learn more about Faith's experience.
Empowering Smiles, Elevating Confidence
Ready to Completely Transform Your Smile?
If you’re ready to embrace a straighter, healthier smile with orthodontic braces or clear aligners, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way! Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and take the first step toward the smile you've always dreamed of. Don’t wait—contact us now and start your journey to confidence!