When you first hear your dentist say the word “braces,” images of a metal mouth and people staring probably flashed through your mind. Before you run for the hills, it is important for you to realize that getting braces doesn’t have to mean a metal mouth.
While the traditional orthodontic treatment is metal braces, with today’s advanced technology there are a lot more options available to you.
Before choosing a treatment, make sure you understand what each treatment option entails. The traditional approach is metal braces which are a combination of metal and wires that are adhered to your teeth and slowly move your teeth into better alignment. Another option is Invisalign aligners which are clear and removable braces.
Here is what you should know about current treatment options:
Metal braces
- These are permanently adhered to your teeth and can only be taken off by the orthodontist at the end of treatment
- The orthodontist tightens the wires during treatment to help shift the teeth
- There are certain food and drink restrictions with this treatment
- May have to wear them for 3 or more years depending on how your treatment goes
- Most bite and alignment issues can be treated by metal braces
Invisalign
- They are clear plastic aligners that can be easily removed
- Can be removed to eat and to brush and floss your teeth
- Treatment includes a new set of aligners every two weeks as your teeth shift into proper alignment
- Invisalign can also handle both simple and complicated alignment issues
Lingual Braces
- Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front making them practically invisible to the people around you. They are made up of brackets and wires like traditional braces, but because of their positioning they are more discrete.
- Unfortunately there are some bite conditions that cannot be treated with lingual braces. Patients with a deep overbite are not good candidates for lingual braces because the overbite might put too much pressure on the brackets leading to the brackets falling off. During an evaluation, your orthodontist will be able to determine if lingual braces will work for you.
- Another concern is that not all orthodontists offer this type of treatment. It requires special training because the wiring work is more intricate than it is with traditional treatment. Another concern is that they can be more difficult to clean properly because it is on the back of your teeth which is harder to reach
Ceramic Braces
- Just like metal braces, but instead of metal brackets, the orthodontist puts on ceramic braces that are tooth-colored.
- They are less visible than the metal braces, but you need to be careful of foods and drink staining the ceramic.
Six Month Smiles
- Six Month Smiles is an orthodontic treatment that involves clear adult braces that concentrate just on realigning the teeth that show when you smile. These braces are meant to only improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile, not correct the bite. The biggest benefit is that you won’t be tortured with a mouth full of braces and that treatment on lasts 6 months instead of the 2-3 years traditional braces usually have to be worn.
- Most adults with crooked or gapped teeth are good candidates for Six Month Smiles. The most common dental issues that can be treated with Six Month Smile are crooked front teeth, extrusions, rotations and intrusions. It also works for diastemas and spacing issues as well as overbites, open bites and crowded and overlapping teeth. However if you have serious misalignment or bite issues, regular braces or Invisalign will be better because they will actually correct those issues instead of just focusing on cosmetic appearance.
- Another great benefit of choosing Six Month Smiles is that with them it is easier to maintain proper hygiene. Because the braces are only on a few teeth, it will be easier to get in there and brush and floss making sure you get rid of all the plaque and bacteria. And because you only have to wear them for six months, there is less of a risk of developing cavities or gum inflammation which can sometimes happen with regular braces.
Interested in learning more about your options? Picking the right orthodontist is also key to ensuring your teeth are healthy. You want to choose someone who has the best skills and education to give you the best treatment results and you want a staff that is caring and compassionate about your worries and needs. Make sure you do some research and schedule a few consultations to find the right orthodontist. Don’t be afraid to get all your concerns and questions answered. This is a big investment you are making so it is important to make the right choice.
Here is why Orthodontics Limited is one of the top orthodontists in Philadelphia.
Individualized attention
Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg know what a big difference a straighter smile can make in a person’s life. Not only does it help restore self-confidence, it makes it easier to practice proper oral hygiene so you have a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. The staff at Orthodontics Limited also understand that each person’s situation is different so that is why they take the time to sit down with you and go over your options. They will create the best treatment plan for your particular needs.
A team that really cares
Maintaining your oral health is important so Orthodontics Limited will work with you to come up with an affordable plan. The staff at Orthodontics Limited is also very compassionate and friendly and will always greet you with a smile giving you comfort and peace of mind a priority during your visits to the office.
Here at Orthodontics Limited, we are dedicated to helping you get the healthy, beautiful smile you have always wanted. We have offices in Northeast Philadelphia, Center City Philadelphia and Horsham, Pennsylvania and offer flexible scheduling of appointments. Call or message us today to learn about services.
