Traditional Braces are one of the most common ways of aligning your teeth. Traditional braces consists of brackets, wires, and o-ties. You will be coming in about every five weeks for adjustments. At these adjustments we will be changing your o-ties (your colors) and checking the ailgnemnt of your teeth. When checking your alignment we may change your wires or complete other procedures for optimal aligment.

Cermaic Braces are very similar to traditonal metal braces. The main difference is the usage of cermaic brackets and white coated wires. Because these ceramic braces are white, they are less noticable than metal braces. At our office because ceramic bracekts are more prone to breakage we only bond the ceramic on the upper teeth, we bond regualr metal braces on the lower. These braces are perfect for indivdiauls who want to have less notciable braces but don’t think they are able to be compliant with aligners.

Aligners & Invisalign are the least noticeable between the two other treatment options. They consist of plastic trays and attachments. Attachments are small clear buttons bonded to your teeth that allow your plastic trays to click in better. With aligners & Invisalign it is crucial that you wear the trays day and night, only taking them out when you are eating and brushing your teeth. Unlike braces, aligners are removable. If you don not have the trays in for 22/23 hours a day you will not see the alignment you want and treatment will be prolonged. If you think you are able to be consistent with the trays aligners & invisalign are for you!

Not all patients need an expander. There are many reasons as to why a patient may need an expander. Typically placed only on aged 9-13 for 6-7 months, an expander creates space at the roof of the mouth. We typically recommend an expander for patients who: have impacted canines, have crowding on the upper teeth, or who have a posterior cross-bite (the bottom teeth are wider than the top). If you believe your child may have any of these issues call and schedule a consultation with us!

Headgear’s are usually placed to create more space by pulling the molar teeth back. Usually given at the ages 9-13. We typically make a headgear for patients that did not get enough expansion with an expander. More likely than not you would have an expander first then a headgear.

Limited treatment is an option we give patients if they want to have their child begin aligning as soon as possible. We typically will recommend limited treatment after an expander/headgear treatment, if they are young there is a wait period between expander/headgear to full comprehensive braces/aligners. Limited treatment is a head start to making their teeth straight usually only aligning the front teeth.