Orthodontic treatment helps straighten the teeth and align the jaws for improved oral health and a more beautiful smile. It also addresses bite issues, which can reduce strain on the mouth, and make it easier to floss and brush.
Traditional wire braces use metal brackets that apply steady pressure to the teeth to slowly reposition them. They are available in a variety of fun colors and clear options.
Invisalign®
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. The process is less noticeable than traditional braces and requires fewer office visits for maintenance, including tightening of wires and repairing of broken brackets.
During your initial consultation, we will scan your teeth using advanced technology to create a detailed digital map. This allows us to determine whether Invisalign is right for you.
If we decide that Invisalign is the best option for you, we will design a customized treatment plan. Then, a series of clear, comfortable BPA-free plastic aligners will be fabricated specifically for your teeth. You will wear each set of trays for a predetermined amount of time, and remove them only when eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing. Periodic check-ups will be scheduled to ensure that your progress is on track to reach your smile goal. *Individual results may vary. Average length of orthodontic treatment San Antonio TX is 3.9 months but varies depending on the complexity of the case and patient compliance.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are a discreet option to fix misalignments, especially for adults who may be self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces. They are placed on the backside of your teeth, facing your tongue, so they are nearly invisible when you smile. They are effective for treating a wide variety of malocclusions, including crowded teeth, spacing, an open bite, and an overbite.
Once the customized brackets are ready, Dr. Buddy will bond them to the backside of your teeth, where they will apply pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their correct positions. Like with other types of braces, you will need to visit our office on a regular basis so we can monitor your treatment and make necessary adjustments.
It may take a while to get used to the sensation of having braces on your back teeth. You can help reduce discomfort by practicing good oral hygiene, using a floss threader or interdental brush to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas, and rinsing with mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are clear or tooth-colored, making them less visible on your teeth than metal braces. They are a popular choice for adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. However, they may take longer to straighten your teeth than metal braces.
During treatment, your orthodontist will apply an adhesive to the front of each tooth before applying a ceramic bracket. A wire will then be threaded through the brackets, and used to help guide your teeth into better alignment. You will also need to visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and repairs.
Although modern ceramic is less prone to staining than metal, you will need to be careful about the types of food and drinks you consume. Be sure to avoid ketchup, mustard, cola, red wine, and other foods that could discolor your brackets or elastic bands. You should also brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once, and avoid crunchy or chewy foods that could damage the brackets.
Retainers
Whether it is braces or Invisalign, orthodontic treatment San Antonio TX helps shift the teeth into their new positions. The process requires steady, gentle pressure over time, which stimulates a natural bodily response called bone remodeling to move the teeth into place. Once the pressure is removed (by having the braces taken off or the aligners removed), the teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original positions.
Retainers, which are worn after treatment to retain the new position of the teeth, help reduce this movement. Retainers can be removable, such as an Essix clear retainer (made by the same company that makes Invisalign) or fixed on the inside of the teeth – known as a bonded retainer.
Both types of retainers require careful wear and hygiene to avoid food particles and plaque from collecting on them. Ask your orthodontist about specific instructions for your type of retainer. Instilling good retainer habits will help your child preserve their beautiful new smile!
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