Orthodontic treatment has gone through some major transformations in recent years, giving patients more choices than ever before when it comes to achieving a healthy, confident smile. Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques, Rhoads Orthodontics is able to successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbite
- underbite
- crossbite
- impacted teeth
- and more!
We do this using a variety of treatment methods, including different types of braces. Metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and have seen many changes to their design, shape, size, and even color! The days of bulky brackets that stand out are long gone—today’s braces are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and more efficient at moving the teeth.
If you’ve been considering braces treatment to improve your oral health and achieve a straighter smile, you may be wondering what options are available. Your initial appointment with Dr. Stephanie Rhoads and the expert team at Rhoads Orthodontics will include a thorough orthodontic examination that will help determine which treatment option is right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at the types of braces available, how they differ, and how we can use them to give you a beautiful smile you love!
A note about traditional braces
Braces work exceptionally well at fixing complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This has the potential to shorten your overall treatment time! Because every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, the average tends to be anywhere from 14-24 months. Signs of improvement can often be seen in just a short period of time, which can be very encouraging!
The maintenance involved with traditional braces can come with a slight learning curve in the beginning, but it gets easier with time. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment. There are many tools available that have been designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as water piks to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to assist with flossing.
During the course of your treatment, you’ll need to avoid any foods that are sticky, chewy, or crunchy to protect your braces since they can cause major damage. This can be frustrating at times, but remember that it won’t last forever and it will all be worth it when your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!
As a patient in traditional braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us every eight weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Rhoads will check the progress of your teeth, change any bands or wires that may be worn out. These check-ups tend to be pretty quick and while you may experience some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, it should only be temporary. These visits are a very important part of your overall treatment plan and will help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so try your best not to miss them.
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics, and also the most common type of treatment. Thanks to a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, the brackets are incredibly durable and long-lasting.
Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be and they’re also customizable, with a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, metal braces also tend to be a slightly more affordable option. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year.
Ceramic braces
Also known as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or esthetic braces, ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more subtle straightening option.
Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made.
Ceramic braces are often slightly more expensive than metal braces, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breakage, we typically recommend ceramic braces for our adult and older teen patients. That said, ceramic braces can be an excellent option for many individuals. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable aligners that are customized to fit comfortably over the teeth. Like traditional braces, the aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day as recommended by Dr. Rhoads throughout the course of treatment and replacing them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.
Invisalign offers patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces do. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you normally would!
Braces to work with every smile at Rhoads Orthodontics
No two smiles are created equally, and what will work for one patient may not be a good fit for another. That’s why Rhoads Orthodontics creates a personalized treatment plan for every patient! Our team has the education, skills, and experience necessary to recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your unique smile.
If you’re in Cranberry Township or the surrounding communities we would love to meet you and talk more about how braces can give you a confident smile you love! Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation.