It’s a good time to get braces! Orthodontic technology has come along in leaps and bounds in recent years, and Elm Tree Orthodontics is proud to offer our patients a wide variety of unique treatment options to our Hamden patients, including different types of braces. We have an expert team that can successfully treat a range of orthodontic issues in patients of all ages, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between the teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbites
- underbites
- crossbite
- impacted teeth
We do this using several treatment methods, including traditional braces. Braces are the most common and easily recognizable type of orthodontic treatment at Elm Tree Orthodontics. Thankfully modern braces have come a long way and are far from the bulky contraptions they once were. Modern braces are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and more efficient than ever! This transformation has resulted in a better orthodontic experience for you and your orthodontist.
If you’ve been considering braces to improve your oral health and achieve a healthier smile, you may be wondering what options are available. When you schedule a free consultation with Dr. Desai, he can determine which treatment option would be the best fit for you and your unique smile. Let’s look at what types of braces are available, how they differ, and how this treatment can give you a beautiful smile you’ll want to share with the world!
What are traditional braces?
Traditional braces are made up of metal or clear brackets attached to the teeth and then tied together by wires, tiny rubber bands, or elastics. Braces are beneficial for correcting complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments. This can shorten your treatment time, although the exact treatment time will vary. In general, however, the average treatment time for braces tends to be anywhere from 18-36 months.
While the maintenance involved with traditional braces can take some getting used to in the early days, it gets easier with time and practice. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, and it’s even more important for patients in braces since food and bacteria can get stuck in between the wires and teeth.
Types of braces
Metal braces
Metal braces at Elm Tree Orthodontics are made of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, making them very durable and long-lasting. Modern braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, with smaller brackets and colorful, customizable bands. They have a history of delivering excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Metal braces don’t need some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, so they also tend to be a slightly more affordable option. Braces are strong, durable, and cost-effective, making them the top treatment in Hamden orthodontics, year in and year out.
InBrace hidden braces
InBrace hidden braces are a truly invisible option to straighten your smile. The InBrace smartwire system is completely customized for your smile to give you the best results in the quickest time possible. The hidden braces are placed on the backs of your teeth so no one will see them or even know they’re there.
InBrace is an automated system, so it’s like putting your treatment on autopilot. There are no uncomfortable tightening appointments, and maintaining your oral hygiene routine will be a breeze.
Clear aligners
Aligner systems like Invisalign and Spark use a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. Like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. To accomplish this, you’ll wear them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment and replace them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system, as directed by Dr. Desai.
Clear aligners give you more freedom and flexibility than regular braces since there are no food restrictions. Just remove your aligners when eating or drinking and continue about your day. Keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy is also easier since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You remove the aligners, then brush and floss as you usually would!
Caring for braces
No matter what braces you choose, you’ll have to make a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. If you struggle with brushing and flossing effectively while wearing braces, there are several tools designed to make it easier. Waterpiks help rinse any hard-to-reach areas, and ortho picks can assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice daily for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Sticky and crunchy foods can damage the brackets and wires, so Elm Tree Orthodontics patients wearing braces must avoid these foods during treatment. While it can take some getting used to, it won’t last forever! Any minor frustrations will be more than worth it once your braces come off and you get a look at your beautiful new smile.
While in braces, you can expect follow-up visits in our office every 4-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Desai will change the bands attached to the brackets and may also replace the wire. These check-ups tend to be fairly brief, so you can get back to school or work quickly! There can sometimes be a bit of residual soreness following these adjustments, but it should only be temporary.
These visits are an essential part of the overall treatment plan. To help us ensure the very best results in the least amount of time, you should always try your best not to miss them!
Find the braces that work for you at Elm Tree Orthodontics
Find the braces that work for you at Elm Tree OrthodonticsHere at Elm Tree Orthodontics, we know that every smile is unique. What works for one patient may not be a good choice for another, and that’s why Dr. Desai creates a customized treatment plan for every patient he sees. He will consider your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals when recommending the course of treatment that would work best for your smile.
If you’re in Hamden or the surrounding communities, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a beautiful, healthy smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Desai!