Braces Specialist

What are traditional metal braces?

Traditional metal braces are the option most people are familiar with. That said, today’s braces are dramatically improved as compared to the metal brackets from decades past. 

Not long ago, metal braces used larger squared brackets secured to the front of each tooth and connected by wires. Today’s metal brackets are smaller, flatter, and more comfortable to your soft tissues. You can even choose fun shapes from Wild Smiles BracesⓇ to personalize your braces.

Create your Wildsmiles here

While some current options still use treatment wires secured by colorful elastics, there are also alternatives. Some systems have brackets that lock down individually, with no need for any form of elastics. Called self-ligating braces, these systems can help you complete treatment more swiftly.

What are some braces options that are less obvious than metal braces?

LightForceⓇ is the first 3D printed braces system, and it offers a number of benefits. The brackets are made from clear ceramic material, blending in with your natural tooth tissue. Treatment wires can be made of metal or a clear material. 

The LightForce system uses an intraoral scanner to collect data on the exact size, shape, and alignment of your teeth. That information guides the production of highly customized brackets designed to suit your specific treatment needs. This level of customization means fewer office visits and a reduced treatment timeline.

BRIUS™ offers an alignment system that uses Independent Movers™ as an alternative to brackets or tray aligners like InvisalignⓇ. The devices are cemented to the back sides of each tooth to create a virtually invisible alignment solution.

These customized movers are designed with all of the movements needed to align the teeth into their final positions. Because BRIUS works without treatment wires, you can enhance your smile with less soreness than traditional metal braces.

How long will my braces treatment plan last?

This is a simple question with a complex answer. During your initial visit, you’ll get an estimated treatment timeline that should give you a good idea of how long you’ll be in treatment. 

That said, your compliance with treatment guidelines is a critical part of the process. Your braces will need to be adjusted throughout the process, and scheduling routine visits is an essential part of improving alignment. If you miss too many visits or break too many brackets, you can easily find yourself in treatment long after your estimated end point.

If you have additional questions or concerns about braces and how to choose the right system for your needs, call Lovely Smiles Orthodontics today to set up a consultation with Dr. Thompson. Online booking is also an option and takes just moments to complete.