If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment to improve your smile, there’s never been a better time! Here at Champlain Orthodontics, we offer different types of braces that allow you to choose exactly how you want to straighten your smile. Thanks to modern technology, today’s braces are more lightweight, comfortable, and effective than ever and can be used to treat a wide range of oral issues, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbites
- underbites
- crossbites
- impacted teeth
- and more!
If you’re in Williston or St. Albans, you will receive a customized treatment plan and thorough examination with Dr. Ryan or Dr. Eaton when you schedule your free initial consultation. To learn more about those options, let’s take a look at the different kinds of braces we have available, how they differ from each other, and how they can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile!
A note about braces
Traditional braces have been around for a long time and have a proven track record of lasting results. They’re exceptionally good at fixing complex tooth issues in particular and can also work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This has the potential to shorten your overall treatment time. It’s important to remember, however, that every case is different, so treatment time will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, the average patient tends to wear braces for about 18-36 months.
Although the maintenance involved with traditional braces can come with a bit of a learning curve, in the beginning, it gets easier with time and a little patience! A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, and this is especially true if you’re a braces patient. There are several accessories 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. We recommend that all of our patients brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and floss every night before bed to keep the teeth and gums healthy and clean.
Sticky and crunchy foods will need to be avoided while wearing braces to protect the brackets and wires from damage. Food restrictions can be frustrating, but remember they’ll be more than worth it once we remove your braces and you see your beautiful new smile for the first time!
Patients in braces can expect follow-up appointments in our Williston or St. Albans offices every 4-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these visits, our doctors will check to make sure everything is proceeding according to plan. They will change the bands that are attached to the brackets and may replace the wire as well. We try to keep these check-ups short, so you can get back to school or work quickly!
These visits are an essential part of your treatment plan. To ensure you get the best results in the least amount of time, we encourage you not to miss any of them if you can help it. If you do need to cancel or reschedule, let us know as soon as possible so we can keep your treatment on track.
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics here at Champlain Orthodontics and the most common type of treatment. Made up of a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, the brackets are very durable and long-lasting.
Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to 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.
Clear braces
Sometimes referred to as ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces, or esthetic braces, clear 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 brackets are often slightly more costly than metal brackets, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breakage, we believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. That said, ceramic braces can be an excellent option for many patients. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!
Find the best braces for your smile at Champlain Orthodontics
Every smile is unique, and what works for one patient may not be successful for another. At Champlain Orthodontics, we’re proud to create customized treatment plans for every patient. Our experienced doctors will only recommend the treatment they feel will work best for your specific needs.
If you’re in Williston, St. Albans, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to tell you more about how braces treatment can help you achieve a confident smile! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Ryan or Dr. Eaton and take the first step towards your best smile!