It used to be that traditional metal braces were the only orthodontic option available, but advances in orthodontic technology have opened up the door to a variety of treatments that can safely and effectively straighten your teeth and fix your bite. At Quality Dental Care, Dr. Ennabi will work with you to choose an option that best suits your unique needs and preferences.
Available treatments include:
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces have greatly evolved over the years to be much more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than they once were. The basic principles are still the same, though: ties and brackets that are attached to your teeth hold in place an archwire that crosses over your teeth. The archwire applies a slight, yet constant pressure that slowly moves your teeth into their proper alignment. During treatment, you come in for periodic appointments where your Quality Dental Care dentist will adjust your wire to make sure that your teeth are continuing to move into their proper place. Treatment generally lasts between 18 and 24 months, and the results last for a lifetime if you maintain them with an oral retainer.
Clear braces
Clear braces offer an aesthetic upgrade from traditional metal braces while still retaining all of their orthodontic mechanics and benefits. Instead of the stainless steel and nickel-titanium of traditional metal braces, clear braces are made from ceramic or plastic and make use of clear elastic and white metal ties. This makes them much less noticeable in your mouth, making your treatment a bit more inconspicuous to the casual observer.
Invisalign®
The Invisalign system is a revolutionary orthodontic technique that utilizes clear plastic retainers to properly align your teeth. An impression of your bite and smile is input into 3D computer imaging software that creates a series of clear, plastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth and gradually push them into their proper alignment. You wear your retainer all day, every day (except for when you eat, brush, or floss) for two weeks at a time, and you can expect to see results with as few as 18 retainers.
