When most people think about visiting the orthodontist, they think traditional metal braces for teenagers is the extent of the orthodontic services provided. The reality is…today’s orthodontic options extend far beyond metal braces. At Wazio Orthodontics, we provide provides many different types of orthodontic brackets for our patients, making it easy for everyone to have the best treatment option available to fit their unique goals and needs. The treatment options at Wazio Orthodontics include but are not limited to:
Metal Braces – A wide variety of orthodontic treatment options exist for patients who want to straighten their smile, but traditional metal braces are easily the most abundant. Metal braces are made with high-grade stainless-steel. Each bracket is held together with nontoxic dental cement and a metal archwire. This wire follows the curvature of your jaw and is stabilized by a bracket that wraps around the back molar. The archwire and brackets work in tandem with rubber ligature elastic bands to gradually straighten the teeth into place.
Self-Ligating Braces - With self-ligating braces, achieving an attractive, healthy smile has never been easier or more comfortable. Their unique, patient-friendly design means that you have reduced discomfort and far fewer appointments than with older style braces. Self-Ligating brackets utilize a permanently installed, moveable component to hold the archwire in place, eliminating the need for rubber ligature elastic bands. The use of this moveable component reduces the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth. Self-Ligating brackets feature a low-profile design and smooth curves for greater comfort and improved appearance. The brackets are easier to clean and more comfortable than traditional metal brackets with reduced treatment time, fewer and faster adjustments, better oral hygiene, and the control required for optimal orthodontic results.
Clear braces – Clear braces are similar to traditional metal braces. But because they’re made with tooth-colored materials, they’re less noticeable. Clear braces consist of ceramic brackets and frosted wires to match the shade of your natural teeth. The process for clear braces is exactly the same as metal braces, except that the materials used are clear. The brackets are porcelain instead of metal and tinted to match your tooth color. Elastics are clear so that they are barely noticeable, and the archwire can be white in order to make the braces as inconspicuous as possible. The porcelain brackets can stain slightly over time. However, they are designed to be as non-porous as possible. The elastics can yellow, but we switch them out at every orthodontic visit. Clear braces aren’t as strong as metal braces and for this reason, it may take slightly longer to straighten your teeth using clear braces.
LightForce 3D Braces - LightForce 3D-printing technology enables Dr. Wazio and his team to tailor braces to your unique dental anatomy and treatment plan. The planning process for LightForce braces is entirely digital, so there are no uncomfortable impressions or plaster models to deal with. LightForce Braces are designed for each tooth with a custom prescription made for your specific orthodontic problem. LightForce braces are manufactured utilizing 3D printing for each of your tooth’s unique shape and intended movement. The brackets can be placed wherever they are needed on the teeth, giving Dr. Wazio total control over the movements they make. This makes treatment faster and more efficient than it is with traditional braces. LightForce brackets are more discreet than metal braces. They are made from 100% polycrystalline alumina that blends in beautifully with the natural color of your teeth.
Invisalign - Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently pull them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are far more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Before you receive Invisalign clear aligners, you’ll have a consultation with us to discuss your smile goals as well as what you can expect with your treatment. If Invisalign is right for you, we’ll use a 3D model of your teeth to establish a personalized treatment plan. The treatment plan determines how your teeth need to shift and how long it will take to align them correctly. The 3D model of your teeth will also allow you see how Invisalign will progressively correct your orthodontic issues.
AcceleDent - The AcceleDent System is a modern technology designed to decrease the time you are in braces or Invisalign by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The rate of tooth movement depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic force coupled with micro-vibrations, generated by the AcceleDent System, safely accelerates tooth movement. The AcceleDent System is light, comfortable, and hands-free. The AcceleDent appliance, used daily for 20 minutes, applies patented technology to gently vibrate the teeth and surrounding bone. The microvibrations increase the rate of bone remodeling and allows the teeth to move 38-50% faster. AcceleDent has a good safety profile, as indicated by university studies in humans. AcceleDent is considered safe and under normal conditions of use with a conventional fixed orthodontic appliance.
Tooth alignment issues are extremely common. The team at Wazio Orthodontics has the training and knowledge to provide the right treatment plan for you. Regardless of your age or concerns, we will evaluate your specific orthodontic issues to help you meet your smile goals.