Technology has come quite a long way just in recent decades. Everything from cars and computers to the basics like toothbrushes and toilet paper has evolved into the latest and greatest, making your options practically endless. Those advancements have not skipped over the beautiful world of orthodontics, making now a better time than ever to look into getting the sparkling straight smile of your dreams.
Our goal at Mack Orthodontics is not just to give you that smile but also the best possible care through state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques. We offer aesthetic options like ceramic braces and Invisalign. We also use mini implants and diode lasers for faster and more efficient tooth movement and faster treatment times. Let’s explore the different types of braces in orthodontic treatment to help you decide which may be best for you.
Traditional Braces
When you first think of braces, many images of bulky metal brackets and wires spring to mind, but technology has also helped here. With upgrades to design, shape, size, and even color, metal braces have become much smaller while also becoming more effective.
Traditional braces are known for being the quickest and most effective way to treat complex tooth issues and make adjustments in your teeth. This amount of time you will need to wear braces will depend on the severity of your tooth and jaw adjustments required, but this method can typically significantly reduce the time it takes to get those effective results.
It is important to note that maintenance and cleaning can get a little complicated with traditional braces, but it does get easier over time. With handheld flossing sticks and Waterpiks, getting debris from between your teeth and around brackets gets much more manageable. Avoiding chewy, sticky, or crunchy foods can also help make cleaning less tricky and ensure you do not risk breaking any of your brackets or wires.
You can expect to have a quick follow-up with Dr. Mack or Dr. Jackson about every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and replace any broken wires or worn-out rubber bands. These appointments are crucial to the timeline of your treatment plan, so let us know if something comes up, and our expert team will get you rescheduled for a time that better fits your busy lifestyle.
If you are leaning towards traditional braces, you will have two options: metal or ceramic.
Metal Braces
This is the most common treatment option, and since they are made of a mix of high-quality metals, they are very durable. Thanks to advanced technology, modern metal braces are much smaller and lighter, making them easier to wear without worry. The rubber bands also come in many colors, making this option a personalizable choice that will deliver exceptional results even in severe treatment plans.
Being the oldest option gives metal braces the benefit of often being the most affordable option, making it the most common choice in orthodontic treatment year over year.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces, sometimes called clear or esthetic braces, are made of transparent or tooth-colored material and work in the same way traditional metal braces do with brackets and wires but are more discreet and more fragile. While the brackets are about the same size, the color, or lack of, allows the appliance to blend into the teeth better. This can also make them more prone to staining depending on the foods you eat and your cleaning habits.
This treatment option can sometimes be more costly than standard metal braces, and repairs to the ceramic appliances can add up, so make sure you consider your current lifestyle before deciding this is the right option for you.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces have the same components as conventional braces, but they’re fixed to the back of your teeth, on the tongue – or lingual – side of the teeth. This is the most specialized and least common orthodontic system on the market because they require a different set of orthodontic skills that most orthodontists do not take the time to learn. This option provides complete invisibility, full customization to your specific teeth, as well as better efficiency and versatility in select patients.
Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners, like Invisalign, have become a widely popular option for orthodontic therapy in recent years and consist of a series of removal aligners that fit snug but comfortably over your teeth. They make minor adjustments over time, and you typically change to a new retainer about every one to two weeks for the duration of your treatment.
There are many perks to Invisalign, like not seeing bulky brackets and wires and being able to remove them to eat and brush your teeth. You can also eat practically anything you like. While Invisalign clear aligners can be used to treat many oral issues like crowding, gaps, and specific bite issues, some cases may be too severe for clear aligners to address. Our talented and experienced team can help you decide if this is the best route to your perfect smile.
Self-Ligating Braces
Another less common option for braces not currently offered at Mack Orthodontics is Self-ligating braces. Self-ligating braces are very similar to traditional metal braces and are available in metal or clear/ceramic material. The difference between self-ligating braces and traditional braces is that self-ligating braces use clips to hold the wire in place rather than elastic rubber ties. This difference makes for shorter adjustment visits.
Your Smile, Your Way with Mack Orthodontics
You are unique, and so is your smile! Your orthodontic treatment should be unique, as well. Mack Orthodontics takes pride in finding the best way to treat your individual needs. Trust your smile to a team with a long history of treating children and adults in Hillsborough and Burlington, NC!
The Mack Orthodontic team is knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to guide you through the teeth straightening process. With expertise in braces and Invisalign, we can meet and exceed your every need. Get in touch today for your FREE consultation to take the first step! We look forward to joining you on your journey to a new, more beautiful smile!