Throughout recent years, orthodontic treatment has undergone some major transformations, giving patients more options than ever before when it comes to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Here at Central Mass Orthodontic Associates, you can choose between different types of braces to treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Impacted teeth
We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and stay up to date on the latest orthodontic treatments and technology to give you the care – and smile – you deserve. Traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and have seen several changes to their design, shape, size, and even color! You don’t have to worry about clunky headgear or uncomfortable appliances—today’s braces are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and can more efficiently move the teeth. And they’re incredibly lightweight!
If you’ve been considering braces treatment to improve your oral health, you may be wondering what options you’ll have. Your initial appointment with Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos will consist of an orthodontic examination that will help them determine which treatment option is right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at the types of braces available, how they differ, and how we can use them to give you a beautiful smile you love!
A note about traditional braces
Braces are exceptionally good at fixing complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This has the potential for fewer office visits and shortening your overall treatment time. Because every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, the average tends to be anywhere from 14-24 months. Signs of improvement can often be seen in just a short period, which can be very encouraging!
The maintenance involved with traditional braces can sometimes come with a learning curve in the beginning but gets easier over time. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, particularly during orthodontic treatment. There are many accessories available that have been 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.
Caring for your braces
You’ll need to make a few adjustments to keep your braces safe and protect your smile as your teeth move to their new positions. Some foods will need to be avoided while wearing braces to protect them, including anything sticky or crunchy since these can damage the brackets and wires. This won’t last forever, though, and will all be worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!
As a patient in traditional braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us at our Worcester, Auburn, or Spencer offices every eight weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, our doctors will check the progress of your treatment, change the bands that are attached to the brackets, and replace any worn-out wires. Check-ups tend to be pretty quick, and though there may be some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, it should only be temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and will help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so try your best not to miss them.
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics and the most common type of treatment here at Central Mass Orthodontic Associates. Thanks to a combination 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! Modern metal 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 work in much the same way metal braces do. However, they have the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth. While clear 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.
Clear braces are often slightly more costly than metal braces, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breakage, Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos typically recommend them for adults and older teens. That said, clear 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!
Braces for every smile at Central Mass Orthodontic Associates
Every smile is as unique as the person it belongs to. What will work for one patient may not be a good choice for another and it’s important to know what treatment is the best for your smile. That’s why Central Mass Orthodontic Associates creates a personalized treatment plan for every patient! Our doctors have the education, skills, and experience necessary to recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your unique smile and help you achieve the lasting results you desire.
If you’re in Worcester, Auburn, Spencer, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet you and talk more about how braces can give you a confident smile you love! Get in touch today to schedule your initial consultation.