Braces have seen many technological advancements over the years. In years past, braces were known for being bulky, awkward, and even painful. Nowadays, they’re smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever. With these advancements come more treatment options to choose from, and each comes with plenty of orthodontics benefits. At Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics, we want our patients to enjoy all that orthodontic technology has to offer. Let’s take a look at the types of braces our practice offers and what each one has to offer.
There are many reasons to get braces, regardless of what type of treatment you decide on. At Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics, our cutting-edge technology can effectively treat many dental issues, including:
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
Dr. Pedersen creates a personalized treatment plan for every patient who stops by our office. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment, our office has a variety of affordable options available for patients of all ages. Let’s go over what these treatment options are, how they work, and how we can use them to give you the results you want.
Types of braces
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. These braces are made out of stainless steel and other high-quality metals, giving them long-lasting durability. Metal braces don’t need the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, so they are often a more affordable option.
Clear braces
Also referred to as “ceramic braces,” clear braces work in a similar way to metal braces. The difference is that this option is made from tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Clear braces are roughly the same size and shape as metal braces, but they blend in with your natural smile for a more discreet treatment option. This choice is especially popular amongst adults and older teen patients due to their nearly invisible appearance.
The only disadvantage of clear braces is that they are more prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, Dr. Pedersen may only suggest them if you have more complex oral issues. With the right care and attention, they can be just as effective as metal braces!
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are made up of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. They are worn twenty to twenty-two hours per day throughout the treatment process and replaced every one to two weeks for the next aligner in the system, as directed by Dr. Pedersen. Similar to clear braces, this is a popular option for older patients because of its more subtle appearance.
This treatment option offers patients more flexibility compared to traditional braces. You can remove them during meals, so there are fewer diet restrictions, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. When it’s time to brush and floss, just take them out, rinse, and you’re ready to go!
Caring for your braces
Regardless of what type of treatment you choose, a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine will be necessary. If you struggle with brushing and flossing while wearing braces, there are tools available to make the process easier. Waterpiks help rinse any hard-to-reach areas and orthodontic picks can assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
One other thing to consider is changes to your diet. Sticky and crunchy foods can damage your brackets and wires, so it’s best to avoid these kinds of foods during your treatment. Just remember, these restrictions are temporary! Any minor frustrations you experience will be more than worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile.
During your braces treatment, you should expect to come in for follow-up visits every four to eight weeks. At these appointments, Dr. Pedersen will change the bands that are attached to the brackets and may replace the wire as well. These check-ups are usually brief, so you won’t have to miss much time away from school or work. There may be some residual soreness following these adjustments, but this should go away quickly. These visits are a very important part of your overall treatment plan. We want to help you get the extraordinary results you deserve, so remember to swing by our office!
Get a beautiful smile at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics
You’ll feel confident in your treatment plan when you visit our team at our office in York. With years of experience and training, Dr. Pedersen is an expert at customizing your treatment to fit your needs so you’ll have the smile you’re looking for in no time.
Whether your child is losing their first baby teeth, your teenager needs to fix their bite, or you’re an adult looking for a new smile, we’ve got you covered. Schedule your free consultation today!