Braces/Invisalign

Braces/Invisalign are devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help to position them with regard to a person's bite, while also working to improve dental health. Braces are often used to correct under bites, as well as malocclusions, overbites, cross bites, open bites, deep bites, crooked teeth, and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. Various things can cause teeth to become crowded or misaligned, including thumb-sucking or a traumatic injury. Some conditions are inherited. Braces can be either cosmetic or structural. Dental braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and to otherwise assist in shaping the teeth and jaws. At our office we provide the following orthodontic options:

• Traditional metal brackets: Traditional metal wired braces are stainless steel and are sometimes used in combination with titanium. Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces. A metal bracket is place on each individual tooth, a wire is then place in the brackets and secured with elastic ties.
  
  
  
• Clear brackets: braces serve as a cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces by blending in more with the natural color of the teeth or having a less conspicuous or hidden appearance. Typically, these brackets are made of plastic materials and function in a similar manner to traditional metal brackets. Clear braces have a higher component of friction and tend to be more brittle than metal braces. This can make removing the appliances at the end of treatment more difficult and time consuming.
  
  
  
• Invisalign: is an orthodontic appliance that consists of a series of custom-made clear trays for each patient by Align Technology Inc. The Invisalign system moves the teeth into their desirable position in the same way that conventional braces move the teeth during orthodontic treatment, but without the use of bands, brackets, and elastics.