Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, the number of methods for moving teeth and correcting jaw discrepancies has grown significantly. This is good news for you, because it means that you may have the opportunity to choose one of many paths to a healthy, straight, and radiant smile! Depending on your teeth and jaw, you may be a candidate for Invisalign, self-ligating brackets, indirect bonding, porcelain brackets, or traditional metal braces. Dr. Jim has helped thousands of patients achieve beautiful smiles with each of these methods. Which one will be right for you?
Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen®: The Clear Alternative to Braces
The Invisalign® system uses a series of clear, comfortable and virtually invisible removable aligners to move your teeth. These aligners are fabricated according to Dr. Jim's treatment plan and a set of detailed impressions that will be taken at our office. Each aligner stage moves your teeth gradually, achieving the treatment goals without the use of traditional metal brackets. Because the aligners are removable, they make eating and oral hygiene easier than regular braces, and they can be removed special occasions. Generally, the cost of an Invisalign treatment is comparable to treatment with traditional braces.
Self-Ligating Brackets
Self-ligating brackets use traditional metal brackets to move teeth without the use of the usual colored elastic bands that can be so noticeable. This can help keep the teeth cleaner and make appointments quicker.
Indirect Bonding
Indirect Bonding is a state-of-the-art procedure that allows Dr. Jim to place brackets on the teeth with extreme accuracy while significantly reducing the amount of time you spend in the patient chair on the day you get your braces. This can eliminate the need to re-position brackets later in treatment, speeding up your treatment time and reducing the need for lengthy appointments.
Clarity® Porcelain Brackets
Clarity® Porcelain Brackets are a more discreet form of the traditional braces system. Using brackets made of porcelain reduces the amount of metal in the mouth, which helps make the braces less noticeable when you talk or smile. The design is comfortable and the material will not stain. Many of our adult patients choose this method of treatment for its aesthetic value.
Traditional Braces
Traditional Braces use metal bands, brackets, wires and elastic ties to gradually move teeth. Younger patients love choosing the colors of the elastic ties and coordinating them with holidays and special events. Patients in traditional braces typically visit us every six weeks to have their wires adjusted and their colored bands replaced. A typical treatment time lasts from 12-24 months.