Are you thinking about starting your braces journey? You’ve landed at the right place on the right blog! At Serrano Orthodontics, our team is dedicated to helping new patients begin their smile journey and involving them in each step of the process. Today, our team is here to share the basics of braces, the different parts of the appliance and their functions, how braces work, and more.
What Are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic device placed directly on the teeth to correct and align the teeth and jaw. They provide functional and aesthetic benefits, improving oral health and alignment, and enhancing your smile’s appearance. Many children and teens receive braces to address dental issues that are best handled at a young age, but patients of all ages can seek out treatment at any time in their adult lives with results that are just as effective.
Issues Treated
Orthodontic appliances have proven incredibly effective in fixing various complex dental issues, including bite complications, malocclusion, crowded teeth, and gapped teeth, just to name a few. The earlier these orthodontic problems are diagnosed, the better, allowing Dr. Paul Serrano and Dr. Andrew Serrano the chance to intervene before they become more severe.
The Parts of Braces
Braces are comprised of many different parts to align your teeth efficiently. Let’s cover the pieces that braces consist of and some of the equipment our office uses to help provide high-quality care!
Archwire
The archwire, the piece of wire that connects all your braces brackets, does much of the work that slowly shifts your teeth into the correct position. Over time, it is adjusted to become sturdier and place more pressure on the teeth.
LightForce Cloud Brackets
Combining modern technology with aesthetic interest, we offer LightForce cloud brackets. They work to anchor components such as the archwire. These white ceramic brackets are each custom-made using the latest 3D printing technology.
They are made with polycrystalline ceramic material and are crafted to fit your unique smile so that your teeth move as efficiently as possible and necessitate fewer office visits. Smaller than ever, you can count on our cloud brackets to provide a comfortable experience while working on your straight smile.
Rubber Bands
As efficient as brackets are, sometimes they need an extra push to move specific teeth in the right direction. Rubber bands are placed on the bracket’s upper and lower hook and apply additional pressure. They come in various sizes and strengths so as not to push a tooth farther than it needs to go.
Retainers
Retainers, the most important part of your post-treatment care, are given to all our patients at the end of treatment to ensure your teeth maintain their new alignment. Depending on what Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrew see as the best fit, they are available in fixed and removable forms.
Imaging Tools
iTero Element Scanner: Now a standard tool in our office, this advanced system uses lasers to scan each of your teeth and gums, providing Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrew with a detailed 3-D model to create a better treatment plan to fit your needs.
X-rays: Providing an advanced look at your teeth, x-rays allow our team to find impacted teeth, determine where tooth roots are established, and track your alignment progress, all of which help us give you the best care toward your needs.
Types of Braces Available
Serrano Orthodontics offers custom-fit braces. While to the eyes, they simply straighten teeth out, braces possess many benefits, including drastically improving oral and general health, providing a better sleeping experience, and assisting in speech patterns.
LightForce Customized Braces
Offering the latest technology, LightForce customized braces are a state-of-the-art braces option that provides an effortless experience for our patients. Made of ceramic, these white brackets allow for a transparent look and provide the efficient results you are after. It is a discreet appliance that you don’t have to worry about being too noticeable.
LightForce reduces the number of office visits and even your treatment time. Thanks to our detailed models, we can see how your teeth will move before you even wear the appliance. LightForce’s stain-resistant technology allows you to continue drinking your morning coffee or tea without worries!
We typically recommend them for adults and older teens interested in starting their braces journey. Come in for a free consultation with Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrew to see if they are right for you.
Traditional Braces
We additionally offer the trusted traditional choice of metal braces, which are likely what you envision when you hear the word “braces.” They are known for their reliability and effective results in even the most complex cases. Offering the latest braces technology, they are more comfortable and smaller than ever, providing an effortless experience for all our patients.
The average treatment time for traditional braces ranges between 18 to 22 months, depending on the severity of the case. However, you will be able to your smile improve in no time!
How Do They Realign Your Teeth
Once Dr. Paul or Dr. Andrew have determined the best treatment plan for you, they will work out the placement of the braces that will most effectively move your teeth in the right direction. Braces work by placing continuous slight pressure on your teeth controlled by the brackets placed on them and the archwire threaded through.
During the span of treatment, slight adjustments are made by our orthodontists to ensure the correct amount of pressure is being placed. Over time, it slowly restructures the position of your teeth and jaw bones. By the end of treatment, you can expect a straighter smile and simpler oral care, resulting in improved general health and a boost in confidence!
Take The First Step Toward Braces Today!
Taking the first step towards braces can be intimidating. Our team’s top priority is ensuring your treatment is as comfortable as possible and that you successfully reach your dental goals. Serrano Orthodontics strives to make patients feel welcome from day one. Contact our Phoenix or Chandler office today to schedule your free consultation and begin your journey toward a straighter smile!