Whether you’re ready to correct your imperfect smile or are considering treatment for your child, you’ll find that orthodontic care involves a choice of treatment options. Advances in dental technology have resulted in orthodontic appliances that achieve great results with less embarrassment, discomfort, and treatment time than in the past. Orthodontic treatments exist to correct virtually any condition in patients of all ages. In the United States, more than 4 million people wear braces at any given time.
Some of the most popular orthodontic treatments include traditional metal braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, and Damon Clear® tieless braces. Deciding on an orthodontic treatment involves more than personal preference because each method has specific advantages. Variables, such as your age, jaw condition, and size of your teeth can also determine which treatment is right for you. Differences in price, treatment time, and appearance may also affect your decision.
You can achieve the results you desire by working with an experienced orthodontist. Emanuel Mizrahi, DDS, of Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates in Forest Hills, New York, specializes in a variety of orthodontic treatments, including metal braces, Invisalign, and Damon Clear. With his extensive training and expertise, Dr. Mizrahi can assess your needs and determine the method most appropriate for your condition and preferences.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces reposition your teeth by applying constant gentle pressure. The treatment uses small metal brackets cemented to your teeth. Flexible wires, periodically tightened to move your teeth and jaws, connect the brackets. Small rubber bands or elastic ties help secure the wires to the brackets.
Today’s braces use lighter and smaller brackets that are more comfortable and less noticeable than the appliances used in the past. Technological advances have resulted in treatment plans that achieve results with fewer brackets and thinner wires.
Fixed metal braces can correct most types of alignment problems. They’re typically recommended for severe teeth alignment and bite corrections. In addition, traditional braces typically represent the most durable and affordable option.
Depending on your needs, you may have the choice of ceramic braces. Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces. However, ceramic braces are harder to detect because they’re manufactured from ceramic or porcelain materials, which match the color of your teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses clear aligners. You are given a number of custom aligner sets, and every week or two, you replace one set with a slightly adjusted set. By the time you take out your last set, you have the smile you desire. Invisalign aligners can treat most problems, though they may not be appropriate for some extreme conditions.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when they’re in place, making them especially attractive to adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces. Since the aligners fit securely against your teeth, they will stay put and won’t attract attention by slipping out of place when you talk.
Most Invisalign treatment plans require you to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day. However, you can remove them when you eat or drink or if you have a special occasion. You can also take them out to brush and floss your teeth.
Damon Clear braces
Damon Clear braces are different from traditional braces in a number of ways. First, with Damon Clear, the brackets are nearly invisible, allowing you to undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly without feeling self-conscious.
Second, Damon Clear braces don’t use ties or elastic bands to hold the archwires in the brackets. Instead, the brackets hold the wires on their own and allow for the archwires to move freely as adjustments are made.
Without the need for elastic bands, Damon Clear allows your teeth to move more naturally. You can get dramatic results with less discomfort and shorter treatment times.
If you want the smile of your dreams, learn more about your treatment options by booking an appointment online or over the phone with Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates today.
