The Different Types of Braces

Braces have seen many technological advancements over the years. They’ve gone from bulky and painful to smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than ever. With these advancements come more treatment options to choose from, and each comes with plenty of orthodontics benefits. At Central Virginia Orthodontics, we want you to enjoy all the benefits of orthodontic technology. Let’s go over the types of braces our practice offers.

Regardless of your type of treatment, there are many reasons to seek braces treatment. At Central Virginia Orthodontics, our cutting-edge technology and well-trained team can successfully treat many dental issues, including:

• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crowded teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Our team knows that every patient is unique, so we create a customized treatment plan for everyone who visits our office. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment, our practice has a range of affordable options available for patients of all ages, including braces. 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 widely recognized type of orthodontic appliance. 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. This makes them a more affordable option. 

Clear Braces

Also called “ceramic braces,” clear braces work in much the same way metal braces do. 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. However, 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 slightly more prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, our team may only suggest them if you have more complex oral issues. They can be just as effective as metal braces with the proper care and attention!

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are made 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 one of our orthodontists. Similar to clear braces, this is a popular option for teen and adult patients because of its more discreet appearance.

Invisalign 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

No matter what type of treatment you decide on, you’ll have to make a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. 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 help 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.

Another 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 plan to come in for follow-up visits every four to eight weeks. At these appointments, Dr. Baugher and Dr. Claiborne will change the bands that are attached to the brackets and may replace the wire as well. These check-ups are brief, and we respect your schedule, 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 visit our office!

Get the best braces with Central Virginia Orthodontics

At Central Virginia Orthodontics, we want you to start your braces treatment on the right foot. Our expert team and welcoming office are here to provide a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. Get in touch to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Baugher and Dr. Claiborne or to talk through your concerns with us! Your satisfaction is as important to us as your smile.