Ahhh. Braces. They seem like a rite of passage for growing up these days. Orthodontic braces straighten and align the teeth by gently shifting them into the correct position. The treatment addresses a variety of concerns, including crowding, spacing, overjet, crossbite and underbite. While back in the day people had limited choices, technological advances have resulted in a variety of braces options, and the process is much easier and more efficient.
What Are Braces?
Here’s a fun fact for you to file away for trivia night: Similar to fingerprints, we all have a unique set of teeth. This means that the type of braces that work for one person may not work for another. Dr. Khanna can outline your options during your initial consultation. However, these are the likely possibilities:
Metal Braces:
Metal braces are the most common type, and they’ve stuck around for a reason: They’re effective. Thanks to improvements in design and comfort, patients no longer have the stereotypical unwieldy mouth full of metal. Newer versions of metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and as a bonus you get to choose your elastics colors.
Clear Braces:
Though clear braces rely on brackets and wires like traditional braces, the brackets are crafted using clear crystal making them transparent and perfect for those who want a less noticeable look. Clear braces are becoming more common as an option for teenage and adult patients.
Dentofacial Orthopedics:
This term sounds a lot more complicated than it is. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes it’s necessary to correct complex skeletal abnormalities. Different orthopedic appliances or surgical correction can guide jaw and facial growth. Techniques can either precede or be used in conjunction with braces.
WildSmiles:
WildSmiles are stainless steel braces with a low profile. They’re more comfy than aesthetic options like ceramic brackets and feature a patented pad design. The pad, or the portion that attaches to the teeth, is crafted into different shapes (there’s six awesome options) unlike the square pad of traditional metal brackets. WildSmiles braces are a fun way to show off your sparkling personality and impeccable style during your braces treatment.
