If you’ve started looking into pursuing braces treatment recently, you may be wondering what options and types of braces are available to you. When you schedule your initial consultation, Dr. Ryan or Dr. Barry will conduct an orthodontic examination that will help to determine which treatment path is the best fit for you, your smile, and your lifestyle. Thanks to today’s advances in technology, modern braces are not only smaller and more aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also able to shift your teeth more efficiently, providing a better orthodontic treatment experience!

Here at Booth Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a wide range of treatment options to patients of all ages in Homer Glen and the surrounding communities. Utilizing the latest orthodontic techniques and innovative technology, Dr. Ryan and Dr. Barry can successfully treat a number of orthodontic issues. The most common treatment, however, continues to be traditional braces. Keep reading to find out more about why braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment throughout the years!

What you should know about traditional braces

Braces are exceptionally good at fixing complex orthodontic issues, which is why they remain our most popular treatment option. Braces can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, which can lead to a shorter treatment time for you! Because every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, average treatment time can be anywhere from 18-36 months. The good news is you’ll start seeing signs of improvement after just a short time, so you can be encouraged that your new appliance is working and enjoy the excitement of your new smile. 

There can sometimes be a learning curve when it comes to taking care of your braces in the beginning. Don’t worry, though! It gets easier as you go and the team at Booth Orthodontics is always here to help! A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, particularly during orthodontic treatment. There are a variety of accessories designed to make cleaning braces easier. A waterpik is a great tool to help rinse away any substances that get caught in your braces that may be difficult to reach and ortho picks to help with flossing. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing before bed are the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

When undergoing braces treatment, you’ll need to avoid certain foods to keep your braces intact and working correctly. Anything sticky or crunchy can damage the brackets and wires, which can cause your treatment to last longer than anticipated. Just remember: this doesn’t last forever! It’ll all be worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!

While you’re in braces, you can expect to come into the office about every 4-6 weeks for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, Dr. Ryan or Dr. Barry will change the bands that are attached to the brackets, as well as replacing the wire if necessary. These check-ups tend to be fairly quick, so you can return to work or school in no time at all! You may experience some slight soreness after each adjustment, but this is typically short-lived, so it won’t hold you back from your daily routines. These check-ups are critical in the success of your treatment plan as they help us make sure your treatment is progressing as it should. We ask that you do your best to make every one!

Metal braces

These are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliances and are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. These braces consist of bands that wrap around the back molars, with smaller metal brackets cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. The archwire is made of thin, springy metal, and runs through the brackets. It’s fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. These components gently apply pressure which then moves the teeth into more optimal positions over time.

Metal braces are reliable, effective, and economical. Not only that, but braces today are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear than ever before. They can even be personalized by choosing from differently colored elastics, for patients who love to show off their personality!

Ceramic braces

Sometimes referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or esthetic braces, ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more subtle straightening option. This makes them a great option for our older patients or those who want a more discreet look. 

Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made.

Ceramic braces can often be more costly than standard metal braces. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breakage, we believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle and efficient way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. 

Invisalign clear aligner therapy

The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable aligners that are designed to fit comfortably over the teeth. Much like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is achieved by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of treatment, and replacing them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.

Invisalign offers patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces. Since aligners are removed when eating or drinking, there are no food restrictions like traditional braces. This also makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you normally would!

Find the perfect braces for your smile at Booth Orthodontics

We believe that every smile is unique. Because of that, what works for one patient may not be the best fit for another. That’s why Dr. Ryan, Dr. Barry, and the team work together to create a customized plan for every single patient. If you’re in Homer Glen or the surrounding areas, we would love to meet you and talk more about how braces can give you the healthy, straight smile you’ve always wanted. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation!