The first question many people have when they start to consider braces treatment to improve their smile is what types of braces are available. When you schedule your initial free consultation, Dr. Cserna will conduct an orthodontic examination to determine which treatment path is the best fit for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Modern technology has helped orthodontics develop brackets that are smaller and more aesthetically pleasing and able to move your teeth faster and more efficiently. This means a better orthodontic treatment experience overall!
Here at Pioneer Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a wide range of treatment options to patients of all ages in Lincoln and the surrounding communities. Dr. Cserna can successfully treat many orthodontic issues using the latest orthodontic techniques and technology. 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
When it comes to treating complex orthodontic issues, traditional braces can provide unmatched results. We are pleased to offer our patients the Damon System. These self-ligating braces allow your teeth to move more comfortably and efficiently than traditional braces. With the help of this appliance, achieving your perfect smile can be faster and easier than you ever thought possible! 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.
Some patients experience a learning curve when they first start taking care of their braces. Don’t let this keep you from seeking treatment, because it gets easier. Most people adjust within a couple of weeks. Plus, the team at Pioneer Orthodontics is always here to help! A good dental hygiene routine is always essential, but it’s especially important during orthodontic treatment. There are some 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 is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
As you probably know from watching friends and family members who have undergone orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to avoid certain foods to keep your braces intact and functional. Anything sticky or crunchy can damage the brackets and wires, causing 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!
You can expect a follow-up appointment at our office every 4-6 weeks. During these appointments, Dr. Cserna will inspect your teeth and appliances to ensure that nothing is broken or otherwise not going according to plan. These check-ups tend to be fairly quick so that you can return to work or school in no time! You may experience some slight soreness after each adjustment, but this is typically short-lived so that it won’t hold you back from your daily routines. Since the Damon brackets we use are always working, you’ll experience even less discomfort than your would with other types of braces. These check-ups are critical in your treatment plan’s success as they help us make sure your treatment is progressing as it should. We ask that you do your best to make everyone!
Metal braces
They have always been and continue to be 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 your other teeth. The archwire is made of thin, springy metal, and runs through the brackets. It’s fixed to the brackets by elastics, or with the Damon System, small doors. These components gently apply pressure, which then moves the teeth into more optimal positions over time.
Metal braces are reliable, effective, and economical. Today, braces 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
These are sometimes referred to as clear braces or tooth-colored braces, and work the same way metal braces do. But, they have the added benefit of semi-transparent 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 an excellent choice for our older patients or those who want a more discreet look.
Although ceramic braces are sturdy, 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 brackets also tend to cost slightly more 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.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system uses clear removable aligners to move your teeth into more desirable positions gradually. The trays are made just for your teeth and are designed to fit snuggly but comfortably. This is achieved by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout 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 do. Since you can remove the aligners 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 usually would!
Find the perfect braces for your smile at Pioneer 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. Cserna and the team work together to create a customized plan for every single patient. If you’re in Lincoln 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!