Braces have undergone many technological changes over the years. In the past, they were known for having an awkward, bulky, and painful design. Nowadays, braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever. With these advancements come more treatment options to choose from, and each comes with plenty of orthodontics benefits. At Dr. Jared Lee’s offices, patients can enjoy all the perks that orthodontic technology has to offer. Let’s go over the types of braces our practice offers.
There are many benefits to getting braces, no matter what type of treatment you choose. Dr. Jared Lee’s cutting-edge technology can effectively treat many dental issues, including:
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Every patient is different, so Dr. Lee creates a customized treatment plan for everyone who visits our office. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment, our practice has a wide range of affordable options available for patients of all ages, including braces. Let’s take a look at what these treatment options are, how they work, and how we can use them to give you the results you want.
Types of braces
Traditional Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely recognized type of orthodontic treatment. 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, so they are often a more affordable option.
Clear braces
Also known as “ceramic braces,” clear braces function 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 popular amongst adults and older teen patients because of their 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, Dr. Lee may only suggest them if you have more complex oral issues. With the right attention and care, they can be just as effective and comfortable as metal braces!
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are made up of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. They are worn twenty to twenty-two hours per day throughout your treatment process and replaced every one to two weeks for the next aligner in the system, as directed by Dr. Lee. Similar to clear braces, this is a popular option for older 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 choose, you’ll have to make a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine to accommodate your smile’s new treatment. 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 assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed.
One other thing to consider is changes to your diet. Sticky and crunchy foods can damage your brackets and wires, so it’s wise to avoid these kinds of foods during your treatment. Keep in mind that these restrictions are temporary! Any minor frustrations you experience will be more than worth it once your braces come off and you see your newly improved smile.
During your treatment, you should plan to come in for follow-up visits every four to eight weeks. At these appointments, Dr. Lee will change the bands that are attached to the brackets and may replace the wire as well. These check-ups are typically brief, so you won’t have to take 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 be sure to stop by our office!
Get the best with braces from Dr. Jared Lee
From the moment you walk into our Oxnard and Santa Paula offices, you’ll receive the right service for you. Our flexible payments are created to work for your budget, and our modern technology is used to offer you the most cutting-edge care.
If you’re ready to start your smile journey, there’s no better time than now! Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Lee today!