Modern orthodontics has come a long way since headgear and goopy impressions. With advanced technology, you can get the smile of your dreams with more comfortable treatments, faster treatment times, and personalized care from Szymanowski Orthodontics. The best part is that we have a wide range of treatment options to choose from, so you’ll feel confident that your smile is in good hands. If you’re ready to learn about the different types of braces, Dr. Szymanowski and our team have you covered. Keep reading to learn more!
Who Benefits From Orthodontic Treatment?
Braces and clear aligners are excellent options for people of any age, condition, or background. At your first consultation, our doctors will assess your unique orthodontic condition and determine whether you’re a good fit for braces.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children attend their first orthodontic appointment at the age of seven, but about one in every five of our patients are adults. Anyone of any age can benefit from braces. Braces are a great way to treat conditions like:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Impacted teeth
With a wide variety of treatment methods and the skills to put them to work, our team at Szymanowski Orthodontics can correct any of the above issues so you can feel confident in your smile.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics. These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues.
In the past, metal braces may have been awkward and obvious, but modern metal braces are much smaller, more discreet, and more comfortable than ever before. Using a system of brackets and wires, our doctors straighten your teeth by adjusting the connective wire over time. These adjustments typically occur every six to eight weeks and help shift your teeth in line for the perfect smile.
Metal braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, potentially shortening treatment time. Treatment time depends on the severity of your condition but typically ranges from 12-36 months.
They’re also the most cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces make them our most popular treatment plan year after year.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are also called ceramic braces or aesthetic braces, and they work in the same way as metal braces. Designed to provide patients with a more subtle treatment option, clear braces use white brackets that blend in with your teeth for a less noticeable effect.
Most patients’ biggest concern is staining. The ceramic material doesn’t stain, but the glue beneath the bracket might, so some patients avoid certain foods. However, if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t have to worry about staining.
Many of our Sacramento patients choose clear braces over traditional metal braces because they provide the best of both worlds. Clear braces are both a durable treatment plan that works for all orthodontic conditions and a more aesthetic option. For older teens or adults, clear braces are an excellent choice to meet all your orthodontic needs.
Fortunately, at Szymanowski Orthodontics, you can get clear braces for the same price as metal braces!
Invisalign
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can be a great option if you want the least noticeable treatment. Using a series of customized clear aligner trays, Invisalign straightens your smile without the bulky brackets and wires of traditional metal or clear braces.
As our most flexible treatment option, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without changing your diet or oral hygiene routine like you would have to with metal braces. We offer Invisalign for children, teens, and adults alike.
Invisalign Teen: Made just for teens, these clear aligner trays make it easy to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively. They come with special buttons on the back of the trays that change color when your teen wears them for the appropriate amount of time. This helps Dr. Szymanowski ensure that they’re keeping up with their treatment plan.
Fixed Appliances vs. Removable Appliances
Now that you know more about the different types of braces, it is important to understand the difference between fixed and removable appliances. Fixed appliances like clear and metal braces are attached to your teeth and cannot be removed until your treatment is complete. Removable appliances like Invisalign’s clear aligner system are worn for 20-22 hours per day and can be removed easily for meals, sports, or brushing your teeth.
Aside from the obvious differences, Invisalign removable aligners are best for treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Our doctors usually recommend fixed appliances for more severe and comprehensive issues.
Start Your Smile Journey With Szymanowski Orthodontics!
With three different treatment options that work for patients of all ages, you’ll find everything you need at Szymanowski Orthodontics. Whether you choose traditional metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, you’ll see noticeable improvements in just months!
At Szymanowski Orthodontics, our team is here to make you smile. Our patients in Sacramento love visiting our office, and we love seeing our patients! If you’re ready to get started on your smile journey, follow us on Instagram and schedule your free consultation with Dr. Szymanowski today.
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Dr. Szymanowski