BRACES
The traditional, time-tested and durable way straighten teeth
There has never been a better time to straighten your smile! Your Fredericksburg orthodontist is pleased to offer several options for orthodontic treatment, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, Iconix aesthetic braces and Invisalign®. Braces are time-tested, durable and straighten teeth better than ever. Traditional braces remain the most popular choice in orthodontic treatment today.
The field of orthodontics is rapidly advancing and evolving as new materials and techniques offer shorter treatment duration and unprecedented comfort. Brackets are smaller, sleeker and low profile with smooth, rounded edges to reduce irritation to the inside of the cheeks. Each bracket is uniquely engineered to place the right amount of force on each tooth throughout treatment.
Fredericksburg Orthodontics & Invisalign Center uses state-of-the-art technology to create beautiful, healthy smiles. We offer the latest in advanced techniques and types of braces to accommodate all of the needs of our patients. Modern braces treatment can successfully treat many orthodontic issues, including:
An open bite is more likely to occur in a child that has used a pacifier beyond 2 years of age. The upper and lower teeth tend to slant outwards and do not meet when closed. An open bite can be corrected with phase 1 treatment that usually includes braces on the top 4 front teeth.
Sometimes teeth can become crowded if there is not enough room in the upper arch. Permanent teeth are usually larger than primary teeth and require a bit more room. If your child is experiencing overlapping of teeth or crowding issues, we can place a palatal expansion device in the upper arch to gradually create enough room for all of the permanent teeth.
Spaces or gaps are also common and can be treated effectively with traditional braces
An overbite can develop if your child has or had a thumb-sucking or pacifier habit. The force placed on the front teeth can pull them forward, narrowing the upper arch. Fredericksburg Orthodontics & Invisalign Center can correct this during early treatment with a palatal expander. Overbites are particularly important to correct as the front teeth become more vulnerable to injury if they are not properly positioned.
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw
A crossbite is when teeth are misaligned such that upper teeth, perhaps on one side, erupt interior to the bottom teeth. This type of bite is treated successfully with traditional braces.
What to Expect When You Get Braces
Getting braces is an exciting time as you adjust to the new appliances in your mouth and watch your smile gradually take shape. At your first appointment, we will place spacers to make room for the bands that fit around your back molars. You are likely to hear a lot of new vocabulary during orthodontic treatment. As we place your new orthodontic appliances, we will explain their function and how it works. Here are some common terms you will hear and their meaning:
Temporary, small bands placed in between back upper and lower molars to make space for the bands.
Usually made of stainless steel, brackets are the small, metal squares that are bonded to the outside surface of the teeth. Brackets create a track to hold the archwire in place.
The archwires are the continuous metal wire placed along the brackets that move your teeth into their proper alignment. Archwires come in different sizes and strengths, and the orthodontist is an expert at bending the archwire for your specific orthodontic requirements. The archwires will be changed at each appointment.
Metal bands fit around the back molars like rings and anchor the archwire in place. The bands provide an attachment point for the archwire and secure it with the proper amount of pressure across all of your teeth.
By far, the most exciting part of orthodontic treatment is the multitude of colors of elastics or ties from which you can choose. The elastics are what keeps the archwire from sliding around in the brackets. You can customize your elastics with any combination of colors your heart desires.
At Fredericksburg Orthodontics & Invisalign Center, located in Fredericksburg, VA, our mission is to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults. Dr. Almy and her team look forward to discussing the different types of orthodontic treatment and what will work best for you. Schedule your complimentary consultation today at (540)898-7211.
Hygiene with Braces
Oral hygiene can play a significant role in the success of your orthodontic treatment. Maintaining the good oral hygiene habits of brushing twice a day and flossing daily are game changers when it comes to your final results. Having braces means food particles naturally have more places to hide. If food debris is not removed, it can cause an increase of plaque and tartar which ultimately leads to decay.
Flossing
Flossing is equally important during orthodontic treatment. We understand that flossing is not easy with braces; however, there are several tools you can use to help you floss. A floss threader helps guide the floss under the archwire so you can floss normally between teeth. Tools that are useful in cleaning between teeth are Interdental cleaners. Some have a small brush that can be used to clean small gaps between teeth, around the gums and the area around each bracket. Oral irrigation devices such as a water pick or water jets are proven to safely and effectively remove plaque and dilute acids in the mouth, which cause decay.
Daily brushing and flossing will help you achieve a healthy smile and give you the best possible end results.
Traditional
Also known as the silver-colored metal braces, traditional braces are the most common type of dental braces used in orthodontic treatment. With advancements in materials and design, metal brackets are durable and more comfortable than ever before. Metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and act as anchors holding the archwire in place. The archwire is designed with shape memory so that it applies consistent, gentle pressure throughout the duration of treatment. Perhaps the best part of traditional braces is the colorful elastics that you can choose from at each appointment. The elastics are placed around each bracket to secure the archwire in place.
Ceramic
Clear ceramic braces work the same way as traditional braces, but offer a cosmetic alternative to the metal. The clear brackets are bonded to the front teeth, and the archwire is secured with white or clear elastics for a less noticeable look. Ceramic braces are slightly less durable than traditional metal brackets due to the material composition. The ceramic material is more brittle than metal; therefore, our ceramic braces are offered to older children, teens and adults who have cosmetic concerns or who are looking for a discreet way to align their smiles. This orthodontic option has become a favorite for adults because, unless you look closely, it is hard to notice they are there!
Iconix
Did you know you can get “white gold” brackets during your orthodontic treatment? Fredericksburg Orthodontics & Invisalign Center offers high-quality stainless steel champagne-colored brackets that merge the durability of stainless steel and the elegance of white gold aesthetics. This upgrade is unique and sophisticated, adding a refined appearance to your smile.
The Iconix Aesthetic Braces option can be paired with a gold archwire and clear ligatures (elastics) for a cosmetic look that rivals ceramic brackets. Fredericksburg Orthodontics and Invisalign® Center are proud to be the number one provider of champagne gold brackets in the state of Virginia.
Lingual
Lingual braces are placed on the back side of the teeth so they are completely invisible when you smile. Lingual braces straighten teeth just like traditional braces. A small custom-made bracket is placed on the back of the upper and lower teeth. The orthodontist has full control of the movement of your teeth.
Lingual braces may require a small adjustment period since they are on the inside of the mouth, but patients adjust quickly and appreciate the cosmetic advantage. The same good hygiene habits such as flossing and regular brushing are required.
