Orthodontic treatment has gone through some major transformations in recent years, giving patients more choices than ever before when it comes to achieving a healthy, confident smile. There are a few different types of braces that can straighten your teeth quicker and more discreetly than ever before. Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques, Petrunic Orthodontics can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Impacted teeth
We do this using a variety of treatment methods, including traditional braces. These continue to be the most common type of orthodontic treatment and for good reason! Modern metal braces have undergone several changes to their design, shape, size, and even color! Gone are the days of bulky brackets that stand out—today’s braces are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and can more efficiently move the teeth.
If you’ve been thinking about braces treatment to improve your oral health, you may be wondering what options you’ll have. Your initial appointment with Dr. Petrunic will consist of an orthodontic examination that will help him determine which treatment option is right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Keep reading as we take a look at the types of braces we offer, how they differ, and how we can use them to give you a beautiful smile you love!
A note about traditional braces
Braces are exceptionally good at correcting complex tooth issues and work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This has the potential to shorten your overall treatment time. However, since every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. On average, treatment tends to last anywhere from 14-24 months. Signs of improvement can often be seen in just a short time, which can be very encouraging!
The maintenance involved with traditional braces can be a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier over time. While it’s good for everyone to have a consistent dental hygiene routine, it is essential for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. There are many tools available that have been designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as water piks to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to assist with flossing.
Some foods will need to be avoided while wearing braces to protect them, including anything sticky or crunchy since these can damage the brackets and wires. This won’t last forever, though, and will all be worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!
As a patient in traditional braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us every eight weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Petrunic will check the progress of your teeth and change any worn out wires or bands. These check-ups tend to be pretty quick, and though there may be some slight residual soreness following each adjustment, it should only be temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and will help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so try your best not to miss them.
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics in Prattville and the most common type of treatment. Thanks to a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, the brackets are very durable and long-lasting.
Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, metal braces also tend to be a slightly more affordable option. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year.
Clear braces
Sometimes referred to as ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces, or esthetic braces, clear braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While clear 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.
Although clear 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.
Clear brackets are often slightly more costly than metal brackets, as well. 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. That said, clear braces can be an excellent option for many patients. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!
Clear aligner therapy
The Clarity clear aligner system consists of clear, removable aligners that are customized to fit comfortably over the teeth. Like traditional braces, the aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment, and replacing them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.
Clarity clear aligners offer patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces do. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy 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!
Braces to work with every smile at Petrunic Orthodontics
Every smile is as unique as the person it belongs to. Therefore, what will work for one patient may not be the best choice for another. That’s why Petrunic Orthodontics creates a personalized treatment plan for every patient! Dr. Petrunic and his team have the education, skills, and experience necessary to recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your unique smile.
If you’re in Prattville or the surrounding communities, we would love to meet you and talk more about how braces can give you a confident smile you love! Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation and take the first step to the smile of your dreams.