Types of Braces
Metal and Clear Braces at Great Smiles
Could you benefit from orthodontic treatment? Great Smiles orthodontists offer complimentary initial consultations that give you the opportunity to meet our team learn more about orthodontics and treatment options. We will discuss which options will work best for your needs: traditional metal braces or clear braces, invisible aligners like Invisalign, or other ortho options like retainers.
Straight teeth are healthy teeth. Braces not only create beautiful smiles but help maintain the health of your teeth. Properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing and may help prevent other health problems. A beautiful, straight smile is a wonderful asset that builds confidence that will last a lifetime!
Types of Braces
Thanks to today’s technology, patients now have more options when it comes to wearing braces. While regular metal braces are still widely used, ceramic braces are a popular, more transparent option.
Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive.
Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal.
Great Smiles Locations Near You
Great Smiles Ortho Options Beyond Braces
Great Smiles orthodontists do more than traditional braces. As a comprehensive orthodontic practice with five locations, we also can assess and treat all types of alignment and cosmetic issues. We use the newest treatment options such as clear cransparent aligners (Invisalign), lingual braces (braces behind the teeth), and retainers (typically used to maintain spacing).
Dr. Stephanie Chambers and Dr. Paul Blackman are trusted providers of all ortho treatment options for patients of all ages– adults, teens, and children.
Clear Aligners
Great Smiles offers clear aligners like Invisalign for those hoping to take advantage of a more comfortable treatment option with greater flexibility of foods that can be eaten. This option is not recommended for all needs.
Retainers
Transform your smile with our custom orthodontic retainers that offer lasting results and unmatched comfort. Keep your teeth beautifully aligned and confidently show off your radiant grin!
Affording the Best Care
Our Great Smiles team works to find the best way to fit great dental care into your budget, with awesome payment options, maximized insurance benefits, and affordable solutions. Our FAQ pages have some answers to common questions about Invisalign or braces costs as well as dentist costs. Or, feel free to contact us for help. Plus, research shows that early dental visits can lower long-term costs, so we encourage families to come visit us at one of our five Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics locations.
Dentists are not orthodontists.
— Nearly 90% of people don’t know that a dentist is not the same as an orthodontist. Why is this important? A dentist doesn’t have the training and education to do braces, for instance, and other orthodontic treatments that may be best suited to your needs1 .
1 Trends in the choice of a clinician for orthodontic treatment in the United States. Jae Hyun Park et al. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889540621001736
Braces for All Ages
Each age group has specific considerations, but braces can ultimately be a valuable investment in long-term dental health and aesthetics at any stage. Consult an orthodontist for the right treatment plan and ortho treatment and braces costs associated with these options.
Braces for Kids
Early intervention braces for kids can be very effective.
Pros:
– Early Intervention can correct issues before they become more serious.
– Guidance of jaw growth can create room for teeth and improve bite alignment.
Cons:
– Need for further treatment may be needed as more adult teeth come in.
– Discomfort might make it difficult for young children to adjust.
Braces for Teens
Braces for teens is the most common time for ortho care.
Pros:
– This age is optimal timing as most teens have adult teeth and tooth development is easiest.
– Permanent results as treating during this time often results in long-lasting benefits.
Cons:
– Self-consciousness as teens are more likely to be concerned with appearance.
– Lifestyle limitations as braces require dietary changes and caution in activities.
Braces for Adults
It’s not too late and braces for adults can be incredibly useful.
Pros:
– Improved alignment reduces risk of gum disease and jaw issues.
– Greater motivation as adults are often motivated for successful results.
Cons:
– Longer treatment time possible as adult teeth and jaws are fully developed.
– Potential complexities as existing issues may require additional care.
Patient Reviews
What to do in Meantime
Sometimes you might not be able to get to see an emergency pediatric dentist right away. We’ve got some important tips for the most common emergencies here!
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Knocked-Out Tooth
First, find the tooth. Always handle the tooth by the crown (that’s the big chewing part) and not the roots (the pointy side). You can rinse it off, but don’t handle it unnecessarily. After inspecting the tooth for fractures, you can try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if it’s undamaged (have your child bite down on gauze to keep it in place). If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk until you can see us. While baby teeth are not usually replaced, we recommend seeing your pediatric dentist ASAP!
Broken Tooth
Use warm water to rinse the injured area and apply a cold compress over the face. Find and save any pieces of the broken tooth that you can, and call your dentist for immediate treatment.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas and apply firm pressure with a gauze or a cloth to areas that are bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes (or it doesn’t respond to applied pressure), head to the hospital emergency room.
Toothache
Toothaches are the worst, and you’ll want to make an appointment with your pediatric dentist since there could be decay, infection, or worse! To help with the toothache, clean the affected tooth thoroughly and rinse with warm water. You can use dental floss to remove any impacted food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or tooth! If the face is swollen, use a cold compress to relieve some of the pain.
No matter what, you’ll want to take your child to the pediatric dentist as soon as possible if you have any of these dental emergencies. Even if you can’t get to the doctor right away, make an appointment for follow-up care or treatment for your little one.
