Types Of Braces

Here at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of unique orthodontic treatment options to patients of all ages in our Huntington office. Our expert team is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that are designed specifically for your unique smile! Using the latest techniques and innovative technology, Dr. Parikh is able to successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues using different types of braces, including

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Impacted teeth

We treat these using a variety of treatment methods, including traditional braces. As the most common type of orthodontic treatment, braces have gone through quite a transformation over the years. Not only are today’s braces smaller and more aesthetically pleasing, but they also move the teeth more efficiently, leading to a better orthodontic experience all around! 

Once you decide to pursue braces treatment to improve your oral health and align your smiles, your next concern may be what your options are. At your first appointment, Dr. Parikh will conduct an orthodontic examination that will help to determine which treatment options would be the best fit for your smile, your lifestyle, and your budget. 

Let’s take a closer look at the types of braces we offer, how they differ, and how they can give you a confident smile you’ll love!

A note about traditional braces

Braces do a great job fixing complex tooth issues and close gaps and align teeth faster, which can shorten your treatment time. Because every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. The average is anywhere from 12-36 months. You can often start to see improvement in a short time, which can be very encouraging. 

Taking care of your traditional braces can be a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier over time. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, particularly during orthodontic treatment. There are some instruments designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as waterpiks to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to make flossing easier. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed.

There are some foods you’ll need to avoid while wearing braces to protect them, such as sticky or crunchy foods. 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 braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us every 6-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Parikh will change any worn out wires and bands and make sure your teeth are moving according to your treatment plan. Check-ups tend to be fairly quick, so you can get back to school or work on time! Though there may be some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, it should be temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and 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, and also the most common type of treatment. 

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 serious or complicated.

Metal braces also tend to be a little more affordable option, since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year. 

Ceramic braces

Sometimes referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic 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 ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can hold up to more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made. 

Ceramic brackets are often slightly costlier than metal brackets, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breaking, we believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. That said, ceramic 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! 

Inbrace lingual braces

Lingual braces are a great option for patients who want a more subtle way to straighten their smile. Since the brackets are placed on the back of the teeth, they’re completely unnoticeable! These braces are 100% customized to each patient, so they can straighten teeth quickly and efficiently. 

To make your lingual braces, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory. They’ll use the impressions to create customized intelligent brackets and wires that are engineered specifically to deliver the desired results you deserve. 

Lingual braces work the same way as traditional metal braces. They apply gentle pressure to your teeth to guide them into place over time. Since they’re created specifically for your teeth, they’re also more comfortable than other types of braces once you get used to them. 

Find braces that work with your smile at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics

At Hidden Smiles Orthodontics, we know every smile is unique, and what works for one patient may not be a good choice for another. That’s why Dr. Parikh creates customized treatment plans for every patient! You can feel confident that your smile is in good hands.  

If you’re in Huntington or the surrounding areas, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a healthier, straighter smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation!