There’s never been a better time to get braces! Orthodontic technology has come a long way in recent years, and Delplanche Orthodontics is proud to offer a wide variety of unique treatment options to our Beaverton and Lake Oswego patients, including different types of braces. Our expert team can successfully treat a range of orthodontic issues in patients of all ages, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between the teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbites
- underbites
- crossbite
- impacted teeth
We do this using several treatment methods, including traditional braces. Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and the most easily recognizable. Thankfully modern braces have come a long way and are far from the bulky contraptions they once were. Today’s braces are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and more efficient than ever! This transformation has resulted in a better orthodontic experience for you and your orthodontist.
If you’ve been considering braces to improve your oral health and achieve a healthier smile, you may wonder what options are available. When you schedule a free consultation with Dr. John Delplanche, he can determine which treatment option would be the best fit for you and your unique smile.
Let’s take a closer look at what types of braces are available, how they differ, and how this treatment staple can give you a beautiful smile you’ll want to share with the world!
What are traditional braces?
Traditional braces use metal or clear brackets attached to the teeth and then tied together by wires, tiny rubber bands, or elastics to give you a straighter smile. This treatment method is beneficial for correcting complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other options. This can shorten your treatment time, although this will vary from case to case. In general, however, the average treatment time for braces is anywhere from 18-36 months.
While the maintenance involved with traditional braces can take some adjustment in the early days, it gets easier with time and practice. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, and it’s even more important if you’re wearing braces since food and bacteria can get stuck between the wires and teeth.
Types of braces
Metal braces
Metal braces are made of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, so they are durable and long-lasting. We use 3M mini metal braces that are much more comfortable and lighter than ever, with colorful, customizable bands. Metal braces have a long track record of delivering excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Metal braces work effectively and efficiently, and they tend to be a slightly more affordable option. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment in Beaverton and Lake Oswego year after year.
Ceramic braces
Also known as clear braces, tooth-colored or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces function the same way as metal braces, with the added benefit of tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, but they blend in with your natural smile for a more discreet straightening option with Delplanche Orthodontics.
Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made out of is slightly more prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, Dr. Delplanche may suggest them for more complex oral issues.
Since ceramic braces can be more expensive and are more prone to breakage, we believe they are generally better for adults and older teens. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle and efficient way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile.
Invisalign clear aligners
The Invisalign system is made up of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. Like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. To accomplish this, you’ll wear them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment and replace them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system, as directed by Dr. Delplanche.
Invisalign gives you 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 remove the aligners, then brush and floss as you usually would!
Caring for braces
No matter what braces you choose, you’ll have to make a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. If you struggle with brushing and flossing effectively while wearing braces, there are several tools that make it easier.
Waterpiks help rinse hard-to-reach areas, and ortho picks can assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice daily for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Sticky and crunchy foods can damage the brackets and wires, so Delplanche Orthodontics patients wearing braces must avoid these foods during treatment. While it can take some getting used to, it won’t last forever! Any minor frustrations will be more than worth it once your braces come off and you get a look at your beautiful new smile.
While in braces, you can expect follow-up visits in our office every 4-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Delplanche will change the bands attached to the brackets and may also replace the wire. These check-ups tend to be pretty brief, so you can get back to school or work quickly! There can sometimes be a bit of residual soreness following these adjustments, but it should only be temporary.
These visits are an essential part of the overall treatment plan. To help us ensure the very best results in the least amount of time, you should always try your best not to miss them!
Find the braces that work for you at Delplanche Orthodontics
Here at Delplanche Orthodontics, we know that every smile is unique. What works for one patient may not be a good choice for another, and that’s why Dr. Delplanche creates a customized treatment plan for every patient he sees. He will consider your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals when recommending the course of treatment that would work best for your smile.
If you’re in Beaverton, Lake Oswego, or the surrounding communities, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a beautiful, healthy smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Delplanche!