clear braces

Many of us have seen the pictures from many years ago when patients had braces that featured metal bands wrapping around every tooth  and headgear was the primary method of treating anyone with an overbite.

Has anything changed in the last 20 years when it comes to orthodontic treatment?  The simple answer is YES – most definitely! The list of changes is probably too long to consider in one blog post, but here are just 3 few of the most significant changes to orthodontics in the past few years:

1. Prevalence of clear braces options including ceramic braces and Invisalign aligners
2. 3D Scanning and printing
3. Digital treatment planning and simulations

Invisalign has become a household word as clear aligner therapy has made orthodontic treatment a reality for those unwilling or unable to wear traditional braces.  For those patients who are not good candidates for clear aligners, treatment with clear braces has become a popular option as well.  These developments have removed the stigma of orthodontic treatment for a lot of patients and made the overall process more enjoyable – especially for adult orthodontic patients.

3D scanning and printing have also made orthodontic treatment a much more pleasant experience for patients.  Anyone with a sensitive gag reflex can appreciate the convenience of not having a goopy mouthful of impression material placed in a tray and stuffed into your mouth.  3D scanning and printing has become increasingly more common, and its effect on orthodontists has been significant.  Our office has really enjoyed being able to offer this service to our patients using the Itero Digital Scanner which links seamlessly with Invisalign treatment to reduce the time it takes to get aligners manufactured and ready for patient use. In literally about 4 minutes, we can have a complete 3D image of your entire mouth.

In addition, within seconds after the scan is complete, we now have the ability to simulate what your teeth would look like after completing a digital treatment plan simulation.  This powerful technology helps patients visualize in real time the potential benefits of orthodontic treatment for each individual patient.

If you live in Phoenix or Scottsdale and are looking for a great orthodontist or just need more information regarding orthodontic treatment, we are here to help.  Please call our office at 602-493-3338 or contact us online.

Patients frequently arrive at my Phoenix orthodontic office wanting to know what options are available nowadays for treatment with braces.  While there are many different manufacturers of orthodontic products in the U.S., most of them offer the same categories of braces with very minor variations.

Standard Metal Braces- This is the most common type of braces with our younger patients and by far the most common in general.  They offer excellent strength and durability while sacrificing a little bit on esthetics.  This type of braces is also usually the most cost-effective.

Clear braces or “Invisible” braces – This type of braces is often confused with Invisalign, which is a very different treatment from clear braces.  Clear braces are made of porcelain (similar to the material used to make tooth crowns or caps) and are the most popular option with adult patients who are not candidates for Invisalign treatment.  Many orthodontic offices charge slightly more for this type of braces due to the higher cost of the material.  It is an excellent option for patients looking for excellent treatment results while maintaining the highest possible esthetics.

Lingual braces- This type of braces is placed on the inside of your teeth (near your tongue) instead of the outside of the your teeth.  The draw of this type of braces is that they are literally invisible to the casual observer.  However, you may sacrifice some comfort for this method of treatment compared to other available options and this type of braces also tends to be one of the most expensive due to the additional instruments, wires, and materials that must be used with this type of braces.

Self-ligating braces- There are both clear and metal versions of this type of braces.  The difference between self-ligating braces and standard metal and clear braces is that self-ligating braces do not require ties (the colors that kids choose to hold the wire against the brace).  These braces are sometimes thought to be a  little easier to keep clean and you don’t have to worry about discolored ties. It was once believed that this type of braces reduced the amount of time you would need to spend in treatment by reducing friction.  However, there have been several studies published that have shown that assumption to be false.

Invisalign- Invisalign is actually a series of clear plastic aligners – not braces – that are formed to the teeth.  Each successive set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks and will gradually align the teeth.  While there are limitations to what aligners can do compared to braces, for the right candidate Invisalign can be an excellent treatment option.

Your smile plays a large role in how others perceive you. Straight teeth and a smile you are proud of helps you to feel your best and promotes self-confidence.  If you did not get braces to straighten your teeth in your early childhood or teenage years, it is not too late. Age is never a contraindication to orthodontic treatment.

Adult orthodontic treatment is one of the fastest growing segments of orthodontics.  There are very few clinical reasons why someone might want to postpone orthodontic treatment.  Active periodontal disease is the primary reason and this can be resolved to allow someone to receive the treatment they desire. At Budd Orthodontics, we have several patients in their 50's, 60's and 70's receiving orthodontic treatment. They are thrilled to finally have a smile they enjoy looking at in the mirror.

Options for adult treatment include Invisalign, clear braces, or even traditional braces. Budd Orthodontics offers free consultations to determine the need for treatment, what treatment options would be best for your specific case, and determine what your out-of-pocket cost for treatment would be. Please give us a call.  We look forward to meeting you!

Your child’s dentist has called you into the office to recommend orthodontic care for your child. While your child is all smiles, enjoying their sugar-free treat or sticker, your head is spinning with common orthodontic-related questions. This guide may help you explore the world of child orthodontics.

Why an orthodontist and not my routine dentist?
As aforementioned in an earlier blog, orthodontists receive additional training beyond that required to become a dentist. The extra residency training adds on two to three years of orthodontic expertise. The residency training is additionally backed by the American Dental Association, and orthodontists become members of the American Association of Orthodontists upon completion of their residency training. Most dentists receive very little training in dental school related to orthodontics.  This makes specialty training particularly important in the field of orthodontics.

Did I do something wrong with my child’s teeth? Should I have done something differently to prevent the need for braces?
Every mouth is different, and while some habits can play a part in teeth development problems, orthodontic problems are mostly a cause of genetics or unforeseen developmental issues. Orthodontic treatment can also be completed as interceptive treatment. It can help correct crowded teeth, jaw growth or development problems, ectopic tooth growth, gaps, overbites, late-bloomer tooth eruption and more.

What age do I need to start my child’s treatment?
While your dentist monitors your child’s teeth and jaw development, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that each child have an initial orthodontic consultation when your child is seven years old. Most initial consultations are free or reduced cost. The assessment is intended to be educational, not a scare tactic. If your child is not ready for treatment or has no need of treatment at that time, your orthodontist will typically continue to monitor their development until all of their adult teeth are fully erupted.

 

How long can I expect my child to need corrective dental care?
Just like stated earlier, every case is different because of the variety of orthodontic problems that need to be considered. Most children, however, complete their orthodontic care within about two years. Upon the completion of braces, it is highly recommended to wear a retainer to continue to hold the teeth in their final position. Many adults require orthodontic treatment a second time even if they already had treatment as a child because they stopped wearing a retainer. Bonus: If there was early orthodontic care in your child’s life, the second phase of treatment will usually be a shorter time frame.

What are braces going to cost me?
Each child has individualized needs, and those costs are approximated at their initial consultation. Invisalign and clear braces provide additional options to traditional metal braces, so the cost can vary significantly depending on the treatment options chosen.
Money-saving tips:
1. Get second opinions
2. Look for incentives including low-interest financing and discounts for payment in full.
3. Compare insurance plans and get the plan which provides the best orthodontic benefits by seeing an in-network provider.

Orthodontic treatment does not have to overwhelm you. We welcome any inquiries, and you can trust us to be honest with you. We welcome second opinions because we feel confident in the value we provide to our patients for their orthodontic treatment. We provide free initial consultations and are happy to discuss treatment options with you.  We ultimately are here for you and your child to help you be healthier  and achieve your dream smile.

Budd Orthodontics services both Phoenix and Scottsdale and focuses on child and adult orthodontics.  For your free consultation, call either the Phoenix location at 602.956.4530 or the Scottsdale location at 602.493.3338 to reserve your appointment time!