Are you dreaming of a straighter, healthier smile? At Smile Doctors, we understand the transformative power of orthodontics. Dental braces are a proven method to optimally position your teeth, correct bite alignment, close unwanted gaps, and significantly improve your overall dental health. Beyond just aesthetics, braces contribute to better chewing function and easier cleaning, paving the way for a lifetime of confident smiles. Alongside innovative options like clear aligners, our expert orthodontists at Smile Doctors are proud to offer a range of braces to cater to your unique needs and smile goals.
Types of Braces Offered at Smile Doctors
Smile Doctors is committed to providing advanced orthodontic solutions. We offer two primary types of braces, each designed with patient comfort and effective treatment in mind:
Traditional Metal Braces: Reliable and Effective
Traditional metal braces remain a popular and highly effective orthodontic solution. Utilizing modern stainless steel brackets, arch wires, and elastic ties, these braces apply gentle, controlled pressure to guide your teeth into their ideal positions. At Smile Doctors, we feature Damon Braces, an innovative evolution of traditional metal braces. Damon Braces are designed to enhance patient comfort, simplify cleaning routines, and potentially reduce the frequency of adjustments needed throughout your treatment journey. This means a more convenient and comfortable path to your perfect smile with Smile Doctors.
Ceramic Braces: Discreet and Aesthetically Pleasing
For patients seeking a more subtle orthodontic option, ceramic braces offer an excellent alternative. These braces utilize brackets crafted from tooth-colored or clear ceramic, porcelain, or plastic materials. This unique construction allows ceramic braces to blend seamlessly with the natural shade of your teeth, making them significantly less noticeable than traditional metal braces. While maintaining the same effective mechanics as metal braces, ceramic braces provide a discreet orthodontic experience, perfect for those who prefer a more inconspicuous treatment. Smile Doctors provides ceramic braces as a fantastic way to achieve a beautiful smile with added confidence during your treatment.
Understanding the Cost of Braces at Smile Doctors
The investment in braces is an investment in your long-term smile health and confidence. The total cost of your braces treatment at Smile Doctors will depend on the complexity of your individual case and the extent of tooth movement required to achieve your desired smile. However, Smile Doctors is dedicated to making orthodontic care accessible and affordable.
We proudly accept a wide range of major dental insurance plans. We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage for orthodontic treatment, including braces. Furthermore, Smile Doctors offers flexible financing options to help manage the cost of braces and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve a confident, healthy smile. Our team is ready to work with you to explore payment solutions that fit your budget, because at Smile Doctors, we believe everyone deserves a smile they love.
Your Journey with Smile Doctors Braces: What to Expect
Embarking on your braces journey with Smile Doctors begins with a comprehensive orthodontic examination. During this initial visit, your experienced Smile Doctors orthodontist will conduct a thorough assessment of your oral health and take detailed X-rays to precisely determine the current positioning of your teeth and jaw. Based on this detailed analysis, your orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan, outlining the most effective strategy to move your teeth into optimal alignment. The braces placement process then involves carefully attaching brackets to each individual tooth to ensure efficient and effective tooth movement.
The braces process at Smile Doctors involves two key phases:
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Placement: For both metal and ceramic braces, brackets are meticulously bonded to the surface of each tooth. Small bands may be placed on your molar teeth to provide additional support. A flexible archwire is then carefully connected to the brackets. This wire is gently tightened to create the necessary tension to gradually guide each tooth into its pre-determined position as outlined in your treatment plan. In some cases, your Smile Doctors orthodontist may recommend advanced techniques like the Carriere® Motion Appliance or other temporary anchoring devices. These innovative tools can sometimes reduce the need for traditional headgear or rubber bands, streamlining the tooth alignment process.
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Adjustments: Regular follow-up appointments with your Smile Doctors orthodontist are essential to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment stays on track. During these adjustment appointments, your orthodontist will meticulously check the alignment of your teeth, and make necessary adjustments to the wires by tightening or bending them. These adjustments maintain the gentle pressure required to continue guiding your teeth towards their ideal positions. It’s common to experience mild discomfort following an adjustment, but rest assured, your mouth will adapt quickly to the treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically effective in managing any temporary discomfort. To further enhance your convenience, Smile Doctors offers the Smile Doctors Anywhere app. This innovative app allows you to scan your smile and send progress updates to your orthodontist remotely between scheduled appointments. This saves you valuable time and travel to our clinic while keeping your orthodontist informed of your progress.
The duration of braces treatment varies depending on the complexity of each individual case and the specific adjustments needed to achieve optimal results. On average, orthodontic treatment with braces at Smile Doctors typically ranges from 1½ to 2 years. Your Smile Doctors orthodontic team will provide you with a more personalized estimate based on your unique treatment plan.
Your Smile Doctors team is committed to supporting you throughout your entire braces journey, including providing detailed guidance on maintaining excellent oral hygiene while wearing braces. Generally, there are certain types of foods that are best to avoid to protect your braces and ensure effective treatment. These include:
- Hard foods: Items like whole apples, hard candies, raw carrots, or corn on the cob can potentially damage brackets or wires.
- Chewy or sticky foods: Foods such as gum, caramel, or gummy candies can get lodged in your braces and are difficult to remove, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and dental issues.
- Crunchy foods: Snacks like ice, nuts, popcorn, and hard pretzels can also pose a risk to your braces.
Life After Braces: Revealing Your New Smile with Smile Doctors
The day your braces are removed by your Smile Doctors orthodontist is a day to celebrate your new, beautifully aligned smile! Once your teeth have reached their optimal positions, your orthodontist will carefully remove your braces and ensure you are completely satisfied with your smile transformation. To maintain your newly aligned smile for years to come, Smile Doctors will design a custom retainer for you. Wearing your retainer as instructed is crucial to stabilize your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back over time.
With the expert care provided by Smile Doctors and the transformative power of braces, you’ll achieve not only a stunning smile but also improved dental health and lasting confidence! Contact Smile Doctors today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted.
