Types of Braces

At Ortho:Dana, we’re proud to offer a range of orthodontic solutions tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient. We understand that choosing the right type of braces is an important part of your smile journey, and we’re here to guide you in selecting the option that best fits your lifestyle and treatment goals. Here’s a closer look at the types of braces we offer, each designed to provide exceptional results.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most commonly used type of braces and have come a long way in both comfort and aesthetics. Today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than ever, making them an excellent choice for patients of all ages. Made from high-grade stainless steel, these braces are highly durable and effective for treating even the most complex orthodontic issues.

Benefits of traditional metal braces include:

  • Efficiency and Reliability Metal braces are a proven option for achieving significant tooth movement, making them ideal for patients with more complex cases.
  • Customizable with Color Options You can personalize your metal braces with colored bands, giving them a fun, unique look that can be changed at each visit.
  • Affordability Metal braces are often the most affordable option, offering excellent results at a reasonable price.

Traditional metal braces continue to be a popular choice due to their effectiveness and reliability. With metal braces, you can be confident that you’re on the path to a well-aligned smile.

Ceramic Braces

For those who want the reliability of braces but prefer a more discreet look, ceramic braces are a fantastic alternative. Made from tooth-colored or clear materials, ceramic braces blend in with your natural teeth, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They offer the same effectiveness as metal braces and are suitable for a wide range of orthodontic needs.

Many patients choose ceramic braces for a few common reasons:

  • Aesthetic Appeal The tooth-colored or clear brackets make ceramic braces a subtle option, allowing patients to straighten their teeth without the prominent appearance of metal brackets.
  • Comfortable and Efficient Ceramic braces provide a comfortable fit while delivering excellent results for most types of orthodontic cases.
  • Ideal for Older Teens and Adults Many teens and adults prefer ceramic braces due to their low profile and less visible appearance.

Ceramic braces are a great choice for those who value aesthetics and want a more subtle treatment option without compromising on the effectiveness of their orthodontic care.

Self-Ligating Braces

At Ortho:Dana, we’re proud to offer self-ligating braces with the innovative Norris bracket system. Unlike traditional braces that use elastic ties to hold the archwire in place, self-ligating braces use a specialized clip mechanism that reduces friction, allowing teeth to move more freely. The Norris bracket system is designed to improve comfort, efficiency, and results, often requiring fewer adjustments and delivering faster treatment times.

With the Norris bracket system, self-ligating braces offer a number of benefits:

  • Increased Comfort The reduced friction between the archwire and brackets allows for more gentle and natural tooth movement, resulting in a comfortable experience.
  • Faster Treatment Times With the advanced Norris bracket system, self-ligating braces can often reduce overall treatment time, so you can enjoy your new smile sooner.
  • Fewer Office Visits The self-ligating mechanism allows for fewer adjustments, making it a convenient option for patients with busy schedules.

The Norris bracket system represents the latest in self-ligating technology, making it a powerful choice for those seeking effective, efficient, and comfortable orthodontic treatment. This option is ideal for patients who want the benefits of advanced technology and prefer a more streamlined treatment experience.

Choosing the Right Braces for You

Each type of braces we offer at Ortho:Dana is designed to deliver excellent results, but your unique needs and preferences will guide your decision. Whether you choose the reliability of traditional metal braces, the discretion of ceramic braces, or the advanced efficiency of self-ligating braces with the Norris bracket system, you can trust that our team will support you every step of the way.

At Ortho:Dana, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your smile and ensure a comfortable, positive experience from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about these options and start your journey toward a beautiful, confident smile!

Braces for Kids

At Ortho:Dana, we believe that starting orthodontic care at the right time is crucial to achieving the best results for growing smiles. Braces for kids are a fundamental part of our approach to early intervention, designed to guide developing teeth and jaws into alignment before more serious issues arise. For many young patients, braces fit seamlessly into a two-phase treatment approach, which allows us to address orthodontic concerns as they emerge, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.

Setting the Foundation for a Healthy Smile

Braces for kids are typically recommended during a period of active growth, often between the ages of 9 and 14. At this age, kids’ jaws are still developing, making it easier to correct issues such as crowding, spacing, misaligned bites, and improper tooth eruption. Early intervention with braces can prevent more severe orthodontic issues from developing, reducing the need for extensive treatment in the future. Our friendly, experienced team at Ortho:Dana works with kids to make the process fun and engaging, helping them feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey.

Two-Phase Treatment: The Benefits of Early and Comprehensive Care

Two-phase treatment is a specialized approach that involves two distinct stages of orthodontic care, each tailored to specific developmental needs. Here’s how it works:

Phase One: Early Treatment Phase One typically begins when a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, usually around age seven. At this stage, we focus on creating space for emerging teeth and guiding the development of the jaws and dental arches. By addressing these foundational issues early on, we can prevent more complex problems, such as severe crowding or jaw misalignment, which could be harder to correct later.

During this phase, some children may need partial braces or other appliances to address these specific concerns. Early intervention not only makes the future alignment process smoother but also contributes to improved facial symmetry and bite function.

Phase Two: Comprehensive Treatment Phase Two begins after most or all of the permanent teeth have come in. This is when full braces are often recommended to fine-tune alignment and ensure every tooth is in its ideal position. With the groundwork from Phase One already in place, Phase Two typically proceeds more smoothly and with greater accuracy as we build on the progress achieved in early treatment.

Braces for kids in Phase Two allow us to address any remaining alignment issues while achieving a balanced, harmonious bite. The result is a beautifully aligned smile and a healthy, functional bite that will support overall dental health for years to come.

Why Two-Phase Treatment?

The two-phase approach allows us to work with the natural growth patterns of your child’s mouth, taking advantage of the developmental stages to guide teeth and jaw alignment. This proactive approach often means shorter treatment times, fewer complications, and an improved outcome compared to waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted.

At Ortho:Dana, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care that supports your child’s unique development. Our two-phase treatment approach, combined with braces for kids, is designed to give them the best possible foundation for a lifelong, healthy smile. If you’re ready to learn more about whether braces are right for your child, contact us today to request a consultation. Together, we can help your child achieve a confident, radiant smile that will last a lifetime.

Braces for Teens

At Ortho:Dana, we know the teenage years are a time of growth, self-expression, and developing confidence. Braces for teens play an essential role in helping young adults achieve a beautiful, well-aligned smile that will last a lifetime. We offer a range of braces options to suit teens’ unique needs, from traditional metal braces to more discreet options, so they can feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey.

Building a Confident Smile

For many teens, getting braces is the best way to address common orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and overcrowding. Orthodontic treatment during the teen years is especially effective because the mouth and jaw are still growing, making it easier to achieve optimal alignment. Our team at Ortho:Dana works closely with teens and their families to choose the right type of braces and customize a treatment plan that fits their needs and lifestyle.

We understand that teens are busy balancing school, extracurricular activities, and social events, so we strive to make the braces process as smooth as possible. With options like traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and self-ligating braces, we help teens choose the right fit for their comfort and aesthetic preferences.

Life with Braces: What to Expect

Adjusting to life with braces can seem like a big change at first, but it quickly becomes a part of everyday life. Here are some tips to help teens maintain a comfortable, effective, and positive experience while wearing braces:

  1. Embracing Oral Hygiene Good oral hygiene is crucial for a successful treatment outcome. Brushing and flossing around braces can require a little extra care, but it’s worth the effort to keep teeth healthy and clean. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an interdental brush to reach around brackets and wires. Our team also provides guidance on the best ways to floss and rinse with mouthwash to protect against plaque buildup and staining.
  2. Watching What You Eat While wearing braces, certain foods should be avoided to protect the brackets and wires. Teens should steer clear of hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as popcorn, caramel, and nuts, as these can damage braces. However, there are still plenty of delicious braces-friendly foods to enjoy, like smoothies, yogurt, pasta, and soft fruits. We’ll provide a list of braces-friendly snacks and meal ideas to help make the adjustment easier.
  3. Managing Discomfort It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, especially after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers, orthodontic wax, and saltwater rinses can help alleviate soreness and make braces more comfortable. Our team is always here to answer questions and provide support to help teens manage any discomfort they may experience.
  4. Showing Off Your Style One of the fun aspects of having braces is the chance to personalize them with colored bands. Teens can choose colors to match their personality, school colors, or even seasonal themes, making the braces experience more enjoyable and stylish. For those who prefer a more subtle look, clear or tooth-colored options are available with ceramic braces.
  5. Staying Active and Social with Braces Braces shouldn’t hold anyone back from living life to the fullest! Teens can continue to participate in sports, music, and other activities with a few small adjustments. For sports, a mouthguard can provide protection for both braces and teeth. Playing instruments may take a little practice, but most teens quickly adapt and find ways to continue their hobbies comfortably.

Life with braces is a journey that pays off with a confident, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. At Ortho:Dana, we’re here to make that journey as smooth and positive as possible for our teen patients. We understand that every teen is unique, and we’re committed to providing the support, encouragement, and expertise needed to make the braces experience enjoyable and successful.

Braces for Adults

At Ortho:Dana, we understand that achieving a healthy, confident smile isn’t limited to any age. Braces for adults are increasingly popular as more people recognize the benefits of a well-aligned smile—not only for aesthetics but also for long-term dental health. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can correct issues like crowded or crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and gaps, helping you look and feel your best at any stage in life.

Why Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?

Many adults seek orthodontic treatment for various reasons, including improving their smile’s appearance, correcting functional bite issues, or addressing problems that were left untreated in their youth. Some patients also find that teeth can shift over time, even if they had braces as a teenager. Orthodontic care as an adult not only enhances your smile’s aesthetics but also helps support overall dental health by making teeth easier to clean and reducing the risk of gum disease, tooth wear, and jaw discomfort.

Whether you’re considering treatment for cosmetic reasons or to support better oral health, our team at Ortho:Dana offers solutions tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Our team is here to help you choose the best option for your goals, lifestyle, and budget, ensuring that your orthodontic journey is smooth and effective.

Investing in Yourself with Ortho:Dana

Choosing orthodontic treatment as an adult is an investment in yourself. At Ortho:Dana, we’re here to make the process comfortable, convenient, and tailored to your needs. Our adult patients receive the same personalized care and support as our younger patients, with treatment options and flexibility to accommodate a busy lifestyle. If you’re ready to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, contact us today to request a consultation. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that helps you feel confident, healthy, and ready to show off your new smile!