How orthodontic treatment works
Many patients who visit Eagle Family Dental and are considering their teeth straightening options will often ask about orthodontic treatment from our team of providers. Straighter teeth can provide a more attractive and healthier smile for many. If you live in the Arlington, Washington, area and want to know about the various orthodontic treatment options available at our practice, we invite you to continue reading! Your treatment will allow you to get the dream smile you have always wanted and the self-confidence to flaunt it!
How do most teeth straightening options work?
Orthodontic devices are composed of metal, ceramic, or plastic and can either be removable or bracket types fixed to the teeth. Braces gradually shift the teeth to the correct position by applying a steady, gentle force in a precisely controlled direction.
Our patients have many options to choose from. The era of metal bands with brackets around each tooth has gone. Clear or ceramic brackets are now available, along with trays to realign the smile.
How long will treatment take?
Treatment duration varies and may last from one to three years, depending on several factors, such as age, treatment methodology, and the severity of your case. For children, early or interceptive treatment can ensure faster results later on if orthodontic treatment is needed. The more proactive and thorough you are, the faster your treatment will be.
What teeth straightening options are available at Eagle Family Dental?
Conventional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces, the most prevalent variety of braces, are more comfortable now than ever. Constructed of top-grade stainless steel, metal braces use metal brackets and archwires to align the teeth. You can enhance your smile’s uniqueness and colorfulness with metal braces by adding colored elastics (rubber bands).
Self-ligating Braces
Constructed from the same materials as regular braces, self-ligating braces eliminate the need for elastics, reducing the number of appointments and tooth friction. Self-ligating braces are available with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets. They are comparable in size to metal braces but replace elastics with a specialized clip to guide teeth into position. The clip reduces pressure on the natural tooth and does not require as many adjustments.
Clear or Ceramic Braces
Our ceramic braces are far less noticeable on your teeth than conventional metal braces since they are made from clear materials. They are mostly used on teenagers and adults who are concerned about the aesthetics of more traditional orthodontia. Although they are less visually noticeable, they do require a higher level of oral and dental care as these ceramic braces are both larger and more fragile than metal ones. Due to these reasons, our quality ceramic braces are usually used more on the upper anterior “front” teeth than on the lower arch of teeth.
Clear Aligner Therapy
Clear aligners, a series of invisible, comfortable, and removable acrylic trays, are another way to straighten teeth. They are not only invisible but also removable, allowing you to eat and drink anything during treatment. They also make brushing and flossing easier. The aligners are extremely comfortable for patients to wear and contain no metal that could cause mouth sores during treatment.
Gold Braces
Similar to traditional silver metal braces, gold braces are made of stainless steel but are gold-coated. These are considered a more cosmetic option than traditional metal braces, and the cost is surprisingly comparable to most clear braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are inconspicuous as they are affixed behind the teeth. They are completely customized to match your teeth’s shape. Lingual braces are ideal for athletes, models, actors/actresses, wind-instrument musicians, and professional adults.
Who can I call to learn more about orthodontic treatment options?
Drs. Bryce Duskin, Arezoo Holdaway, Gavin Mcnelis, and Ally Mueller of Eagle Family Dental in Arlington, Washington, can help you choose the right treatment! Call (360) 322-1251 to request a visit to 20302 77th Avenue NE today!
