Braces for Adults & Children in Maple Grove

Types of Braces

Research has proven that 45% of the U.S. population would benefit from wearing braces. Over four million Americans every year now wear orthodontic braces, and one million are adults. Several of the benefits that are the result of correcting your teeth with an orthodontic treatment are: Braces will help with teeth alignment and will improve biting and chewing capabilities, braces help with the visual proportions of your teeth, they will improve your ability to speak, they will help prevent both cavities and tooth decay, and they will help with unnecessary bone erosion. Possibly the single biggest benefit is the impact it will have on either you or your child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. That is because this is the direct result of the perception of a healthy smile and its foundational role in establishing your personality. Your orthodontist may recommend any of the following types of braces based on the age of the patient and the lifestyle considerations.

When it comes to orthodontic treatments, there are several different options to choose from. Choosing the right type of braces for you will not be difficult. After your evaluation and a consultation your orthodontist will make a recommendation of the type of braces that best fit your needs and to help move your teeth into the ideal alignment, in the most convenient method for you. There will be certain types that are more appropriate for different types of orthodontic conditions than others. Following is the five most common types of braces used today for adult braces.

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces have two basic components. These are the metal brackets that are fastened to the teeth and the bendable metal arch wire which is threaded through the brackets to apply the gentle pressure to the teeth to move them. This is the type that most teenagers wear, because they are the least expensive and are the most effective in moving teeth quickly.

Heat-activated arch wires are now a relatively new additional to traditional metal braces. These utilize your body heat in your mouth to move the teeth even quicker.

Metal braces have improved and are now lighter in weight and structure than they used to be. They are made from a high-grade stainless steel and are bonded to each tooth using a type of cement. Many teenagers enjoy the ability to choose the color of the rubber bands around each bracket, giving them an opportunity to make a fun statement with some personalization.

Some types of metal braces have brackets that do not need these O-rings, and these are called self-ligating braces.

Ceramic Braces

These work the same way as the metal braces, but the brackets are a clear, transparent ceramic material that will blend into the natural color of the teeth. This type can be just as effective as metal braces at achieving the movement of the teeth into desired positions, but are much less visible due to their color, which makes them a favorable alternative for adult braces. Many orthodontists will use wires that are the color of the patient’s teeth, so the entire treatment would be virtually impossible to see.

Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces, they are far less noticeable and offer you a faster treatment than can be found with treatments like the clear aligner trays. Like your natural teeth, however, the brackets can stain if you are not careful and practice good daily oral hygiene. The ceramic braces often have the same level of discomfort as traditional metal braces do.

Lingual Braces

Basically, the exact same as the metal braces, except the arch wire is now on the inside of the teeth, instead of on the outside. They can be as effective as traditional braces, whether they are metal or ceramic, but they cannot be even harder to see. They are far less intrusive and likely to be noticed than the brackets and wires on the front of your teeth.

The lingual braces have the obvious advantage of not being as visible because they are hidden behind the teeth. However, they are less effective and will take longer to achieve the desired tooth alignment. They may also be uncomfortable for you as they come into direct contact with the tongue. They also will tend to be more difficult to keep clean.

Clear and Removable Aligners

Invisalign is the most well-known and the most effective system of invisible aligner “braces”. While they are not ideal for everyone, they do offer a variety of benefits, including the ability to completely remove the clear plastic aligners when needed. They are almost totally invisible and once you get used to wearing them, they can be more comfortable than metal braces. The system included a series of clear plastic aligners that resemble mouth guards, which are digitally custom fabricated for you. They are removable for eating and cleaning, and you change them out every two weeks. They must be worn around 22 hours a day for proper treatment. Each new aligner continues the gentle pressures to move your teeth another .25 of a millimeter further. Most individuals require between 18 and 30 different aligners to achieve their desired correction.

The clear aligner system is quite popular for adult braces because they are almost invisible and they allow greater freedom to eat, drink, and speak. However, they are more expensive.

Self-Ligating braces

Like traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces use the same bracket and wire system. This type of braces uses brackets with clips that hold the arch wire, instead of the rubber band tie system. These braces are easier to clean and to be less painful than other types of braces, and they are also supposed to reduce the number of trips to your orthodontist.

This type of braces has similar efficacy to traditional metal braces and may increase the control over the appliance, leading to more precise tooth alignment. However, they are also more expensive and are still quite visible.

Ceramic Braces

Our smile is an invaluable asset unique to each of us. Research has been proven it to be foundational to our personalities. Our smile has a direct impact on our levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. It then influences our social circle interactions, our personal relationships, and our professional encounters.

Crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. They can also interfere with the function of your teeth. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces, will help you get that attractive and functional smile you deserve. Thanks to the many continued technological advancements in the dental industry, you now will have the option of wearing braces that are far less noticeable. Ceramic braces are one of these new options for you.

Are you a good candidate for ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces can be a viable treatment option if your adult teeth have come in and you have mostly stopped growing. This makes sure you have a quicker correction and also a smaller chance of the brackets breaking due to the strain of tooth movement.

Ceramic braces are a great choice if you want your braces to be more subtle and less visible. They are the color of your natural teeth making them less noticeable. If you are an adult, and you want the performance of the brackets and wire treatment system, then this makes them ideal for the correction of your teeth because you do not want to draw attention to them.

Ceramic vs. Traditional Braces

The effectiveness of your ceramic braces will depend on the severity of your correction. Traditional metal braces are still a more effective treatment if you have extreme overcrowding. If you have severe misalignments your orthodontist may also suggest you need traditional metal braces.

Ceramic braces are a great solution if you do not severe misalignments. After your evaluation, your orthodontist will let you know if you are a candidate for ceramic braces. They will also let you know if your treatment time will be longer by choosing these braces.

Some Benefits of the Ceramic Braces

Here is a quick breakdown of some of the pros and cons of ceramic braces, especially compared to traditional metal braces.

Pros

• They are much less visible than metal braces. The ceramic material used in these braces will be either clear or tooth colored.
• They will move teeth faster than clear aligners trays. Also, clear-alignment trays will not work for severe cases of misalignment.
• You get to choose your color. Metal braces only come in gray or shiny metallic silver. Ceramic braces are available in nearly any color imaginable to match your natural teeth.
• They will not interfere with imaging tests. Metal braces will disrupt signals in imaging tests.

Cons

• They will be more expensive than metal braces. Ceramic braces can cost at least $1,000 to $2,000 more than metal braces.
• They might cause gum sensitivity. Ceramic brackets are a bit larger than metal brackets. This might make it harder to clean around your brackets.
• They are not as durable as metal. Ceramic braces are more than twice as likely to break off.
• They will move your teeth slower than metal. Because they are more fragile, having to make more incremental adjustments at each appointment will delay the straightening process.
• They will stain depending on your diet. The elastic ties holding the wire to the brackets can stain easily and remain stained until they are just replaced at your next appointment.

Caring for Your Braces

Tiny little elastics, known as ligatures, hold the arch wires to the brackets. It is possible for these ligatures to become discolored. Highly pigmented foods can leave stains as well as highly pigmented drinks. Smoking can also stain the ligatures as well. Try to avoid these foods and drinks to keep your ligatures looking good. If the ligatures do get stained your orthodontist will simply change the ligatures when you go in to have your braces adjusted.

To keep your braces looking clean, remember to continue to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Of course, it is also as important to also floss once a day. Flossing with braces is certainly challenging, but you can use an orthodontic floss threader to maneuver the floss underneath the wires.

The Cost of Ceramic Braces

Traditional metal braces can cost an average of $5,000 to $6,000. Ceramic braces will be a bit more expensive. If you choose ceramic braces you will pay about 10% more. The cost of your braces will vary based on the amount of correction you need, the number of alignment appointments, and the type of braces you choose.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth with braces, make an appointment to talk with your orthodontist. They can evaluate your situation and advise you on the best treatment for you to have a beautiful and healthy smile.

Lingual Braces

There are now so many different options available for you to straighten your teeth, but one you may not be aware of are lingual braces. What exactly are lingual braces and how are they different from the other types? With over 4.5 million people now in the U.S. wearing braces with the intention of correcting their teeth it is best to know and understand your options for both your correction and your lifestyle.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are placed on the inside of your teeth, next to your tongue and your palate, rather than in front, and therefore offering a terrific cosmetic alternative if you want your teeth straightened, but without the braces visibly evident.

The process for getting lingual braces placed involves first taking an impression of your teeth, which is then sent to a dental lab and used to create custom, personalized brackets. Once this is completed it allows the orthodontist to use a specific process to cement these custom brackets onto the inside surfaces of your teeth.

Just like the traditional metal braces, this solution works by applying gentle yet continuous pressure on your teeth, to encourage them to slowly shift into the desired position. The treatment may take anywhere from 18-36 months, depending on the amount of correction you need.

Orthodontic braces are definitely worth your investment, but lingual braces do have some special requirements. Because they are custom made and unique, they will cost a bit more and the treatment tends to be more involved. Through the duration of the treatment, it will be more difficult for the orthodontist to apply the necessary changes to the arch wire simply because that wire is now on the inside of your teeth.

Are Lingual Braces Right for You?

Lingual braces are another terrific option but not everyone can wear them because there are some additional challenges not found in traditional braces. First, your teeth must be long enough to provide enough room to glue the brackets on the inside of your teeth; therefore, lingual braces might not work for a youngster or someone with smaller teeth. You also will be advised to not choose this option if you are correcting excessive bite problems.

Lingual braces will also be more difficult to get used to than traditional braces because of how it interacts with your tongue. You might find that swallowing without using a tongue thrust, which is placing the tongue between your teeth when swallowing, is difficult, and speaking might be a little tricky. It will be helpful to practice not using a tongue thrust when swallowing by gently touching your teeth together and then swallowing. For talking, you may need to deliberately consider over-enunciating certain words for a few weeks after getting your braces.

Sometimes the entire treatment time using lingual braces is longer than with traditional braces, but this is relative both to your specific orthodontist and to your cooperation in caring for your teeth and your braces while wearing them. You must be even more diligent about cleaning your teeth because the inside placement of lingual brackets and braces makes it harder to see whether you have removed all the food particles when brushing.

Taking Care of Your Lingual Braces

Lingual braces can also irritate your tongue and can cause it to become tender. By using a dental wax against your lower teeth to cover the braces it will help alleviate this soreness.

Ultimately, professional dental cleanings done every six months are critical to your health with your braces. Daily dental habits must persist, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, will continue to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Having your smile healthy is worth any temporary inconvenience and expense of braces. If you are possibly hesitant to invest in them despite the difference they will make — lingual braces could be your answer to this concern. Whether they are visible or not, find out which type of braces are right for you. A beautiful smile with healthy, straight teeth is absolutely worth the effort! The range of options begins with the traditional metal braces, then moves to the inside to minimize the visibility but to still get the most effective results. You can then switch to clear or plastic brackets and arch wires, but they are not as effective regarding the treatment time. Finally, you can choose the new clear plastic aligner system. These clear trays are removable for your convenience, but they must be worn 22 hours a day for effective treatment. Options to fit you, your correction, and your lifestyle.

With any orthodontic appliance, good at home oral hygiene is essential to ensure that gingivitis or tooth decay do not sneak in. Proper dental hygiene should always include:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
• Using a soft round-bristle toothbrush to brush at the gumline and the teeth.
• Flossing daily, a floss threader can also be used, or an interproximal brush, if there is space between the teeth, to remove any plaque and food debris between the teeth.
• Using any sort of oral irrigation device to help flush out food debris around the brackets and teeth.
• Using a fluoride rinse to strengthen the teeth.

Lingual braces just might end up being your perfect compromise. The treatment time will be over before you know it and you will have a healthy new smile for the rest of your life.

Clear Braces

Clear or transparent braces are becoming a popular choice when it comes to wearing orthodontic braces because of the simple aesthetic benefit when it comes to clear braces versus traditional metal braces.

Clear braces vs. Clear Aligner Trays

We need to clarify the difference. Clear braces are just like conventional metal braces but with clear brackets. Sometimes they will include clear arch wires as well. Clear aligner trays are also in this category since they also are made from clear material.

Both types of braces do a highly effective job of straightening your misaligned teeth in an unimposing way. The differences are in how they look, the way they perform, the comfort factor, and how much they cost.

There should be no reason to feel self-conscious about wearing braces as an adult. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, quite a few adults do get braces. More specifically, over one million adults are wearing braces every year and the number continues to grow.

Clear braces vs. metal braces

Just like conventional metal braces, clear ceramic braces are attached to each tooth with ceramic brackets and then connected with an arch wire. This system is effective in treating all kinds of tooth misalignment.

Clear brace brackets are made from either a clear ceramic material or a plastic polycarbonate material.

Most clear systems still like to use a metal wire to connect to the clear brackets, but you might have the choice of substituting a white arch wire. These are typically more expensive but have the benefit of making the braces even less visible.

Through the careful placement of these brackets, your orthodontist can create pressure to move your teeth in all directions to push or pull them into the desired alignment. The treatment usually takes 18–24 months depending on the amount of correction needed.

Traditional systems, both metal and clear, do require an orthodontist to tighten and adjust the wire on a regular basis. You may have sore teeth for a day or two after each tightening.

On the other hand, the newer self-ligating systems use an advanced technology wire which will automatically adjust gradually during the duration of your treatment. This then results in a more comfortable experience for you and also reduces the number of checkups needed.

While you are wearing your clear ceramic braces, you will need to take a little more time to keep your teeth clean, especially around the places that are hard to reach with you normal brushing.

Who can wear clear braces?

Teeth correction with orthodontic braces is more effective in the teenage years because the teeth and jawbone are still developing. This does not mean you cannot wear braces as an adult. Many adults do undergo orthodontic treatment with terrific results.

With the technological introduction of the clear tray aligner systems, it has certainly influenced many adult’s conceptions of wearing braces.

One thing that might limit your option of choosing clear braces is the severity of your case. The clear aligners can treat about 90% of orthodontic cases, but in the remaining 10% where your teeth are badly misaligned, braces which use a wire and bracket system most likely will be your only option. By scheduling an appointment and an evaluation with your orthodontist they will be able to determine and suggest your best treatment.

Tooth-colored ceramic braces are a great compromise for people who want a less visible way to straighten their teeth. The choice between clear and tooth-colored braces may also come down to the natural color of your teeth.

If your teeth are naturally lighter in color you may find that transparent braces are the least noticeable option. If you have darker tooth shades, the tooth-colored ceramic material many be a more natural match. Apart from this, these two types of braces function in the same way.

How do clear aligners work?

The new transparent aligner systems are a totally different solution to straighten your teeth. They consist of a series of digitally designed, clear plastic aligners or trays which fit perfectly over your teeth. These trays are custom made from 3D scans. These trays are designed to be worn 22 hours a day for a two-week period and then replaced with the next one in the series. The gentle pressure to move the teeth is only about .25 millimeters for each tray. The obvious benefit of this option is that they are removable for eating and brushing as well as other unique and personal engagements. You might want to remove your aligner for an important meeting, or a special occasion and clear aligner braces offer this flexibility.

They are also far less visible than any kind of fixed braces, even those with clear brackets, so they are the perfect solution if you want to straighten your teeth quite discreetly.

The clear aligners require your discipline and willpower. They should be worn 22 hours a day for effective treatment.

You have orthodontic options that will match your situation and your lifestyle. Schedule your consultation today and capitalize on that invaluable asset, your healthy smile.

 Invisible Braces

The recent dental technological advancements have delivered even more options for orthodontic corrective measures to improve your teeth. You no longer must choose brackets and wires for straight teeth and a revitalized smile. Invisible braces have become a popular alternative to conventional wire and bracket braces. There are several choices that each offer a minimal appearance.

Invisible braces might not be applicable for some severe misalignment cases or complex bite problems, but invisible braces can easily be used to treat the following conditions:

• Crowded or widely spaced teeth
• Crooked teeth
• An overbite

Invisible braces work great for both adults and older teenagers but are not recommended for smaller children. Children needing orthodontic treatment will require traditional metal braces with brackets and wires on the front of the teeth. Your orthodontist will determine if you are a candidate.

The Three Types of Invisible Braces

Popular types of invisible braces include ceramic or clear plastic brackets, inside or lingual braces and the clear aligner trays. Ceramic braces are like the traditional metal braces, except that they use tooth-colored brackets and tooth-colored wires rather than gray metal. Usually non-staining, the tooth-colored ceramic color matches your teeth, making them less visible than the metal, but not as invisible as lingual braces or the clear aligners. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

1. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of composite materials that are therefore weaker and more brittle than the metal version. Ceramic brackets are a bit larger than metal brackets and require small rubber bands, or ligatures, or built-in spring clips on self-ligating brackets, to hold the arch wire. These ligatures are white or clear so they can stain. However, this is not a big problem because these ligatures can be changed every time you get an adjustment.

Also, like traditional metal braces, the ceramic brackets are not removable until your treatment is finished, they can produce some irritation and discomfort, and they do make regular tooth care, eating and speaking more challenging.

Since they are not as strong as metal braces, clear braces require a little longer time for your treatment, since a slower, more gradual pressure is needed. Ceramic brackets are also more expensive than traditional metal brackets.

2. Lingual Braces

Inside braces are attached to the backside of the teeth so they are hidden from immediate view. Both the brackets and the arch wire are on the inside of the teeth, not visible. This makes these braces appealing to people who are often in public and might feel self-conscious about having clear aligners or metal or ceramic braces on the front of their teeth. Removable clear aligners require discipline, or you delay the treatment. Lingual braces remain on your teeth throughout the entire treatment schedule. Your speech, the comfort, the maintaining daily dental hygiene may be challenging with this option.

3. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of clear, removable trays digitally designed for your teeth to provide virtually irritation-free treatment with minimal adjustment discomfort. Clear aligners are practically invisible and minimally invasive. With these clear aligner trays, there are no brackets or wires to break and poke. Clear aligners can be removed for eating, drinking and special events, which makes it much easier to both brush and floss your teeth consistently.

Since clear aligners are removable, they must require strong self-discipline. To fulfill the treatment properly, the trays must be worn 22 hours a day for two weeks and then the next tray will take over. While comfortable, clear aligners can still cause some discomfort, especially at the beginning of each new aligners when it is placed and exerts pressure on the teeth to move them.

Clear aligner trays are made after your orthodontist takes a three-dimensional scan of your teeth. This scan is put into software that identifies a starting point and then your desired results. From there the software is input into a CAD/CAM system which produces the series of clear plastic trays. Each tray is designed to apply .25 millimeter of gentle pressure to move your teeth. The number of aligners you will need will depend on your specific orthodontic problem. You will wear each new aligner tray for the specified amount of time, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Length of Treatment

The length of your treatment will depend on your amount of correction and the type of invisible braces you have chosen. Most braces are worn from 18 to 24 months.

Metal braces do work the quickest because they are made from the strongest materials. Ceramic braces, while better looking, often will take more time because they are not as strong as metal braces. Lingual braces also can take more time to work effectively.

The treatment times with the clear aligner systems vary depending again on the amount of correction and different specifications from the clear aligners’ manufacturers. 20 aligners to 32 aligners at two weeks apiece shows the variance.

Cost of Invisible Braces

The cost of invisible braces is about the same or a bit higher than traditional metal orthodontic treatment, which can range from $2,500 to $7,000. Your specific invisible braces cost is determined by factors that include the type of braces chosen and duration of the treatment needed for your desired correction.