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Types of Braces
We’re excited to help you start your journey towards a dazzling smile. We know that every person is unique, and so are their orthodontic needs. That’s why we offer both metal and clear self-ligating braces, designed to provide effective treatment with your comfort in mind. Our friendly team is eager to walk you through your options, helping you choose the solution that feels just right for you!
Self-Ligating Brackets
Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces; however, self-ligating braces do not require the use of elastics, meaning fewer appointments and less friction being placed on the tooth. Self-ligating braces come with traditional metal, ceramic, or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces, but with more options to provide a more aesthetic appearance, particularly for adult patients.
Self-ligating braces use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip helps reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth and decreases the number of adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.
There are two types of self-ligating brackets:
- Passive — Passive brackets use a smaller archwire that creates less friction and allows teeth to move more freely. Passive brackets are often used at the beginning of treatment to help the teeth start moving into position.
- Active — Active brackets use a much thicker archwire that delivers greater pressure to the teeth and more aggressively moves them into position. The active brackets also offer more control for consistent, strong results.
Metal
Metal self-ligating braces are a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. They use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip reduces the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth and requires fewer adjustments due to its automatic adjusting nature. These braces are known for their efficiency and comfort. However, they are more noticeable than their clear or ceramic counterparts. They are highly durable and can withstand all kinds of treatment, making them a popular choice among orthodontists and patients alike.
Ceramic
Clear self-ligating braces function similarly to their metal counterparts, but they have clear or tooth-colored brackets to blend in more with the natural color of your teeth. Like metal self-ligating braces, they also use a specialized clip to reduce pressure and friction, allowing your teeth to move more freely. Clear self-ligating braces are a great option for those who want a less noticeable orthodontic treatment but desire the efficiency and effectiveness of self-ligating braces. However, they may require more careful cleaning and maintenance, as they can stain or discolor over time.
Braces For Kids
At Peluso Orthodontics, we believe in the power of early intervention when it comes to your child’s orthodontic care. We’re committed to helping our young patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
When Should Your Child Visit an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. At this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it easier for orthodontists to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
While every child is unique, there are some common signs that your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking or other oral habits
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally or not at all
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it may be time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
Benefits of Early Treatment with Braces
Early treatment, also known as Phase One, typically begins around age eight or nine, while Phase Two will begin around age 11 or older. The goal of early treatment is not to try to finish all the orthodontic work, but rather to begin correcting issues before they become more complex.
Here are some of the key benefits of early orthodontic treatment with braces:
- Creating Room for Crowded Teeth — Early treatment can create space in the mouth so that permanent teeth can grow into place correctly.
- Reducing the Need for Tooth Removal — In many cases, early treatment can prevent the need for tooth extractions later on.
- Reducing Treatment Time With Braces — When treatment begins earlier in life, it can reduce the amount of time your child may need to wear braces in their teen years.
- Preventing Future Problems — Early treatment can help prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
At Peluso Orthodontics, we offer both metal and clear self-ligating braces. These braces use a specialized clip instead of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. This system reduces the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth and requires fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace.
Your child’s smile is our top priority. We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process of early orthodontic treatment. Contact us today to request your child’s first orthodontic evaluation and take the first step toward a vibrant, healthy smile!
Braces For Teens
You’ve just heard the three words that every teen dreads: “You need braces!”
Don’t worry! Braces aren’t nearly as intimidating as you may believe. In reality, braces these days come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much more manageable, comfortable, and even stylish.
How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?
The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends on three crucial factors:
- Early Treatment — Early intervention allows our orthodontists at Peluso Orthodontics to monitor your jaw growth and recommend further treatment if necessary. Not everyone requires early orthodontic treatment, and in some cases, it may be advisable to wait until you’re older.
- Treatment Needs — The extent of correction required determines the treatment’s duration. Different individuals respond differently, so while one person may complete their treatment in just 12 months, another may need 24 months. Treatment time may vary based on your body’s response and the complexity of achieving the dazzling smile you desire.
- You! — Your willingness to use the appliances and follow your orthodontist’s instructions plays a significant role in shortening your treatment time. Remember to care for your braces and appliances diligently; this will truly expedite your treatment!
What Can I Eat While Wearing Braces?
You’ve probably received a long list of foods and beverages to avoid while wearing braces from your parents, friends, and even your orthodontist. Though it may seem like you’re giving up a lot, it’s important to steer clear of certain foods. We also want you to enjoy your braces experience, so here’s a handy list of foods to avoid and embrace during this time.
Foods to avoid while wearing braces:
- Chewy Foods — Bagels, licorice
- Crunchy Foods — Popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky Foods — Caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard Foods — Nuts, hard candies
- Foods That Require Biting Into — Corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods you CAN eat while wearing braces:
- Dairy — Soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — Soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — Pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/Poultry — Soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — Tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — Mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — Applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — Ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Orthodontic braces are a significant part of life for many people your age, including those at Peluso Orthodontics. While braces may have had a negative reputation in the past, modern braces make it effortless to look good and feel good!
Braces For Adults
At Peluso Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teenagers. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. We believe that maintaining your health and feeling confident in your appearance is important at any age. That’s why adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.
Why are adults considering orthodontic treatment?
- Correcting a bad bite or malocclusion, ensuring your teeth fit together properly.
- Addressing crowded or spaced teeth reduces the risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
- Relieving abnormal jaw pain or pressure caused by crooked teeth.
- Achieving a healthier mouth and a more confident smile.
We understand that many adults may be hesitant about traditional metal braces. However, at Peluso Orthodontics, we offer a range of comfortable, aesthetic, and customized orthodontic treatment options to match your needs. We recognize the importance of your unique situation and will tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.
Differences in Adult Orthodontics at Peluso Orthodontics
At Peluso Orthodontics, we recognize that adults and children have different needs and require different levels of attention and care. We take into account the fact that adult jawbones have stopped growing, which may offer the opportunity for orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Additionally, we understand that adults are more prone to gum recession or bone loss due to periodontal disease. By ensuring straighter teeth, we help reduce the risk of gum disease for our adult patients.
Addressing Worn, Missing, or Incomplete Orthodontic Treatment
Over time, teeth can become worn down and shift, leading to a misaligned bite that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can also cause adjacent teeth to shift and tilt, increasing the likelihood of gum disease. At Peluso Orthodontics, we can address these issues and help you achieve the healthy and beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. We understand that many adults may have received orthodontic treatment as a child or teen but never completed it. Our goal is to provide you with the opportunity to finish your orthodontic treatment and achieve your desired results.
At Peluso Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing personalized care and attention to our patients. We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we strive to make each office visit as convenient as possible.
Choose Peluso Orthodontics for your orthodontic journey and let us help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
