Treatment Options

Our methods of treatment are quite diverse. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontic care. By offering different treatments we are able to work with different needs. We have traditional braces which are a tried and true method for repairing one’s smile effectively and conveniently.

Another option is braces. Weather metal or clear, these are highly effective and durable alternatives to Invisalign. Although braces have a reputation for being ugly and uncomfortable, modern versions prove that this doesn’t have to be so. New innovations like self-ligating brackets from American Orthodontics used here at GDA have made braces more discreet, effective, and comfortable.

The even better news is that almost anyone can become a candidate for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that may help you in your orthodontic situation. With aligners made out of SmartTrack material, the technology is hardly noticeable and a great option for those who want their treatment to fly under the radar. Invisalign is completely removable which means that you can take out your aligners at your convenience for eating or other activities.

Conventional Treatment

The goal of orthodontics is to correct a malocclusion – a bad bite. Teeth may be crowded (crooked) or the upper and lower jaws may be out of alignment. Occasionally, even when teeth appear straight, the patient may have a bite which is not even and may cause further dental problems.

Malocclusions may be inherited, may be developmental, or caused by poor oral habits (such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting).

Orthodontic treatment seeks to address any or all of these problems. The goal of orthodontic treatment is not only to create an attractive smile, but to develop a bite which can promote oral health. Straight, uncrowded teeth are a lot easier to keep clean. Crooked, crowded teeth are much more difficult to maintain and can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Orthodontics utilizes physics to slowly move teeth into the proper position. This is performed by using corrective appliances including braces and retainers. Brackets are placed on the teeth using bonding technology, arch wires are then threaded through these brackets. The tension and tightness of these wires determines the individual movement of each tooth. Orthodontics applies constant pressure on each tooth in a desired direction. By making adjustments to the pressure at follow up visits, our orthodontists control the slow movement of the teeth until the malocclusion is corrected. Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment can last from one to three years, or longer depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the malocclusion. Retainers are often worn to help ensure teeth remain in their new position after braces have been removed.

Metal Braces

The most common type of braces are the traditional silver or metal braces. But, these aren't the braces you may have heard questionable stories about. With today's advanced, space-aged technology, these sleek and stylish brackets are comfortable and move your teeth more efficiently than ever before.

In the last couple of decades, braces have moved beyond the traditional materials and designs to include appliances that are more effective and aesthetically pleasing. Even traditional, metal braces aren’t all that traditional, having been refined over the years. So, just what options do we offer?

Developed with surgical grade stainless steel these braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and wires that are less noticeable. Many of our patients choose to add their favorite team colors to their braces or celebrate special events by showcasing unique color combinations. Colors are simple elastics added to the braces, which you can change at each appointment.

This is the gold (or should that be silver?) standard of orthodontic care. It's still the option we rely on the most for our Bakersfield braces patients, but these braces have changed a lot over the years.

You may have heard some crazy stories about these, but we can assure you that those days are in the past. Now, these appliances are sleeker and more comfortable than ever before. And, with custom-colored bands, they're great for expressing yourself.

Benefits Of Metal Braces

Stainless steel wires and brackets are still the norm for metal braces. These are highly effective and durable. Although braces have a reputation for being ugly and uncomfortable, modern versions prove that this doesn’t have to be so. New innovations like self ligating brackets from American Orthodontics used here at Gainesville Dental Arts have made braces more discreet, effective, and comfortable.

Will Metal Braces Change My Appearance?

It is also important to know that metal braces do not have to be conspicuous or ugly! With our innovative brackets we can straighten your teeth with minimal distraction from your smile. Misaligned, spaced, or crowded teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. They can also increase your risk for certain dental and oral diseases. With misaligned teeth, you are at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. For these reasons, it may be a good idea to find out whether orthodontics can help you. Depending on your needs and your treatment, you can probably bank on wearing braces between 6-18 months.

Clear Braces Or Ceramic Braces

Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment

But many people also feel nervous about getting braces. They worry that they may be uncomfortable or conspicuous, or that they may drastically alter their lifestyle or diet needs. If Invisalign isn’t something you feel you’d be successful at wearing, and you still want something less noticeable as traditional metal braces than clear braces are a great option for you.

The name clear braces are fairly self-explanatory. Instead of the traditional metal brackets, these braces use clear, translucent brackets. This lets them work exactly the way traditional braces do but blend in with your teeth. Many people prefer these braces over traditional braces because they feel that they are less conspicuous.

At Gainesville Dental Arts our clear braces are made of high quality ceramic. Our doctors at Gainesville Dental Arts will give you all your options and help educate you on the best choice to meet your lifestyle.

Invisalign clear braces are the best aesthetic option. Completely invisible to those around you, you can keep your treatment a secret while you get incredible results.

Do Clear Braces Become Discolored Over Time?

Clear braces use “invisible” brackets. Some clear braces may discolor over time depending on the quality of the bracket used but not at Gainesville Dental Arts. We use high quality ceramic brackets from 3M Orthodontics. Our higher quality brackets will stay clear without accruing stains. However, you are likely to get stains on the elastics that connect the brackets called power chains depending on your eating habits. This isn’t usually a cause of concern as these power chains are replaced each time you come in.

Who Should Consider Clear Braces?

You may want to consider clear braces if you feel that Invisalign clear aligners wouldn’t be a good fit for you and you are uncomfortable at the thought of having traditional metal braces. Some people don’t like the idea of braces that change the way their teeth look. That’s why they prefer the less conspicuous look of invisible braces. Talk to our orthodontists about what treatment may be the best for your needs.

Metal braces aren’t for everyone; sometimes you need a look that isn’t quite so obvious. Ceramic braces offer the same, effective treatment as their metal counterpart, but blend in with the color of your teeth. They are more fragile, however, so they aren’t for everyone.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the newest option for children who need Phase 1 orthodontic treatment. Children can now receive this effective, innovative and comfortable treatment replacing the need for bulky metal expanders, distalizers, headgear and braces in most cases. Invisalign First was developed for children between the ages of 6-10 who experience issues with overcrowding, spacing, alignment, protrusions, Essix arch development and expansion.

The treatment addresses these problems while also providing enough room for the adult teeth to erupt. Invisalign First is a Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, meaning it’s used to correct orthodontic problems for children who have a mixture of baby and adult teeth. Most children do not require a phase 1 treatment. Here at Gainesville Dental Arts we offer complementary exams starting at the recommended age of 7 to assess each child’s needs and find the right time to start treatment.

As far as aesthetic options, this is the top of the line. Completely invisible to those around you, you can keep your treatment a secret. And if you are worried about the effectiveness of the treatment, don’t be. The clear, plastic aligners of the Invisalign system will give you incredible results.

It doesn’t take much to become a certified Invisalign provider–only a one day course. There are hundreds of general dentists who offer Invisalign in Virginia, but Invisalign isn't a product, but a technique for moving teeth. This means your results will depend on your doctor’s experience with the product.

Invisalign Express

Invisalign Express is a shorter-duration alternative to traditional Invisalign retainers. This option is best for people with minor spacing or crowding issues, as well as issues occurring from orthodontic relapse. It may also be beneficial for individuals requiring teeth straightening prior to cosmetic or restorative procedures such as tooth veneers and composite bonding. Where the traditional Invisalign treatment requires anywhere from 20 to 30 sets of aligners, Invisalign Express requires only 10 or fewer; for this reason, treatment time takes approximately six months instead of the traditional twelve.

The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners — as few as 10 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually — week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you’ll be smiling like you never have before!