There’s never been a better time to get braces! Orthodontic technology has made significant advantages in recent years, and Timock Family Orthodontics is proud to offer patients of all ages in Fort Collins, Windsor, and the surrounding communities a wide variety of effective and affordable treatment options, including different types of braces, to correct any number of orthodontic issues, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between the teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbites
- underbites
- crossbite
- impacted teeth
At Timock Family Orthodontics, we’re able to provide patients with superior results using a variety of treatment methods, including traditional metal braces. Metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment option and are what most people tend to think of in relation to orthodontics. But far from the bulky contraptions of the past, today’s braces are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and more efficient than ever. This transformation has resulted in a better orthodontic experience for patients and doctors alike.
If you’ve been considering braces treatment as a way to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health, you may be curious about the options that are available to you. When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Timock or Dr. Wire, they’ll be able to accurately determine which treatment option would be the best fit for your smile goals, your lifestyle, and your budget. Let’s take a closer look at what types of braces are available at Timock Family Orthodontics, how they differ, and how this popular orthodontic treatment can give you the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve and feel confident to show the world.
What are traditional braces?
Traditional braces are made up of metal or clear brackets that have been attached to the teeth and then tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands, or elastics. This method is especially useful when fixing complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This has the potential to shorten your treatment time, although of course, this will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, the average treatment time for braces tends to be anywhere from 2-24 months.Â
In the early days of braces treatment, patients sometimes experience a slight learning curve in their oral hygiene routines. However, caring for your braces gets easier with time and practice, so keep it up! While a good dental hygiene routine is good for everyone, it’s essential for those who are in braces treatment since food and bacteria can get stuck in between the wires, brackets, and teeth. If you’re struggling with brushing and flossing effectively while wearing braces, there are several tools designed to make at-home braces care easier. Waterpiks are helpful in rinsing those hard to reach areas and ortho picks can help when flossing. We recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Sticky and crunchy foods can cause major damage to the metal wires and bracket of traditional braces, so patients wearing them must avoid these kinds of food during their treatment. While it can take some adjustments, it won’t last forever. These minor frustrations will be more than worth it once your braces come off and you see your new smile for the first time.
During the course of your treatment, you can expect follow-up visits in our office every 4-8 weeks or so. Dr. Timock or Dr. Wire will use these appointments to check the progress your teeth are making, replace any worn-out rubber bands, and make any necessary adjustments to keep your treatment on track. These check-ups are usually pretty quick so you’ll be able to return to work or school on time. You may experience some slight discomfort following these appointments, but it should only be temporary.
These visits with Dr. Timock and Dr. Wire are a crucial part of your treatment plan, so do your best not to miss them! If you’re running behind or won’t make your appointment, just let our team know so that we can get you scheduled for a new time and stay on track with your unique treatment plan.
Types of braces
Metal braces
Made out of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, metal braces are very durable and long-lasting. Modern braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, with smaller brackets and customizable bands to choose from. They have a long track record of delivering successful results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Since they don’t need some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, metal braces also tend to be a slightly more affordable option. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment in orthodontics, year in and year out.
Clear braces
Sometimes referred to as ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic braces are just about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re able to blend in better with your natural smile for a more subtle straightening option.
Although clear braces are tough, they’re made from polycrystalline ceramic, which is slightly more prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option if you need severe corrections.
Ceramic brackets are often slightly more expensive than metal brackets, as well. Since they can be slightly more expensive and are more prone to breakage and chipping, we believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle and efficient way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile.
3D printed ceramic braces
Our practice caters to the needs of busy patients and their families and we understand that everyone walking into our office is unique. Therefore, we focus on staying up to date with the latest in orthodontic technologies. This gives us the ability to offer unique treatment options, and experiences, for your unique needs.
What sets our office apart is that we’re one of the only orthodontic practices in the area with the ability to customize every tooth movement, with digital precision, which may lead to shorter treatment duration, fewer and shorter appointments, and healthier orthodontic treatment outcomes.
LightForce 3D printed ceramic brackets combine the best software and 3D printing resulting in the elimination of the variables associated with the placement, prescription, and predictability of traditional orthodontic braces that have been the standard for decades.
The LightForce workflow starts with a digital scan of your teeth. Dr. Timock and Dr. Wire then create a digital treatment plan that is fully customized to your needs with every tooth movement preprogrammed from the onset. The appliances (brackets) are then manufactured utilizing 3D printing for each tooth’s unique shape and intended movement. Prior to the initial appointment, LightForce provides a 3D printed tray, custom to your teeth, to place the 3D printed brackets in the exact position to make the treatment as efficient and effective as possible.
The benefits of custom treatment include improved comfort for the patient, more accurate and efficient tooth movement, and it allows for fewer appointments than traditional braces. It is a fantastic option for adults and teenagers alike who desire the most customized experience and quickest treatment times.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable plastic aligners custom-designed to fit comfortably over your teeth. Like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions over time. To accomplish this, you’ll wear them 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of treatment, and replace them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.
Invisalign offers patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces do. There are no food restrictions since aligners can be removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to maneuver around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you normally would!
Find the braces that work for you at Timock Family Orthodontics
Here at Timock Family Orthodontics, we know that every smile is unique. What works for one patient may not be the best fit for another, and that’s why Dr. Timock and Dr. Wire create customized treatment plans for every patient they see. Our team always considers your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals into consideration when recommending the course of treatment that would work best for your smile!
If you’re in Fort Collins, Windsor, or the surrounding communities, we’d love to meet you and talk more about how braces can give you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Timock or Dr. Wire!