Types Of Braces

At Central Virginia Orthodontics, our team of experts specializes in creating healthy, beautiful smiles. We’re proud to use the latest in treatments and technology, including different types of braces. Our patients in Lynchburg and the surrounding areas receive personalized treatment plans based on their unique needs! Dr. Baugher and Dr. Claiborne can successfully treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Impacted teeth

We treat these using a variety of treatment methods, including traditional braces. As the most common type of orthodontic treatment, braces have gone through quite a transformation over the years. Not only are today’s braces smaller and more aesthetically pleasing, but they also move the teeth more efficiently, leading to a better orthodontic experience all around! 

Once you’ve decided to pursue braces treatment to improve your oral health and align your smile, your next step is to determine what your options are. At your first appointment, Dr. Baugher or Dr. Claiborne will perform an orthodontic examination that will help them find the treatment options that are right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle. Keep reading as we take a closer look at the types of braces we offer, how they differ, and how they can give you a confident smile you’ll love!

What to Know About Traditional Braces

Braces do a great job fixing complex tooth issues and close gaps and align teeth faster, which can shorten your overall treatment time. Since every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from person to person. The average is anywhere from 12-36 months. In most cases, you can start to see improvement in a short time, which can be very encouraging. 

Taking care of your traditional braces can be a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier over time. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, particularly during orthodontic treatment. There are some instruments designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as waterpiks to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to make flossing easier. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed.

There are some foods you’ll need to avoid while wearing braces to protect them, such as sticky or crunchy foods. These can damage the brackets and wires. This won’t last forever, though, and will all be worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!

As a patient in braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us every 6-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Baugher or Dr. Claiborne will check the progress of your treatment, change the bands that are attached to the brackets, and replace any worn-out wires or bands. Check-ups tend to be fairly quick, so you can get back to school or work on time! Though there may be some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, it should be temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so try your best not to miss them. 

Metal braces

Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics, and also the most common type of treatment at Central Virginia Orthodontics. Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more serious or complicated.

Metal braces also tend to be a little more affordable option, since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year. 

Ceramic braces

Sometimes referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more subtle straightening option. 

Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can hold up to more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made. 

Ceramic brackets are often slightly costlier than metal brackets, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breaking, we believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. That said, ceramic braces can be an excellent option for many patients. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!

Find braces that work with your smile at Central Virginia Orthodontics

At Central Virginia Orthodontics, we know every smile is unique and what works for one patient may not be a good choice for another. That’s why Dr. Baugher and Dr. Claiborne create customized treatment plans for every patient! With their education, skills, and experience, you can be sure that they’ll only recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your smile. 

If you’re in Lynchburg or the surrounding areas, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a healthier, straighter smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation!