Understanding Your Orthodontic Options

Understanding Your Orthodontic Options

Orthodontic Treatment Options

Whether you’re looking to correct your bite or you have cosmetic concerns about your smile, orthodontics can help you to get the straight smile you’ve always dreamt of. However, there are several different orthodontic options to consider.

The dental health experts at Mi Casa Family Dentistry are here to outline the different orthodontic treatment options that can help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.

To learn more or to schedule a dental appointment, call our staff at (512) 229-0401 in Austin, TX today.

Traditional Metal Braces

When people think of braces, they typically envision traditional metal braces. This popular orthodontic option is made of stainless steel brackets that are attached to the teeth with special dental glue. The wires are then held in place with rubber bands.

During appointments, your orthodontic care team will adjust your wires to help move your teeth into the desired position over time. Typically, these appointments are every month.

Pros

• This method has been proven to straighten teeth effectively.
• They are usually the less expensive orthodontic treatment option.
• You can choose the colors of your rubber bands during each visit.

Cons

• They are the most noticeable, which may be important for those considering having adult braces.
• It’s harder to floss and brush with traditional braces.
• Treatment time is usually longer in most cases

Clear Braces

Clear braces work the same way that traditional braces do. However, your brackets are made of porcelain and tinted to match your tooth color, a white archwire is used, and rubber bands are clear to make them all less noticeable.

Pros

• They’re less noticeable than metal braces.
• They work similarly to metal braces.

Cons

• Clear bands can become discolored from food.
• They are more expensive than traditional metal braces.
• It is also difficult to floss and brush with this form of braces.
• Same cons as traditional braces

Lingual Braces

For many people, like older teenagers or working professionals, more discreet orthodontics may be preferred. With lingual braces, your metal brackets and wires are fixed to the back of your teeth—which is the tongue or “lingual” side.

Just like traditional and clear braces, your orthodontic care team will adjust your wires during each appointment to help your teeth move.

Pros

• They are less noticeable than traditional braces.
• They work similarly to traditional braces.

Cons

• They are more expensive than most orthodontic options.
• They can temporarily affect your speech.
• It is difficult to brush and floss.
• Some report that they are more uncomfortable than other methods especially around the tongue
• They can take longer to straighten teeth than traditional braces.
• They are not for every type of orthodontic case

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign® utilize plastic trays that help to move your teeth into the desired position over time. Typically, your trays are replaced every one to two weeks throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment.

Pros

• Clear aligners are the least noticeable orthodontic option.
• They are completely removable.
• They allow you to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth.

Cons

• They are more expensive than traditional orthodontics.
• They can be misplaced easily.
• Treatment is typically faster than with traditional braces.
• It is very patient compliant because if you don’t wear the aligners, you can go backward in treatment.
• It cannot treat every type of orthodontic case.

If you’re considering getting braces but you’re still unsure which may be right for you and your dental care needs, go ahead and reach out to our orthodontist to discuss your options. At Mi Casa Family Dentistry, our orthodontic care team can work with you to decide which type of orthodontics work for your dental concerns and your budget.

Orthodontic Care In Austin, TX

At Mi Casa Family Dentistry, we love to see our patients smile! Our on-site orthodontic specialist is here to help you achieve the straight smile you have always dreamt of. No matter how small or big your dental issue may be, our experienced and compassionate orthodontic care team has the solutions for you and your entire family.

To learn more about our orthodontic treatment options or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (512) 229-0401 today!

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Mi Casa Family Dentistry | Austin Family Dentistry will always put your dental needs first. Through our wide array of services, we are able to create comprehensive treatment plans uniquely tailored to you.

Schedule Apointment 512-229-0401

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Jeannette B.

Friendly, Super Clean, & Accommodating

I had taken my children to two other dental offices before I found Mi Casa Family Dentistry. I am so happy to have found them. They are friendly, super clean and accommodating. They even have their yearly calendar open so you can efficiently schedule your 6 & 12 months appointments. I am a very picky mom who expects the best for my family and Mi Casa is it! Don’t waste your time anywhere else, come here!

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Dr. David Cheng

Dr. David Cheng received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He continued his dental education at the Baylor College of Dentistry. He chose his passion in the oral field because of the hands-on healthcare and surgical aspects it brought. His main goal in treating his patients is to educate them so they can make the best-informed decision for their health.
Years of experience: 20 years (!)
Specialty: DDS (!)
Location: Austin, TX