BRACES
The most commonly known orthodontic treatment is braces: an orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth and correct bad bites. Braces can be prescribed for teens, adults, and children who have permanent teeth.
The most commonly known orthodontic treatment is braces: an orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth and correct bad bites. Braces can be prescribed for teens, adults, and children who have permanent teeth. They may be used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances prescribed to widen the palate or jaws or to shape the teeth and jaws. The average treatment time for braces is just over two years, but treatment time varies by the individual patient.
There are two major types of braces: fixed and removable.
If you are a candidate for braces, your Dr. Waite will recommend the type best suited.
INVISALIGN®
Invisalign® straightens teeth using a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-made specifically for your teeth. As you replace each aligner every two weeks, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week, gradually moving towards the projected final position. During this time you will have occasional check-ups with your Invisalign Provider in order to monitor your progress and ensure you are comfortable with the treatment.
You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position your doctor has prescribed.
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 no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. You’ll visit our practice about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Invisalign® also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
Consider Invisalign® to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces. A consultation with Dr. Waite can determine if Invisalign is right for you.
INVISALIGN TEEN™
Dr. Waite offers a range of treatment options for teenagers. The great benefit of Invisalign® is that it provides an aesthetic, more flexible way to give teenagers the confidence of a great smile. Invisalign aligners are comfortable, removable and nearly invisible, which means teenagers can carry on enjoying life without the restrictions, irritation and self-consciousness often associated with metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are removable, so teenagers can continue brushing and flossing normally.
Invisalign Teen™ has several treatment options available for teenagers, depending on the stage of teeth development.
Some teenagers will be suitable for the same Invisalign treatment as adult patients. Younger teenagers, or those whose adult teeth have not yet erupted can be treated with Invisalign Teen™ – a treatment designed specifically for teenagers. Your Invisalign Provider will determine which treatment best suits your individual needs and the condition of your teeth.
Invisalign Teen™ has been developed with teenagers, parents and leading orthodontists who understand the active lifestyles and unique treatment needs of teenage patients.
The Invisalign Teen aligners are made with the same Invisalign technology used for Invisalign aligners, moving teeth gradually without the need for metal or wires.
But because teens (and their mouths) are constantly on the move, we’ve added a few special features:
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Blue wear-indicators fade from blue to clear to help gauge wear time.
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Special features designed to compensate for the eruption of canines, second premolars and second molars.
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Six free individual replacement aligners are included in case any are lost or misplaced.
To find out more about Invisalign Teen™ speak with Dr. Waite and his team during your consultation.
RADIANCE™
CLEAR BRACES
Radiance brackets are unlike any other brackets on the market, Radiance™ brackets are invisible! They are proven to be the clearest of all ceramic braces. They are made from pure grown sapphire, providing an exceptionally clear appearance. ... Radiance braces are designed to help straighten your teeth quickly and effectively without sacrificing your comfort.
Radiance™ orthodontic brackets are clear, so while everybody notices your beautiful, new smile, your braces will be your little secret! Our practice offers Radiance brackets to patients of all ages, giving them a clearly comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces.
Comfortable
Brackets are heat polished until they are completely smooth. You won't need to worry about the edges irritating your mouth like traditional braces can.
Stain-Free
Your Radiance brackets are stain-free! The brackets' highly polished surface works as a barrier to protect your teeth from staining and discoloration throughout your entire treatment, so that your smile stays bright from start to finish.
Strong and Effective
Radiance brackets are designed to be the strongest brackets available. Being cut from crystal and treated with heat until smooth ensures a solid bracket that is remarkably strong, and less likely to crack or break.
You'll feel confident smiling even during your orthodontic treatment.
Talk to Dr. Waite and his team today to find out more.
RETAINERS
Once orthodontic treatment has been completed, the use of retainers after braces is a very important part of the continuing maintenance of teeth and will go a long way toward keeping the same bite and smile that the braces formed over the previous few years. Retainers are fabricated by taking a mold, or impression, of the newly straightened teeth and fabricating the retainer out of wire and/or acrylic material.
There are two types of retainers after braces: Fixed and Removable. Dr. Waite and his team will provide information during your consultation.