Teeth that are misaligned can cause excessive wear on tooth enamel. Braces help shift teeth into alignment and reduce wear.
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces to minimize bacteria and plaque buildup. Your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions on the best way to brush and floss while wearing braces.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces San Antonio uses fixed, stainless steel brackets to straighten teeth and are a highly effective treatment option for moderate to severe misalignment. A slim arch wire connects each tooth, applying gentle pressure to the teeth that gradually repositions them. For added comfort, we now offer smaller, more comfortable metal braces that are also stain-resistant. You can customize your braces look by adding a pop of color with elastics that come in a variety of colors, from school teams and favorite bands to fun combinations and colors.
Straightening your teeth not only improves the look of your smile, but it can also prevent overcrowding and improve the health of your mouth. For example, a misaligned bite puts extra stress on the jaw joints, resulting in pain and inflammation. Braces can help relieve this pain by reducing the stress on your teeth. Besides, properly aligned teeth make it easier to brush and floss your teeth and help prevent gum disease and cavities.
Ceramic Braces
A popular orthodontic treatment option for adults and teens, ceramic braces are less visible than traditional metal braces, providing a discreet solution. These clear braces utilize translucent brackets and white or tooth-colored wires, and they are most effective for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues.
Once the ceramic brackets are bonded to your teeth, we’ll attach an archwire, which will guide your teeth into better alignment. The wire creates customized pressure to encourage specific movements of your teeth, and it also promotes remodeling of the bone around your teeth. This process is known as decalcification, which can help prevent permanent changes to your teeth as the roots move into place.
We encourage you to avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, as these may damage or dislodge the ceramic brackets. You should also minimize your intake of dark foods like coffee, tea, and red wine, as these can stain the brackets. Our orthodontists will schedule regular appointments to make sure your ceramic braces San Antonio are working effectively and in good condition.
Clear Aligners
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners do not require wires or elastic bands. Instead, they use a series of transparent trays to apply gentle pressure to the teeth to shift them into alignment. These trays can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing teeth. However, patients must wear the trays at least 20-22 hours each day to achieve results. Clear aligners are a great option for adult patients with mild to moderate misalignment issues.
Compared to other orthodontic options, clear aligners provide shorter treatment durations, with some patients achieving results in just a year. However, the aligners can stain if they are not properly cleaned. Therefore, children may not be a good fit for this treatment unless they can commit to wearing the trays without removing them.
Regardless of their choice, all patients must meet with an orthodontist to determine the most effective treatment for them. This will involve an examination, dental x-rays, and an outline of the overall treatment plan.
Clear Braces Cost
When it comes to straightening your smile, clear braces offer a discreet, efficient solution. While they can cost a little more than traditional metal braces, the investment is worth it. Additionally, a variety of insurance and financing options are available to make the cost more manageable.
In addition to enhancing your appearance, orthodontic treatments are effective at correcting misalignment problems with the teeth and jaws. When left untreated, these issues can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and jaw pain.
The costs of clear braces in San Antonio can vary based on the type of treatment you choose and the severity of your orthodontic needs. Metal braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Ceramic and lingual braces are less visible, but also tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces. Moreover, ceramic braces may stain if not cleaned properly. Additionally, they can be more fragile and break more often than metal braces. This may require more visits to the orthodontist for repairs and adjustments.
