Treatment options
Ways of moving teeth
Braces are the first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of orthodontics. Braces are still an extremely popular way to straighten teeth and correct poor bites. With computer technology and 3D printing, clear aligners are another newer way of moving teeth. Unfortunately, not all cases qualify for aligner movement. In some cases, treatment may even require a combination of braces and aligners. Dr. Steiman will discuss the different tooth moving options that best suits your treatment plan and needs.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are more comfortable today than ever before. The new metal design is smaller and thinner than ever before. The brace edges are rounded and smooth to the inside of the lips and cheeks. Metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel. Coloured elastic donuts are used to hold the wire into the metal brace. Grey and silver donuts blend well, but we have many, many colours which you can use to create a more unique and colourful smile with every office visit. Many patients enjoy putting on fun, colourful donuts.
Clear (Ceramic) braces
For patients who want to straighten their teeth without having a metallic look, Ceramic braces are available. They are made from a clear, glass type material and are much less visible when you smile. Ceramic braces work just as well as metal, but they are slightly larger and thicker. Since ceramic braces are more brittle than their metal counterparts, some patients put ceramic braces in the front and metal braces in the back. There are clear elastic donuts available to hold the wire into the clear braces. However, many patients enjoy putting on fun, colourful donuts as well.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are a newer, high tech alternative to braces. A patient progresses through a series of aligner trays with each one moving the teeth a small amount while creating a beautiful, healthy smile. Just like a brace needs a wire, an aligner needs attachments. An attachment is a small, geometric shaped plastic piece that is bonded to certain teeth. Like a coffee cup needs a handle, an aligner needs an attachment to perform specific tooth movements. All of the attachments are removed after the last aligner tray is finished.
