If you’re feeling stuck deciding between clear braces and metal braces, you’re not alone. Many of our patients aren’t sure which option is best for them and conflicting information on the internet or from friends and family members doesn’t help either! Below, we discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you make your decision.
Clear Braces Are More Discreet
While Invisalign and lingual braces are the most discreet orthodontic treatment options, if you’re comparing clear ceramic braces and metal braces, ceramic comes out ahead. Although they still have a stainless steel wire attached to the ceramic brackets, the brackets themselves will blend in with the rest of your smile. They might not be as invisible as Invisalign or lingual braces, but they are certainly less noticeable than metal brackets. For many patients, this is the deciding factor between clear braces and metal braces.
Metal Braces Are Less Expensive
For other patients, the deciding factor is cost: metal braces are less expensive than clear braces. While adult patients may prioritize a discreet option, it’s not unusual for tweens and teens to have metal braces, so having less obvious brackets isn’t necessarily as important. Many dental insurance plans will cover the cost of clear braces, but they only do so up to the cost of traditional metal braces, so your out-of-pocket expenses will likely be more with clear brackets.
Clear Braces Are Not as Durable
Clear braces have improved a great deal over the past two decades. Adults who had clear braces as teens may remember brackets that stained easily and broke off often, requiring frequent emergency trips to the orthodontist for repairs. Today’s clear braces are stronger and stain-resistant, but they still don’t quite measure up to stainless steel brackets when it comes to strength. Metal braces are a tried-and-true solution that’s been helping patients achieve beautiful smiles for decades, but modern clear braces give them a run for their money.
Clear Braces and Metal Braces Are Both Effective Orthodontic Treatment Options
Overall, clear braces and metal braces are both excellent treatment options for all patients. They both correct the same orthodontic issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, open-bites, and misalignments. In the past, clear braces might have taken longer to achieve results, but these days, differences in treatment times are minimal, if there are any at all.
Unlike clear aligners, which only work when you wear them, braces are affixed to your teeth, so they’re doing the work to improve your bite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Choosing which option is best for you comes down to your lifestyle preferences and budget.
Learn More About Clear Braces vs. Metal Braces
Are you having trouble deciding between clear braces and metal braces? The best way to determine which option is right for your needs is to schedule a consultation at our office so we can discuss each solution with you. Contact us today at 860-667-8277 to get started.
When your teeth finally align properly and your braces are removed, your orthodontist will transition you into using a retainer. This is designed to help you maintain your new, beautiful smile. After all, it was your braces that have straightened your teeth, but it is this retainer that will help keep them straight.
There is a good chance that you will have your retainer for a while. Take the time to clean and care for it properly so that it can continue to support your teeth in the best way possible.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Retainer
Your retainer may seem like a small thing, but not keeping it clean is a big deal. Living in the moist environment that is inside your mouth can make it the perfect place for growing bacteria. Day in and day out of exposure to your teeth, your bacteria-ridden retainer can start impacting your oral hygiene.
You may find yourself dealing with things such as:
- Bad breath
- Gingivitis
- Cavities
Cleaning your retainer regularly will reduce the chance that your teeth, gums, and retainer are covered in plaque — and the issues that come with it.
Cleaning Your Retainer
Cleaning your retainer doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. It is just something that you need to become a habit so that you make a point to clean it every day. We’ve got the steps you must add to your oral hygiene regimen.
Daily Care
Use Toothpaste. Every time you brush your teeth, you should brush your retainer as well. Rinse it off and then gently, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-whitening toothpaste, brush your retainer.
You can do this while your retainer is in your mouth or when it is out, whichever is more comfortable. However, if you brush while wearing it, it’s a good idea to remove it and clean any areas that were covered.
Gargle with Mouthwash. Before we go any further, it should be noted that mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing. What it can be, though, is a means of reducing plaque and bacteria when brushing isn’t an option.
Drink Water. You can’t simply clean your retainer by drinking water, but more in-depth cleaning options are not always available. By carrying a bottle of water with you as you go through your day – and drinking it, of course – you will help reduce bacteria.
Drinking water keeps your mouth moist, including your retainer. This means keeping your retainer from drying out and also reducing the risk of tooth decay (which often happens in a dry mouth).
Weekly Cleaning
Every week you should consider doing a sort of deep cleaning for your retainer. This entails using cleansers or scrubs that will remove any stubborn bacteria and build-up. For instance, consider using a mixture of baking soda and water. Combine these two ingredients until you have a paste. Then, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, scrub the retainer thoroughly. Rinse.
Another option involves vinegar and warm water. Create a 50/50 mixture in a bowl and then soak your retainer in it for about 15-20 minutes. You can then scrub your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse with water, and then soak for another 15-20 minutes. Rinse.
Setting aside time to do these more thorough cleanings can lead to better oral health overall.
Learn How to Care for Your Retainer at Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you have questions about your retainer, want to know more about how to properly care for it, or are interested in starting your orthodontic treatment, Contact Us today at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Or Contact Us.
Everyone has a general idea of what age is best to get braces. Some say teens or pre-teens while others believe it is best to start in early adolescence. This is likely because it is so common to see young ones wearing the shiny brackets on their teeth. Though, while there is an ideal time for getting braces, it is important to remember that just about any time is a good time for braces – both young and old.
So, what do the experts say is the best age to get braces?
An Ideal Age for Braces
Early adolescents (think pre-teen/ early teen) are the most ideal candidates for braces. This runs primarily ages 10 to 14. By the time kids reach this age, they have all (if not, almost) of their adult teeth. Plus, because they are still young and their mouth is still transforming on its own, the tissue of their jawbone is softer. The result? Teeth that are much more responsive when it comes to repositioning them for alignment.
If you are looking for an exact age for your child, it comes down to their treatment needs and whether or not they have all – or almost all – of their adult teeth. In fact, getting braces within the window of having adult teeth, but no second molars yet, is fantastic.
Keep in mind, this is just an ideal age. Many kids don’t get braces until they are well into their teens. And many, many adults get braces that yield very successful results!
How Your Orthodontist Can Help
Your dentist will likely recommend you or your child see an orthodontist. While they are both experts at dental work, they approach it from very different specialized perspectives. An orthodontist consultation can help you determine whether or not services are needed.
It is not uncommon for children as young as 7 years of age (or younger) to be referred to an orthodontist for a consultation. It doesn’t mean that the child will need braces, but the orthodontist can review the child’s current growth and gain insight as to what the future may look like. Steps can be put into place for what is called two-phase care. This allows issues to be caught early on – and then for braces later at the early adolescence age.
Early orthodontic treatment may include wearing a retainer, a palatal expander (which creates more room in the child’s mouth), or even briefly wearing braces. All of this early treatment can help the second phase – braces – to be quick and easy.
Learn More About the Right Time to Get Braces at Greater Hartford Orthodontics
Getting braces can happen at any time during one’s life. But, optimally, choosing braces at an early age can have a positive impact on one’s life. That doesn’t mean adults cannot benefit greatly, too.
If you have been told that your child need’s braces – or you have some concerns about crooked teeth, spaces, or misalignment, contact Greater Hartford Orthodontics today at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Or contact Greater Hartford Orthodontics.
We look forward to getting you started on your orthodontic treatment plan.
Invisalign® is the perfect option for patients who want straighter smiles, but don’t want to spend a year or two with metal braces. Instead of using brackets and wires to correct misalignments, Invisalign® uses a series of plastic aligners that place gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into their ideal positions.
We hear from a lot of patients who are curious about Invisalign® and want to know if it’s right for them. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear about this innovative orthodontic treatment.
How much does Invisalign® cost in Newington, CT?
Much of the cost of Invisalign® treatment is determined by Invisalign® itself—they supply the equipment we use to plan your treatment and they also manufacture your aligners. Because of this, the price is fairly consistent throughout the country. The cost of Invisalign® in Newington, CT ranges from $3000 to $7000, depending on the amount of correction and number of aligners you need.
Is Invisalign® worth getting?
Yes, Invisalign® is worth getting—not just for aesthetic reasons, but because straighter teeth are healthier teeth. Many adult patients choose Invisalign® after spending decades feeling self-conscious about their smiles; Invisalign® gives them the ability to finally smile with confidence.
Is Invisalign® cheaper than braces?
Generally speaking, Invisalign® is more expensive than traditional metal braces and less expensive than ceramic (clear) and lingual braces. Depending on your orthodontic needs, the price difference between Invisalign® and metal braces may be negligible. When you come in for a consultation, we can provide you with pricing for each treatment option.
Which is better, braces or Invisalign®?
We wouldn’t offer Invisalign® treatment if we believed it was inferior to traditional braces. Ultimately, the answer to whether braces or Invisalign® is better comes down to each patient’s orthodontic needs, lifestyle, preferences, and budget. There are some cases where Invisalign® is not an option, but for most patients, Invisalign® and braces work equally well.
How painful is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is rarely described by patients as painful, but you can expect some discomfort at times. When you first begin your Invisalign® treatment, it can take several days to get used to the feeling of constant, gentle pressure on your teeth; over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any soreness. You may also experience some discomfort each time you switch to a new set of aligners, but this is usually minor and rarely lasts more than a day.
Can I leave my Invisalign® out for a day?
Yes, you can leave your aligners out for a day and it won’t impact your treatment. That said, if you make a habit of removing your aligners and leaving them out for extended amounts of time, it can increase your treatment time because your aligners only work when you wear them.
Should you go to an orthodontist for Invisalign®?
Yes, you should see an orthodontist for Invisalign®. Orthodontists receive two to three years of additional education after graduating from dental school, allowing us to specialize in the proper alignment of the teeth and jaw. This training gives us a better ability to monitor your Invisalign® treatment and make adjustments as needed.
Learn More About Invisalign® in Newington, CT
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign®, contact us today at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Many of our adult patients want a discreet orthodontic treatment option so they can improve their smiles without relying on traditional metal braces. If this describes you, you’re probably already familiar with Invisalign and clear braces, but have you heard of lingual braces? They’re an excellent option for many of our patients, particularly those who are not candidates for Invisalign and who want a solution that is even less noticeable than clear braces. Below, we answer some of the most common questions patients have about lingual braces.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are braces that are applied to the backs of your teeth, rather than the fronts. This means that no one will be able to see your braces when you smile.
What do lingual braces cost in CT?
The cost of lingual braces ranges between $5,000 and $13,000, depending on the orthodontic practice you go to and the extent of work needed. Lingual braces are custom-made for your mouth, which means they cost more than traditional metal braces.
Do lingual braces take longer?
The time needed for lingual braces is usually comparable to that of traditional metal braces, but it can be longer in some cases. During your consultation, we can provide you with an estimate of what you can expect.
Are lingual braces better than Invisalign?
While people often want to know which orthodontic treatment option is the best, the truth is that what’s best for one patient might not be best for another. For some patients, Invisalign and lingual braces are both excellent options. In more complex cases, Invisalign might not address a patient’s needs and lingual braces would offer a better solution.
Do lingual braces give you a lisp?
Lingual braces can affect your speech, including giving you a lisp, but this is temporary. Once you get used to the feel of the braces on your teeth, you’ll adapt and have an easier time speaking clearly with them.
What can you not eat with lingual braces?
The same food restrictions for regular metal braces apply with lingual braces—avoid very chewy foods, sticky foods, hard foods, and anything firm that requires biting into, like corn-on-the-cob and apples.
Who is a candidate for lingual braces?
Lingual braces are an option for most teens and adults. Like traditional braces, lingual braces can correct a wide range of bite issues, crowding, gaps, and misaligned teeth.
Do lingual braces straighten your teeth permanently?
Yes, just like Invisalign, clear braces, and conventional metal braces, lingual braces will straighten your teeth permanently—or, at least as long as you maintain your results. Once your braces are removed, we will provide you with retainers for your upper and lower arches to keep your teeth in their new positions. Wear your retainers as directed and you’ll have a beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Learn More About Lingual Braces in CT
If you’d like to find out if lingual braces are an option for you, contact us today at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Are you or your child in need of braces? One of the most popular types of orthodontic care, braces are quite common. In fact, statistics show that nearly 75% of kids/teens could benefit from having their teeth straightened.
As braces are recommended for an increasing number of people, many patients and parents are wondering just how much braces are going to cost. Here you’ll learn what to expect for the cost of braces in Newington, CT and the surrounding area.
The Average Cost of Braces
You can expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000 for braces in most cases. This is a very wide range. Where your individual price will fall within that range depends on various factors.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Braces and Orthodontic Treatment
Braces are sometimes just one part of ongoing orthodontic treatment that starts in childhood and may continue into adolescence. The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on:
- The type of braces you get. There are a variety of teeth straightening treatments available, such as traditional metal braces, H4 self-ligating braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, and lingual braces. Not all will cost the same amount. Traditional metal braces are usually the least expensive option, while less visible options tend to cost more.
- The extent of your orthodontic needs. Not every patient has the same extent of orthodontic corrections that need to be made. The more your teeth need to be moved in order to achieve proper alignment, the more expensive your treatment may be.
- The length of your treatment. When your teeth need more extensive corrections, your treatment time may be longer than average. Your treatment may cost more because it will take a longer time commitment on your orthodontist’s part as well as your own. More appointments and more adjustments will need to be made, which raises the total cost of treatment.
- The orthodontist you choose. Not all orthodontists charge the same rates for braces and other orthodontic treatment. Some may set higher prices because they have a greater level of expertise and many years of experience. An orthodontist with more experience may be worth the higher price if they are able to correct your teeth more effectively and in a shorter amount of time.
- The area where you live. Cost of living in your area will affect the price orthodontists in the area charge. Many orthodontists will set comparable prices in order to stay competitive in the community. You’ll tend to find higher prices in larger cities than in smaller towns.
- Insurance/Financing. Your dental insurance may cover part of the cost of braces for you or your child. If you don’t have insurance coverage, financing can help make the cost more affordable by allowing you to pay in monthly installments.
A Cost Comparison Between the Different Types of Braces
There are a variety of teeth alignment systems available to patients these days and the cost varies. Here are some of the common types:
- Metal Braces ($4,300-$5,800). Traditional metal braces consist of brackets that adhere to the front teeth and bands that go around the molars. These have been around for many years, but have been improved upon with advancements in technology.
- Clear Braces ($5,000-$8,000). Clear braces consist of ceramic brackets that attach to the teeth the same way as metal braces, but are less noticeable. They tend to cost a bit more because the material they are made of is more costly.
- Invisalign ($3,000-$7,000). Invisalign is an alternative to braces consisting of clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and are virtually invisible. They can cost as much as metal braces or sometimes more, depending on the factors above.
- H4 Self-Ligating Braces ($3,500-$8,500). H4 braces are one type of self-ligating braces. With these braces the archwire attaches to the brackets without any wires or rubber bands to hold it in place. The brackets themselves clamp down on the archwire for a strong hold that is often more comfortable. They may be slightly more expensive than traditional braces, but most likely comparable.
- Lingual Braces ($5,000-$13,000). Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front so that they are not visible. They are usually more expensive than traditional braces and may not be effective in treating every patient’s unique needs.
Are Braces Worth the Cost?
Always. Having properly aligned teeth and a healthy bite pattern will promote a lifetime of healthy teeth, improve your appearance, and help you avoid additional health problems. Crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to keep clean and may result in cavities and other dental problems. A misaligned bite pattern can cause jaw damage and headaches. The benefits of braces definitely outweigh the cost.
Braces Are Affordable at Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you’re concerned about the cost of braces, don’t let that prevent you or your child from getting the treatment you need. At Greater Hartford Orthodontics we work with your insurance provider and offer financing options to help make the cost of braces more affordable.
Call 860-667-8277 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
Invisalign® is quickly becoming as common as braces for orthodontic treatment. For many people, Invisalign® is just as effective as traditional braces for correcting common orthodontic issues from misaligned teeth to overbite.
Many patients choose Invisalign® because the clear aligners are less obvious than metal or even clear braces. They are also removable, making eating and caring for your teeth much easier during treatment.
In the past, Invisalign® was sometimes passed up for less pricey traditional braces. However, the cost of Invisalign® is now comparable to metal braces.
How much does Invisalign® cost in Connecticut and the surrounding area?
Average Cost of Invisalign®
You can expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000 for Invisalign®. The average cost for braces is between $4,000 and $6,000. The two types of orthodontic treatment are very comparable, but what you will actually pay for either option depends on a variety of factors.
Factors that Determine the Specific Cost of Invisalign®
Each patient’s case is different, which means that not everyone will pay the same amount for Invisalign®. The actual cost is dependent upon the following factors:
- Extent of Treatment Required. The more complex your orthodontic issues are, the more expensive your treatment will be. Invisalign® consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth for designated periods of time. Each aligner gradually moves your teeth into a certain position before you switch to the next aligner to continue that movement. The further your teeth need to be shifted, the more aligners you will need to achieve the final result, which raises the total cost of treatment.
- The Length of Treatment. The more complex your treatment, the longer it will take to align your teeth and correct your orthodontic issues. The more time it takes, the higher the cost will be because of the increased number of aligners and the greater number of appointments you will require with your orthodontist.
- Your Orthodontist. Speaking of your orthodontist, not everyone will charge the same prices for Invisalign®. An orthodontist with more experience, an established reputation, and a higher tier in the Invisalign® Advantage Program will possibly charge higher rates for Invisalign® as well as orthodontic care in general. But you get what you pay for in terms of experience, so don’t let price be the only factor in choosing an orthodontist.
- Where You Live. You won’t find the same prices for Invisalign® across the country. It will cost more or less in some areas because it is most reflective of the cost of living. Densely populated areas tend to have higher rates for Invisalign® and other orthodontic treatments than rural areas and small towns. Orthodontists also strive to stay competitive with other practices in the same area, which affects pricing.
- Your Insurance. If your dental insurance covers orthodontics, typically Invisalign® qualifies for coverage. Insurance plans usually offer a lump sum amount toward orthodontics and very rarely cover the total cost. Medical Savings Accounts or Health Savings Accounts can sometimes be used for orthodontic care as well if your insurance plan includes or allows for either of these.
- Financing. If you don’t have insurance or if you need additional financial assistance with the remainder of the cost after insurance, financing is always available. Option such as CareCredit or other lines of credit can help you divide the cost into affordable monthly payments.
Greater Hartford Orthodontics Can Help Make Invisalign® Affordable for You
If the cost of Invisalign® or orthodontic treatment is too much of a financial burden, we at Greater Hartford Orthodontics are willing to work with you to make you or your child’s care more affordable. We believe in the importance of orthodontic care for your dental health and think that no one should be deprived of that care because of the cost. We will discuss financial options with you at the start and along the way as needed.
Call 860-667-8277 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you or your child achieve a more beautiful smile.
Most people are familiar with Invisalign® these days—they see the ads, they have friends who have straightened their teeth with the system, and they understand exactly what it is and how it works. There are, however, some questions that people still have about Invisalign® before the start treatment. One of the most common is, “How long does Invisalign® take?” You may expect a simple answer, but the reality is a bit more complex. Read on to find out why.
Average Invisalign® Treatment Time
According to the Invisalign® website, the average treatment time for most patients is 12 to 18 months. Because this is an average, there will naturally be patients who achieve results in less than a year, while others may take more than 18 months. A majority of Invisalign® patients complete treatment within this timeframe, though.
One significant advantage of Invisalign® is its predictability. Because every move of each of your teeth is planned by your orthodontist, we can know exactly how many sets of aligners you’ll need; this also allows us to estimate the length of time you’ll need treatment, since each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks.
Understanding Your Orthodontic Needs
The biggest factor in determining the length of your Invisalign® treatment is the severity of your orthodontic case. The more correction you need, the longer you can expect to wear your aligners.
If you’re an adult getting Invisalign® to correct minor orthodontic relapse you’ve experienced after not wearing a retainer, you may easily achieve results in less than a year. On the other hand, if you’ve never had orthodontic treatment and you need to correct severe bite issues and misalignments, it’s possible that you may need to wear your aligners for 18 months or more.
Compliance With Invisalign® Treatment
As we mentioned earlier, Invisalign® is very predictable, but there’s one thing we can’t predict: your compliance with the instructions we give you. While braces work 24/7 because they’re affixed to your teeth, Invisalign® aligners only work when you wear them. Invisalign® recommends that you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, but we suggest only taking them out when you eat, brush, and floss. You’ll switch to new sets of aligners every two weeks, or as instructed.
If you take out your aligners often and leave them out, you’ll end up extending the length of your treatment time. You may think you can achieve the same results by switching to a new set of aligners every two weeks regardless of whether or not you’re wearing them for at least 20 hours a day, but we will notice during your check-ins with us if your teeth aren’t moving as they should. In addition, moving onto the next set of aligners when your teeth aren’t ready can cause serious damage.
Learn More About Invisalign®
How long will it take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign®? Come in for a consultation and we’ll let you know what to expect! Contact us today at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment.
It is difficult to determine what the typical cost of getting braces is. Estimates suggest that the cost of getting braces ranges from $3,000-$10,000. However, it is unclear which expenses this accounts for. Treatment with braces is highly personalized. Even treatment for two different patients from the same orthodontist could cost a different amount. Here are some factors that can impact the amount that you can expect to pay for braces.
Type of Braces
There are different types of braces that can be used. Each type varies in cost. This includes metal, ceramic, lingual, and clear aligner trays. In most cases, traditional metal braces are the least expensive and lingual braces are the most expensive. However, this can vary based on the person in each case. The best way to determine what each type of braces cost is to ask your orthodontist after they evaluate your teeth.
Amount of Time
The longer the duration of treatment, the more expensive it will be. Every orthodontist appointment comes at a cost, as well as the wires and wax used. If you are wearing braces for four years, this will cost you a lot more money than if you were wearing braces for only one year. Although some types of braces may seem more expensive, if they offer you a shorter treatment duration, it could be less expensive in the long run.
Age
Your age can impact the cost of braces. Generally, it is more expensive to provide orthodontic treatment to adults than children. With kids, everything is still developing and much more malleable. This is not the case with adults. If you recently underwent the process of getting braces for one of your children, it may surprise you that there is a price difference to get braces for yourself.
Location
There can be quite a difference in price based on location. In some cities, orthodontic treatment is simply more expensive than in other places. Some patients opt to work with an orthodontist just outside of their city to receive somewhat of a discount based on the location of the practice. This doesn’t always work, however, and you may end up sacrificing experience and the quality of care by doing this.
Dental Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance coverage can dramatically reduce the cost of getting braces. While not all dental insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage, the plans that do offer its members savings through negotiated prices and discounts. If you suspect that you or a family member may need orthodontic treatment in the future, it might make sense to look around for an applicable dental insurance plan.
Ready to Get Started?
If you think you need braces, call (860) 667-8277 today to make an appointment at Greater Hartford Orthodontics. We are happy to help you on your journey to get the smile that you deserve.
When it comes to orthodontics, every patient has different needs. Not all treatments are appropriate for everyone. Orthodontic services are customized based on the specific way each patient’s teeth need to be moved in order to be in proper alignment. That means that some patients may only require braces on their bottom teeth.
That may seem unusual, and it is not the typical method for most patients (which is a full set of braces on the top and bottom). But it is appropriate and effective for patients whose bottom teeth need straightening but whose top teeth do not.
Why Get Braces On the Bottom Only?
In some cases a patient only has crowding or misaligned teeth on the bottom jaw but not the top. The top teeth could be straight while the bottom teeth are crowded in behind the top teeth, requiring straightening. Misaligned bottom teeth could also cause an underbite (where the top teeth go behind the bottom teeth when the patient bites down) or a crossbite (where some teeth from the top go behind the bottom or vice versa when the patient bites down). Realigning just the bottom teeth could correct these issues.
What are the Potential Problems With This Method?
There’s a possibility that once the bottom teeth are straightened, the bite may be out of alignment. Sometimes the bottom teeth are crowded in order to fit behind the top teeth when the patient bites down. Once those bottom teeth are straightened, they may no longer fit under the top teeth, resulting in an underbite. In order to correct the bite, it may be necessary to get braces on the top teeth as well so that both the top and bottom teeth can be realigned at the same time for best results.
What Types of Braces Can Be Used on the Bottom Teeth?
One piece of good news is that getting braces on just the bottom teeth does not limit your options for orthodontic treatments. Your choices still include:
- Metal Braces. Traditional metal braces are still believed to be the most effective at aligning teeth and bite patterns. New technology has made metal brackets smaller and more comfortable, such as H4 Braces that are self-ligating brackets, meaning they do not require metal ties or elastics to attach the crosswire to the brackets.
- Clear Braces. Ceramic braces are designed to be clear so that they are less obvious. Ceramic brackets are also tie-less like H4 Braces and can also be used on bottom teeth only.
- Invisalign. Invisalign, a popular alternative to braces, uses clear plastic aligners that fit over teeth and gradually shift them into proper alignment. This method can also be used for just the bottom teeth if the top teeth do not need to be straightened.
- Lingual Braces. Lingual braces are metal but fit behind teeth so that they are not readily visible. This is an option for some patients whose teeth can be shifted into proper alignment from behind. When used behind the bottom teeth only, they are almost completely unnoticeable.
Following your Orthodontist’s Advice is Always Best
Even if you think you only need braces on your bottom teeth, there may be less obvious reasons that top teeth braces would also be beneficial. Orthodontists are experts in the alignment of teeth and bite patterns and may notice subtle issues that are not obvious, but could be a problem if not corrected. Full-mouth treatment, no matter what type of treatment you choose, may be the best option to ensure your teeth and bite are properly aligned.
Why Visit Greater Hartford Orthodontics?
The experts at Greater Hartford Orthodontics specialize in treating both children and adults. For some, proper alignment of teeth requires treatment starting in childhood and continuing into the teenage years and even early adulthood to complete the process. The warm and caring staff at Greater Hartford Orthodontics will be there throughout your journey and will rejoice with you when your smile is complete.
Call (860) 667-8277 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment with Greater Hartford Orthodontics.