You’ve seen plenty of kids and grown-ups with metal braces, but advances in orthodontics allow us to go beyond traditional braces to offer all kinds of options for achieving straighter teeth, a better bite, and a healthier smile. At Old Metairie Orthodontics, our orthodontist has many years of experience with not only traditional braces, but orthodontic care that includes invisible options such as clear braces, as well as clear aligners that can be removed when you eat.
When you visit our office in Metairie, LA, Dr. Block will review the options for braces and assist you in selecting the solution that is just right to help you achieve your best smile.
Types of Braces
At Old Metairie Orthodontics, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of orthodontic options for you and your family. Here are a few of the most popular options for braces.
- Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and use metal brackets and wires to straighten the teeth. Old Metairie Orthodontics uses metal twin brackets that are smaller and more comfortable. We also make traditional braces fun! You can choose different colors for the ligatures and ties that are used with your braces, and you can change colors at every adjustment — how about rainbow or cotton candy? If you’d rather be incognito, we have clear ligatures and ties as well.
- Clear or ceramic braces. If you’re concerned with the look of traditional metal braces, ceramic braces may be for you. Ceramic braces are made of clear materials, which makes them less visible. Usually, our teens and older patients choose ceramic braces because, due to their size and fragility compared to traditional braces, ceramic braces require extra attention. Often, since extra care is required to maintain ceramic braces, they are placed on the upper front teeth while traditional metal braces will be placed on the lower front teeth.
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign® are a versatile choice for those who would like to straighten their teeth but do not want the look of traditional metal braces. This technique straightens teeth using a series of custom-made clear aligners that are virtually invisible and completely removable. A new aligner in the series is placed about every 1–2 weeks, although each case varies. The clear aligner method is a big hit with patients because they are removable and allow patients to eat, drink, and maintain their daily oral hygiene routine as usual. They can also be removed for special occasions. Aligners cause a little bit of discomfort when the new aligner in a series is placed, but patients often say that aligners are more comfortable in general than traditional braces.
No matter your age, Old Metairie Orthodontics offers the type of braces that will best suit you and your smile. Dr. Block will work closely with you to design a personalized treatment plan for braces that addresses your or your child’s specific needs and condition — all within a budget that makes sense.
Braces in Metairie, LA
The team at Old Metairie Orthodontics loves working with kids as well as adults. We’re a family-friendly practice, providing optimal orthodontic care in a comfortable, friendly setting. To learn more about your treatment options for yourself or your child, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. Block will assess your current oral health and help you select the type of braces that fit your goals and your pocketbook. We look forward to taking care of you at Old Metairie Orthodontics!
