There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! Innovative techniques and modern technology have made it easier than ever for patients of all ages to achieve a healthy smile they love. Here at Scaffidi Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of affordable treatment options to successfully correct a range of orthodontic issues. This includes traditional braces, which have had quite a makeover in recent years! Gone are the days of bulky metal brackets and stiff wires that made it difficult to comfortably smile or eat—today’s braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever.
If you’ve been considering using braces or aligners to straighten your smile, you might be wondering what options are available to you. While we have a number of treatments available, not all options are right for every smile. You have your own unique needs that will determine the best treatment for you, and the first step in that process is scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Scaffidi.
During this initial visit, we’ll take a few digital photographs of your teeth and Dr. Scaffidi will perform a thorough oral examination. These will help him form an initial diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan specifically for your smile. This will include the treatment option he feels would best suit your particular needs, goals, and lifestyle.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at how braces work, what types we have available, and how they can transform your smile into something you can be proud of! Keep reading below to learn more.
The basics of braces
Braces are the most popular treatment option year after year and with good reason! They have a proven track record of successfully correcting a range of orthodontic issues, but really shine when it comes to treating complex or severe cases. They work fast at closing gaps and aligning the teeth, with treatment times averaging anywhere from 12-36 months. Signs of improvement can often be seen in a relatively short period of time, however, which can be really encouraging for new patients who are just getting used to wearing an orthodontic appliance.
There is some maintenance involved with traditional braces, and it can come with a bit of a learning curve. This is especially true in the beginning, but with patience and practice, caring for braces becomes second nature in no time! A good dental hygiene routine is an essential part of oral care, but it’s even more important during orthodontic treatment.
It can be fussy trying to brush and floss effectively when you’re dealing with brackets, wires, and bands, but there are a number of accessories designed to make this easier. For example, water piks help rinse any hard to reach areas and clear them out, while ortho picks to assist with flossing all the nooks and crannies your braces create. We recommend that all our patients brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and floss every night before bed.
Food restrictions are a necessary part of the orthodontic process when you’re wearing braces. That means avoiding anything sticky or crunchy since these snacks can easily damage your brackets and wires. While this can be frustrating, remember that it’s only temporary! It will all be worth it once we remove your braces and reveal your beautiful new smile.
As a braces patient, you’ll be scheduled for follow-up visits with us approximately every 4-8 weeks throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Scaffidi will check that your teeth are moving in a healthy way and change the bands that are attached to the brackets. He may choose to replace the wire as well.
These check-ups tend to be pretty quick and painless, with the goal of getting you back to school or work as fast as we can! You may experience some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, but it should only be temporary. These visits are a crucial part of the overall treatment plan and help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time. If you can’t make one for any reason, let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule and keep your treatment plan on track! We ask that you do your best not to miss them!
The different types of braces
Here at Scaffidi Orthodontics, we offer a range of braces. We’ve outlined them for you here.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces are one of the most popular and efficient treatments available for patients of all ages. Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be. They’re also customizable, with a variety of fun colored bands to choose from if you want to show off a little personality with your smile! These braces deliver excellent results snd are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Clear braces
Ceramic or tooth-colored braces function the same way metal braces do, but provide patients with the additional benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Both options blend in well with your natural smile, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. This makes them an especially attractive choice for adult patients.
In-Ovation self-ligating braces
In-Ovation is a new system that can give you the radiant smile you have always wanted in less time than traditional braces. It uses self-ligating brackets with spring-loaded doors, so there’s no need for ties and bands. They don’t require tightening, so they’re virtually painless, and your teeth can move freely without the added pressure of ties holding the archwires in place. This allows the system to work faster while also making it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy!
In-Ovation C System
The In-Ovation self-ligating braces system uses ceramic brackets to give the fastest treatment with a subtle look. This is basically the In-Ovation version of clear braces! The system works faster than traditional braces, and also makes it easier to maintain good oral health. As a bonus, you don’t have to worry about any part of your braces staining since there are no elastics or bands to deal with.
Find the braces that work best for your smile at Scaffidi Orthodontics
You’ll never find any “cookie-cutter” treatment here at Scaffidi Orthodontics! We know that every smile is special, and what works for one patient may not be a good fit for another. Dr. Scaffidi creates an individualized treatment plan for every patient, and will only ever recommend the treatment he feels will best address your specific needs.
If you’re in the New Orleans, Kenner, or Slidell communities and want to learn more about how braces can help you achieve a healthy smile, get in touch today! We’d love to schedule you for a FREE consultation with Dr. Scaffidi and give you the beautiful smile you deserve.