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Types of Braces
With the progression in orthodontic technology, Empower Orthodontics is now capable of offering our patients an extensive range of options when it comes to braces.
Braces work by applying consistent pressure on the teeth over a period of time, gradually moving them into their correct positions. They consist of brackets that are bonded to the surface of each tooth and an archwire that connects these brackets. As the wire tries to return to its natural shape, it applies pressure on the teeth. This process gently causes the teeth to shift and straighten. Regular adjustments made by your orthodontist help to maintain the right amount of pressure and guide the teeth to their ideal locations, resulting in a perfectly aligned smile.
Dr. Tim is dedicated to providing personalized care, and he will help you determine the most suitable treatment option based on your specific needs and goals. Whether you opt for traditional metal braces or clear braces, you can trust that you’re in good hands at Empower Orthodontics.
Traditional Metal
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces used today. They are smaller and more comfortable than ever before and constructed of high-grade space-age metal alloys. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Ceramic
Ceramic braces are a popular choice for those who value discretion in their orthodontic treatment. These braces function just like traditional metal braces, but they come with a key aesthetic difference: the brackets are made from a clear, ceramic material that blends seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth. This feature makes them less noticeable, allowing you to smile with confidence throughout your treatment. They’re a fantastic option for teens and adults alike, offering the same effective teeth straightening as metal braces, but with a more subtle appearance.
Braces For Kids
At Empower Orthodontics in Covington, LA, we believe that every child deserves a healthy, beautiful smile. One of the key components to achieving this is early orthodontic treatment, a proactive approach that can set the stage for optimal oral health throughout their lifetime.
Orthodontic treatment is not just about improving a child’s smile. It can also play a pivotal role in their overall health and well-being. Crooked or crowded teeth can lead to difficulties in cleaning, which can result in tooth decay and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also contribute to improper chewing, speech problems, and an incorrect bite. Early intervention through orthodontics can address these issues before they become more serious, saving time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
But when is the best time for a child to first see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation no later than age seven. At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
Early orthodontic treatment allows us to guide your child’s jaw growth, lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, correct harmful oral habits, improve appearance and self-esteem, guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position, and create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips, and face.
At Empower Orthodontics, we understand that each child is unique, and so are their orthodontic needs. Therefore, our team, led by Dr. Tim, is committed to providing personalized care that suits your child’s specific needs. We use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the most comfortable and effective treatment.
It’s important to note that early treatment does not apply to all orthodontic problems. Some issues may be better treated in adolescence when all the permanent teeth have come in. Therefore, an early visit does not necessarily mean early treatment; it means early diagnosis and planning for the future.
In summary, early orthodontic treatment can offer a multitude of benefits for your child’s oral health, appearance, and self-confidence. By identifying and addressing potential issues at an earlier stage, we can set your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Empower Orthodontics, we’re not just creating beautiful smiles; we’re empowering children to face the world with confidence. Contact us today to schedule your child’s first orthodontic consultation.
Braces For Teens
Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and change, including changes in your mouth and jaw. At Empower Orthodontics in Covington, LA, we understand that getting braces as a teenager can feel daunting, but it’s also an investment in a healthier, more confident future.
Braces can correct a variety of orthodontic issues, from simple spacing problems to more complex bite issues. Getting orthodontic treatment during the teenage years has distinct advantages. The rapid growth happening during this phase can be harnessed to make significant improvements in tooth and jaw alignment. Also, since all permanent teeth have usually erupted by early adolescence, comprehensive treatment can be achieved more effectively.
Living with braces requires some adjustments, but they’re manageable and well worth the resulting smile. Proper care for your braces is crucial to ensure successful treatment. This includes brushing after every meal and flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque from around the braces and gums. Regular check-ups with our orthodontist, Dr. Tim, are also essential to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Dietary changes are another part of life with braces. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage braces and should be avoided. Examples include popcorn, nuts, hard candy, gum, and sticky sweets. Instead, opt for softer foods like pasta, rice, bananas, and yogurt.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, don’t worry! You can still participate in your favorite activities while undergoing orthodontic treatment. We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect both your braces and your mouth from potential injury. At Empower Orthodontics, we can provide a specially designed orthodontic mouthguard that fits over your braces comfortably.
Beyond the physical benefits, braces can significantly boost self-esteem. Many teenagers feel self-conscious about their smiles, and correcting orthodontic issues can provide a massive lift to their confidence. We’ve seen countless teens transform from shy and reserved to outgoing and confident, thanks to their new smiles.
Braces For Adults
Orthodontics is not just for children and teens. In fact, 1 in every 5 patients in orthodontic treatment is an adult. Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many of the same reasons as children. Some adults had orthodontic problems as children but were unable to correct them until now. Others, who had treatment as children, may need further treatment as adults due to relapse or limitations in initial treatment.
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways. These include:
- Align the teeth to create a more aesthetic and beautiful smile
- Correct relapse after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long-term retainer wear
- Improve the ability to brush and floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth
- Create a better or more comfortable bite and ability to chew
- Address missing teeth
- Close spaces between the teeth
- Reduce excessive wear on the teeth due to grinding or poor bite
- Jaw surgery to correct the discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws
Orthodontic treatment is no more uncomfortable for adults than children. Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment report the same level of soreness as children (although adults are more willing to tell us about the soreness).
Typically, the teeth are most uncomfortable 12-24 hours after an orthodontic adjustment and will disappear within 3-5 days. Modern appliances are smaller and more comfortable to wear. Modern techniques, with the new titanium technology, put less pressure on the teeth to cause discomfort, while moving the teeth more rapidly and efficiently. It also decreases the time required between adjustments to every 8–10 weeks. Treatment time, on average, is completed in 15-18 months.
The fee for adult orthodontic treatment is determined the same way as child or adolescent treatment. It is based on the severity of the problem, the complexity of the correction, the appliances used, and the length of time to correct.
Dr. Tim has treated individuals in their 50’s, 60’s, and even their 70’s. It is never too late to gain the smile you have always wanted.
