Discover the right braces for your smile
Exploring your options
Discover the right braces for your smile
Exploring your options
Your Guide to Straighter Smiles and Healthier Bites
From traditional metal braces to cutting-edge clear aligners, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re considering traditional metal braces for their reliability and effectiveness, self-ligating braces for their comfort and convenience, clear ceramic braces for their discreet appearance, or clear aligners for their flexibility and convenience, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Types of Braces
Each type of braces has unique benefits and drawbacks. This section highlights the four main types of braces: traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces, clear ceramic braces, and clear aligners. Read on to learn about the differences between them and which option may be best for you.
Traditional Self-Ligating Metal Brackets
Traditional self-ligating metal brackets represent a modern evolution in orthodontic technology, offering patients a reliable and efficient option for achieving a straighter smile. These brackets feature a built-in mechanism that eliminates the need for elastic or metal ties to secure the archwire, reducing friction and allowing for smoother tooth movement. With their sleek design and durability, traditional self-ligating metal brackets provide patients with a comfortable and discreet orthodontic experience.
Self-Ligating Clear Ceramic Brackets
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Clear Aligners - Spark & Invisalign
Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Brands We Trust
IN-OVATION® Braces
Get ready to smile brighter, faster! In-Ovation offers a new and advanced system of braces that will help you achieve your perfect grin in less time than traditional methods – without any uncomfortable ties or elastics. No more tightening appointments are necessary either; gentle forces are used for quick yet comfortable results, often achieved months earlier than other treatments available.
SPARK® CLEAR ALIGNERS
Spark® Clear Aligners are acrylic trays that straighten teeth like braces, but are invisible and removable. They allow for normal eating and brushing, and are comfortable without any metal causing mouth abrasions during treatment.
INVISALIGN® CLEAR ALIGNERS
Get a straighter smile with the convenience of Invisalign® clear aligners. They are fast, effective, and virtually invisible, providing a comfortable treatment process. With a custom treatment plan, we will create custom-made aligners, which you will wear as directed. Let Invisalign® provide you with comprehensive teeth straightening for a variety of conditions.
Life with Braces & FAQs
Taking care of your braces is essential throughout your orthodontic treatment. To avoid damage, steer clear of chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods, as well as those that require biting into. Instead, opt for dairy products, soft breads, grains, meats/poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and treats that are gentle on braces. If you experience soreness, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or take a pain reliever. Loose teeth and wires should be addressed by your orthodontist to prevent further issues. Remember to wear any prescribed appliances consistently, and protect your teeth during sports with a mouthguard. Contact us immediately if you notice any damage!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH AND FLOSS MY TEETH IF I'M WEARING BRACES OR A RETAINER?
It’s recommended to brush your teeth at least three times a day and floss daily to remove food caught in your braces. Your orthodontist can show you how to do this properly.
WHAT ARE BRACES AND HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WEAR THEM?
Braces are used to improve the appearance and function of your smile. Treatment times vary, but most standard treatments last for about 22 months.
WILL GETTING BRACES HURT?
You may experience discomfort for a few days after getting braces, but pain is not common.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WITH BRACES?
Yes! While some activities may require adjustments, such as wearing a mouthguard for contact sports, wearing braces won’t stop you from participating in school activities.
Taking care of your braces is essential throughout your orthodontic treatment. To avoid damage, steer clear of chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods, as well as those that require biting into. Instead, opt for dairy products, soft breads, grains, meats/poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and treats that are gentle on braces. If you experience soreness, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or take a pain reliever. Loose teeth and wires should be addressed by your orthodontist to prevent further issues. Remember to wear any prescribed appliances consistently, and protect your teeth during sports with a mouthguard. Contact us immediately if you notice any damage!
Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances are integral components of orthodontic treatment, playing a crucial role in achieving straighter teeth, proper jaw alignment, and a harmonious bite. These appliances come in various forms, from traditional braces and clear aligners to specialized devices like headgear and TADs. By applying gentle pressure to teeth or guiding jaw growth, orthodontic appliances help move teeth into their desired positions and correct bite issues. Retainers then maintain these results by preventing teeth from shifting back over time. Each appliance serves a unique purpose, working together to create a beautiful, healthy smile and improve overall oral function.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Positioners
Headgear
Separators
TADs
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are small titanium anchors used in certain orthodontic cases to help achieve quicker tooth movement with more efficiency and comfort. TADs may be used in addition to braces or as an alternative to headgear. When TADs are placed, a strong anesthetic is used to numb the gum tissue and the jaw surrounding the area where the TAD will be placed.
Once the area is numb, the TAD is gently placed through the gum tissue and firmly into the jawbone, which is a quick procedure and may be over before you know it. To keep TADs clean, patients can clean them the same way they clean their braces: by brushing their teeth at least three times a day, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash twice a day. If patients experience any discomfort from having their TADs placed, Tylenol® is recommended to help relieve the pain.
If discomfort continues days after treatment, patients should contact their dentist as soon as possible. TADs are removed once the treatment is complete or when they are no longer needed to help straighten the teeth, which is a comfortable procedure that takes just a few minutes.
For more information about the types of braces we offer, please contact us at 707-452-1111 today!
2070 Peabody Rd #700
Vacaville, CA 95687
Phone
Hours
Monday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday 7:30am to 4:00pm
Friday - Sunday Closed