Braces
Life In Treatment
No matter how old you are, you’re never the wrong age get the smile you’ve always wanted – and at Braces for All Ages, we offer amazing options that make treatment faster, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than ever before. This page is dedicated to the types of braces we have, appliances and even some tips for what foods to embrace and avoid with braces.
Traditional Braces
These are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Braces For All Ages uses the lowest profile braces available, resulting in maximum comfort for the lips and cheeks. Made of high-grade stainless steel, these braces were carefully selected by our Doctors because they allow them to straighten your teeth and bite with exceptional precision and accuracy. With metal braces, you have the option of adding elastic ligatures (“donuts”) to hold the archwires in place in single or multi-colors to suit your fashion sense.
Damon® Braces
Revolutionary Braces
Damon® Metal Braces
Braces for All Ages provides state of the art treatment with Damon braces. This revolutionary system utilizes a unique passive self-ligating bracket that holds the wire in place without additional ties or wires, resulting in a bracket that is not only very efficient, but easy to keep clean as well.
Damon braces use very light forces to achieve results beyond previously conceived expectations. Damon braces are different than braces you may be familiar with; the self-ligating brackets don’t require “tightening” and combine with high tech wires to create tooth movement that is more comfortable and efficient. Time between appointments is often 8-10 weeks as the advanced system of brackets and wires moves your teeth into the desired positions.
Many adults find that the Damon clear braces are a highly esthetic, less visible option. Younger patients like to maximize their look with more traditional metal brackets. Whichever option you choose, Damon braces in the hands of our doctors will give you results that are efficient, precise and beautiful.
Damon® Clear Braces
When you want a more discreet look than Damon metal braces for your orthodontic treatment, there’s Damon Clear. Braces for All Ages is excited to be able to provide this alternative to metal braces and clear aligners.
Virtually invisible, Damon Clear gives you the same advantages of Damon metal braces in a clear look. Damon Clear is part of the innovative Damon System, which combines tieless braces with high technology archwires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with truly spectacular smile and facial results. Damon Clear is available for all ages, and they’re a great option that can suit your look and your lifestyle. Ask our doctors to show you Damon Clear; they might just be the clear choice for you!
Early Treatment
As a specialist in growth and development and an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Brenda is able to detect any deficiencies in the growth cycle and understands the profound benefits of early intervention. That’s why we want to see your child early. At our office we prefer to see them even younger. The most rapid growth of the upper and lower jaw occurs BEFORE age 7. Our goal is to provide interceptive therapy, when possible, to make sure that growth is happening to its fullest potential. Early intervention also enables us to capitalize on the child’s growth, thereby requiring less invasive techniques. If the upper jaw does not grow as far forward as it should it can “trap” the lower jaw and hold the entire midface back. This directly impacts the size of the upper airway. A narrow upper jaw is also a narrow nasal passage. When the airway is small patients are at increased risk of sleep disordered breathing (including Obstructive Sleep Apnea). If a patient has airway issues that negatively impact their sleep they may experience many different symptoms related to poor sleep quality. Some of these symptoms are listed below:
- Difficulty concentrating or ADHD
- Anxiety or depression
- Bedwetting or frequent waking to use the restroom
- Delayed or stunted growth
- Restless sleep
- Nightmares
- Irritability
- Chronic allergies/asthma/eczema
- Teeth grinding
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Swollen tonsils/frequent tonsil infections
- Daytime sleepiness
Adult Treatment
Adults may feel like it is “too late” for treatment, that they can no longer get the benefits that children get from early intervention. While it is true that we are able to achieve great results in children by capitalizing on their rapid jaw growth and development, we can also achieve great results in adults as well. Many adults think that because they are no longer “growing” we cannot get palatal expansion or forward facial growth. However, this is a frequently misunderstood process. Our bodies are constantly remodeling our bone, which means that adults CAN get a wider smile and forward jaw growth! By utilizing the Damon system and other appliances that encourage slow movement and bone growth, along with our cold lasers, we are able to get great results in adults; most often without surgical intervention.
Appliances
PSA Expander
- Used to expand the palate and create space in the upper jaw
- Cemented in place
- A key is used to turn the expander at home (typically twice a week)
- Typically worn for 6+ months
W-Arch Expander
- Used to expand the palate and create space in the upper jaw
- Used to expand the palate and create space in the upper jaw
- Cemented in place-Adjusted in office and does not require turning or at home adjustments
- Typically in place for 6-12 months
Protraction Facemask
- Used to bring the upper jaw forward
- Typically worn only at night for 6-12 months
Lower E Expander
- Used to expand the lower jaw and create space
- Cemented in place
- Adjusted in office by Dr. Brenda
- No turning or at-home adjustments required
Lower Schwartz
- Used to expand the lower jaw and create space
- Removeable
- A key is used to turn the expander at home (out of the mouth) typically 1-2 times per week
Herbst
- Used to bring the lower jaw forward
- Cemented in place
- Typically worn for 12-18 months
Retainers
When you’re done with orthodontic treatment and celebrating your new smile, Dr. Brenda and the team will want to make sure that your smile stays beautiful. Orthodontic retainers are included as part of your orthodontic treatment for a reason; retainers will keep your teeth aligned! By following the instructions we give you when your braces are removed, you’ll be able to have a smile that lasts a lifetime.
Making Your New Smile Last
Life With Braces
Is Much Easier Than You Think
Brushing
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, including between teeth, on the surface of each tooth and around each bracket and wires. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush your teeth four times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque:
• In the morning after breakfast
• After lunch or right after school
• After dinner
• At bedtime
Brushing the brackets and wires can cause your toothbrush to wear more quickly than before braces. If you notice the bristles starting to bend or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. Do not swallow any toothpaste as you brush, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to carefully floss and brush daily for optimal oral hygiene.
Flossing
Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day. A floss threader which has a stiff end will help you push the floss under your archwire. Floss at night to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment. You may also use a Water Pik or Air Flosser as a substitute for flossing.
Braces-Friendly Foods
What To Eat And What To Avoid
You’ve probably heard from your parents, friends, and even your orthodontist, the long list of foods and beverages that you should avoid while wearing braces. While it may seem like you’re giving up a lot, it is important to avoid eating certain foods. We also want you to enjoy your braces experience, so here’s a quick list of foods to avoid and foods to embrace while wearing braces.
Food It’s Safe To Eat With Braces
Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks.
Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts.
Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice.
Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats.
Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes.
Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans.
Fruits — applesauce, bananas, sliced fruit, most berries. (watch out for seeds)
Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, cake.
Food To Avoid With Braces
Ice — At least not if you chew on it.
Potato Chips — Be really careful with these.
Caramel — Sticky goo which pulls off brackets.
Some Breads — Bend wires and break brackets.
Beef Jerky — Tough as nails.
Hard Candy/Suckers — You might forget and bite.
Nuts — No nuts of any kind.
Ribs — Knock off brackets.
Popcorn — Hulls get caught between gums and bands.
Raw carrots — Try to avoid raw carrots.
Apples — You can eat them, just cut them up first. Sorry, no caramel apples! Corn on the cob — Can stay in your teeth for weeks.
