Got crooked or misaligned teeth? Don’t worry; there are plenty of orthodontic treatment options available that will straighten your teeth and give you a smile you have always desired for. At your consultation, your dentist can discuss all of your treatment options and determine which one will work best for you.

• Metal Braces

Metal braces are the traditional method of straightening teeth and are still very popular today. They are made of high-quality stainless steel, and they come in several different colors. Metal braces are bonded to the teeth, which means they cannot be removed.

These braces use brackets, wires, rubber bands, and springs to straighten teeth. They are the tried-and-true method for straightening teeth. Brackets are bonded to each tooth and serve as an anchor for the archwire that connects them. Rubber bands are wrapped around the brackets to connect the archwire to the brackets. As the teeth move, the wires apply pressure to the brackets and teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position.

At-home oral care and professional cleanings are critical for braces wearers. Flossing is especially important, as food particles can get stuck between the brackets and cause tooth decay and gum disease.

• Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of clear, removable aligners that straighten your teeth. Invisalign is a popular brand of clear aligners. Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces because they don’t contain any metal brackets or wires and don’t require tightening. You wear them all day for a minimum of 22 hours per day and only remove them to eat or drink or to clean your teeth. The aligners are changed every one to two weeks and are custom-made to fit teeth.

• Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces eliminate the need for elastics, meaning fewer appointments and less friction on your teeth. Self-ligating braces have their own built-in clips that hold the archwire in place, so you don’t need to place any elastics around each individual bracket. The brackets are designed to guide your teeth into place, so you won’t need to wear rubber bands or use any other attachments.

• Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are popular among adult patients because they don’t have metal brackets or wires. Instead, the brackets are clear and are made of a ceramic material, making them blend in with the patient’s teeth. Since the brackets are smaller and flatter than metal brackets, they offer a more comfortable fit.

To learn more about our orthodontic treatment options, visit our Daniel Tebbi, D.M.D. office at 16661 Ventura Blvd Ste 620, Encino, CA 91436. You can also reach us at (818) 789-2034.