Orthodontic treatments significantly impact a child’s dental development. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, the focus is on using the most advanced treatments like self-ligating braces to optimize orthodontic care.
In order to help parents understand the best orthodontic options for their children, we are providing the distinctions between self-ligating versus traditional braces.
Understanding Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have been the cornerstone of orthodontics for decades, correcting a wide range of alignment and bite issues through brackets and wires that are manually tightened and adjusted. While effective, they come with certain challenges:
Discomfort: Tightening of wires can cause pressure and discomfort immediately after appointments.
Oral Hygiene Difficulties: The intricate arrangement of bands and wires can trap food particles and plaque, making thorough cleaning challenging.
Esthetic Concerns: Especially for adults and older teenagers, the metallic appearance of traditional braces can be a cosmetic concern.
Adjustment Frequency: Traditional braces require more frequent adjustments, leading to more visits to the orthodontist.
Visibility: Metal braces are more noticeable than clear or Damon self-ligating braces.
What are Self-Ligating Braces?
The need for elastic or metal ties is eliminated with self-ligating braces. Instead, they feature a special mechanism in the brackets that secures the archwire into place. This design not only streamlines orthodontic appointments but makes for quick adjustment appointments.
Function: These braces are designed with an integrated mechanism that secures the wire.
Efficiency: Often associated with shorter adjustment appointments and longer intervals between adjustment appointments leading to fewer office visits.
Enhanced Comfort: The smooth design of the self-ligating brackets makes them comfortable for the lips and cheeks.
Improved Oral Hygiene: With fewer components to trap food, maintaining good oral hygiene is potentially easier.
Esthetic Options: Clear and Damon braces offer less noticeable alternatives for self-conscious patients.
Types of Self-Ligating Braces Offered
Clear Self-Ligating Braces: These ceramic braces offer the same benefits as their metal counterparts but are less noticeable, making them ideal for teenagers concerned about their appearance.
Damon System Braces: Damon braces are well known brand for their self-ligating mechanism.
Metal Self-Ligating Braces: Strong and effective, metal self-ligating braces are an excellent option for addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues.
Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces for Children and Teenagers
Reduced Adjustment Time: The efficient mechanism of self-ligating braces often means a shorter overall time in the dental chair at each adjustment appointment compared to traditional braces.
Less Frequent Adjustments: With self-ligating braces, the need for regular tightening is decreased, leading to fewer orthodontic appointments.
Easier Oral Hygiene: The absence of ties makes self-ligating braces easier to clean, promoting better oral health during the treatment.
Esthetic and Functional Advantages: Clear and Damon system braces provide the dual benefits of effective treatment and esthetic appeal, meeting both the functional and cosmetic needs of young patients.
Post-Treatment Considerations for Orthodontic Care
After the active phase of orthodontic treatment with self-ligating braces is complete, maintaining the achieved results is equally important. The process to achieve an excellent smile does not end with the removal of braces; it continues with diligent post-treatment care to ensure the longevity of the results.
Here are the post-treatment considerations at Burke & Redford Orthodontists:
Retention Phase
Function of Retainers: Following the removal of braces, there is an inherent tendency for teeth to return to their initial placement, a phenomenon referred to as relapse.
Types of Retainers: Dr. Ryan Redford typically recommends one of several types of retainers:
Fixed Retainers: Bonded to the backside of the teeth, these cannot be removed by the patient and provide continuous hold.
Removable Retainers: These can be Hawley (wire and acrylic) or clear aligner-style retainers and are taken out during meals and cleaning.
Follow-Up Appointments
Scheduled visits after treatment are important to ensure the orthodontic results remain stable and the retainers are in good condition. Initially, these visits may be more frequent, gradually spacing out over time.
Oral Hygiene Post-Braces
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene remains vital after braces. Patients are advised to continue regular brushing and flossing, paying particular attention to areas around retainers where plaque can accumulate.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups should continue every six months, or as recommended by the dental professional.
Long-term Dental Health
The advantages of orthodontic care reach far beyond cosmetic enhancements. Properly aligned teeth contribute to better oral health, reducing the risks of decay, gum disease, and uneven wear.
Continued alignment monitoring ensures any minor shifts are addressed promptly, maintaining the functional and aesthetic benefits achieved through treatment.
Lifestyle Adjustments
While life post-braces is less restrictive, some care is necessary, especially with removable retainers, to ensure they are used as prescribed and maintained properly.
Patients, particularly active in sports or other physical activities, should consider protective measures like custom mouthguards to safeguard their smiles.
Ensuring Success with Burke & Redford Orthodontists
The team at Burke & Redford Orthodontists is committed to ensuring the success and longevity of orthodontic treatments. The doctors provide comprehensive guidance on post-treatment care and are available to address any concerns or adjustments that may be needed for patients.
Why Patients Choose Burke & Redford Orthodontists
Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke’s experience using self-ligating braces has positioned them as leading orthodontists in Riverside County for 30 years. They prioritize effective, efficient, and patient-friendly orthodontic solutions, ensuring each child’s treatment is as comfortable and beneficial as possible.
For parents considering orthodontic treatment for their children, Burke & Redford Orthodontists provide expert guidance and advanced treatment options.
Request a consultation in our Temecula orthodontist office or Lake Elsinore orthodontist office by calling our office during business hours at (951) 699-8011 or filling out our website’s consultation form anytime to learn more about how self-ligating braces can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your child or teenager.