Teeth help a child learn how to speak properly. They also help us chew our food thoroughly. And, of course, teeth help us all smile with confidence. Baby teeth serve another purpose: they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. But even the healthiest baby teeth can’t prevent crowded or crooked teeth because of trauma, tooth decay, or anatomy. Our orthodontists provide two types of dental braces in our Worcester, MA, office: traditional metal braces and clear Invisalign aligners.
Patients with different orthodontic needs benefit from each option. Dr. Menachem D. Roth and Dr. Roberto S. Carvalho can help your child get a straighter, healthier smile with an orthodontic treatment plan that’s unique to your child’s needs. We also provide additional, comprehensive orthodontic services to new and existing patients in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Types of Dental Braces in Worcester, MA
Our office works with patients to find the best orthodontic treatment for their smile. We provide these orthodontic options for children and teenagers:
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces consist of metal brackets, a metal wire, and elastic bands. Dentists use an adhesive to place the brackets on the front of the teeth. Each bracket has an indentation where the archwire sits. Once the archwire is situated in the brackets, it’s secured by placing small orthodontic bands around each bracket.
Traditional braces are ideal for patients with more complex cases:
- Severe crowding
- Jaw anomalies
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Every 4 to 5 weeks, we change the wire and rubber bands to promote tooth movement and alignment.
We often use metal braces in the second phase of two-phase treatment. Braces realign teeth after we prepare them for treatment with orthodontic appliances.
Clear Aligners
Aligners like Invisalign are similar to splints and sports mouthguards because they fit completely over each tooth. The great thing about clear aligners is that they’re virtually invisible and removable.
We recommend that you wear Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day. You can remove them for special events like weddings, graduations, or school pictures. You can also remove the aligners to eat and drink to prevent staining or damage to the aligners.
Every few weeks, your child will receive a new set of aligners from our orthodontist in Worcester, MA. The new aligners are aligned differently from the previous set. They’ll be a bit snug at first, but that’s necessary as it helps the teeth gently move into the correct position.
Dental Braces FAQs
Learn more about different types of dental braces in our Worcester, MA, dental office:
Which type of braces is more effective for straightening teeth?
Metal braces and clear braces are both effective at straightening teeth. The difference is the extent of your tooth misalignment. Metal braces are often better for more complex cases, while clear braces can treat mild or moderate orthodontic problems.
Do clear aligners stain over time?
Clear aligners can stain over time if they are not cleaned properly. The aligners are made of a clear plastic material. Certain foods or drinks, like coffee, tea, or berries, can cause stains if they get trapped inside them. Take your aligners out when you eat or drink anything other than water to avoid stains.
Can I wear metal or clear braces if I play sports?
Yes, you can wear metal or clear braces when you play sports, but you should wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. A mouthguard helps prevent damage to your braces and can protect your mouth from injuries.
For metal braces, you may want to get a special sports mouthguard that fits over your braces. For clear braces, a mouthguard works the same way. Mouthguards designed for braces keep everything safe during contact sports.
Do I need metal braces or clear aligners if I have overcrowding?
Both metal braces and clear aligners can straighten crooked teeth. However, metal braces tend to work better for more serious crowding problems. The reason is that metal braces are stronger and can control tooth movement more precisely.
Clear aligners can work for mild to moderate overcrowding, but may not be as effective for very crowded or complicated teeth. We will help decide which option is best for you based on the amount of overcrowding and your specific needs.
How often will I need to adjust my metal braces?
You will need to visit the orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks to adjust your metal braces. During these visits, the orthodontist will tighten the wires and make sure everything is moving as planned. These adjustments help your teeth shift into the right position.
Are clear aligners more comfortable than metal braces?
Clear aligners are more comfortable than metal braces. They are smooth plastic trays that fit over your teeth, so they don’t have the metal wires and brackets that can sometimes cause irritation.
However, clear aligners can still cause some discomfort when you switch to a new set, as your teeth are gradually shifting. Metal braces might feel more uncomfortable, especially after adjustments when the wires are tightened.
How long will I need to wear braces?
The length of time you’ll need to wear braces depends on how much work your teeth need. On average, most people wear braces for about 1 to 3 years. The time can be shorter or longer depending on how severe the dental issues are, like overcrowding or bite problems.
Do metal braces or clear aligners cost more?
Clear aligners often cost more than metal braces because they are custom-made for your teeth. They involve more advanced technology.
Metal braces tend to be more affordable because they have been around longer and are simpler to make. But the cost for metal braces and clear aligners can vary based on how long you need treatment and where you live. We can give you a more specific price before treatment.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Does your child need orthodontic care? Call our dental office for dental braces in Worcester, MA, at (508) 625-5534 or schedule a dental appointment online. Please let us know if you have any questions about the right types of dental braces for your child. We are here to help!