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, guiding them into the mouth properly. Unfortunately, due to trauma, tooth decay, or just anatomy, even the healthiest baby teeth can’t prevent crowded or crooked teeth.
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. Using an adhesive, the brackets are placed 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, like severe crowding or jaw anomalies, like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Every 4-5 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 to realign teeth after preparing teeth 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.
Though it’s recommended patients wear them for 20-22 hours a day, they can be removed for special events like weddings, graduations, school pictures, etc. Patients can also remove their 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 their Worcester, MA, orthodontist. The new aligners are aligned differently from the previous set, which means 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 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, and certain foods or drinks, like coffee, tea, or berries, can cause stains if they get trapped inside the aligners.
To avoid staining, take your aligners out when eating or drinking anything other than water, and clean them regularly.
Can I wear metal or clear braces if I play sports?
Yes, you can wear metal or clear braces while playing sports, but it’s a good idea to 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, but make sure it’s designed for braces to keep everything safe during contact sports.
Do I need metal braces or clear aligners if I have overcrowding?
If you have overcrowding, both metal braces and clear aligners can help straighten your teeth, but metal braces are usually a better choice for more severe cases. Metal braces are strong and can handle complex problems like severe overcrowding, as they can move teeth more effectively in different directions.
Clear aligners can work for mild to moderate overcrowding, but they might not be as effective for very crowded or complicated teeth. Your orthodontist 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 generally considered 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 usually cost more than metal braces because theyare 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. However, the cost for both 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 based on your needs.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Does your child need orthodontic care? Call our dental office 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!