Orthodontic Treatment in Arlington, TX
At Studio Orthodontics, we strive to provide high quality, convenient orthodontic care in a friendly and relaxed office environment. Dr. Gilmore and our highly trained team of orthodontic specialists work hard to treat every patient on an individual basis, designing personalized treatment plans that perfectly suit each patient’s unique orthodontic needs. We’re proud to serve patients of all ages at Studio Orthodontics, and while many people think of braces as something just for kids or teenagers, the truth isn’t so monochromatic – in fact, more than a quarter of our patients are adults!
Never Too Late
More and more adults are discovering the magic of orthodontic treatment, and it’s little wonder why. A new smile brings a boost in happiness, confidence, and self-esteem that radiates through every aspect of both personal and professional life, and today’s braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than ever before. Plus, with new treatment methods like Invisalign, you can straighten your smile without metal wires or brackets – no one even has to know you’re straightening your teeth!
We can move healthy teeth at any age, so despite what you may have heard, there’s no such thing as being “too old” for braces. That said, adult orthodontic treatment differs from early or adolescent treatment in two ways. First, the jaws are fully developed by adulthood, so we can’t make changes to bone and jaw structure of adults in the same way we can with children. Second, periodontal disease poses a greater risk to adults, so we’ll need to ensure that any signs of gum disease are cleared up before starting treatment. This doesn’t pose too much of a challenge, though – a diligent oral hygiene regimen and regular professional teeth cleanings are usually more than enough to keep gum disease at bay.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
All orthodontic treatments work in more or less the same way, applying gentle, constant forces to teeth that move them over time. How they apply these forces differs, though, and each treatment offers its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. We offer a variety of different treatment options, including:
Traditional Metal Braces — This is what most people think of when they hear the word “braces”: a series of metal brackets bonded to the front of teeth, all connected by a thin, springy metal archwire that runs through them and applies force. They’re strong, reliable, and cost-effective, so it’s little wonder that they’re still our most popular form of treatment.
Clear Braces — These work in much the same way as traditional braces, but instead of stainless steel, the brackets are made from a clear or tooth-colored composite material. This makes it much more difficult to see them when you’re wearing them, making them a discreet form of treatment, but they’re slightly more expensive than traditional braces and they can stain when exposed to certain foods and drinks.
Invisalign — Invisalign does away with metal wires and brackets altogether, instead using a series of removable plastic trays, called aligners, to straighten teeth. The aligners are virtually invisible when worn and can easily be popped in and out to eat, drink, brush, and floss – so no one will know you’re straightening your teeth, you can still enjoy all your favorite foods, and maintaining oral hygiene is a breeze!
Lingual Braces — Lingual braces work the same as metal braces, but they’re truly invisible – because they’re mounted to the inside (tongue side) of your teeth. This makes them completely invisible to the outside, but they’re also more expensive than traditional braces and take longer to get used to.
Post-Treatment Care
Once you get your braces off, we know how happy you’ll be – but you’re not quite out of the woods yet. Next comes the retention phase, and without proper retainer care, your teeth will just move back to their old positions! After we take your braces off we’ll fit you for a retainer, and when we give it to you we’ll include detailed instructions on wearing it and caring for it. Just remember how important it is: without your retainer, your teeth will move back – so be sure to wear yours diligently.
YOUR NEW SMILES AWAITS
Feel free to call us at 817-357-8899 at our Arlington office, (817) 847-9901 for our Saginaw office, reach out to us at our contact page, or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at one of our offices. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you reinvent yourself with a gorgeous new smile that’ll last you years to come!