Here at Westfall Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a wide range of unique treatment options to our orthodontic patients in Abingdon, Richlands, Bristol, and the surrounding communities, including different types of braces. Our expert team is dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans that are created specifically to meet your needs! Using the latest in orthodontic techniques and technology, Dr. Westfall is able to successfully diagnose and treat any number of orthodontic issues, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between teeth
- protruding teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- impacted teeth
At Westfall Orthodontics, we treat these oral health issues and more using a variety of methods, including traditional braces. Metal braces have gone through some major changes in recent years, including smaller brackets and a more aesthetically pleasing design. Today’s braces also move teeth more efficiently, resulting in shorter treatment times than in the past. It’s easy to see why traditional metal braces remain the top orthodontic treatment, even after all these years!
Once you make the choice to begin braces treatment to improve your oral health and achieve a straighter smile, your next concern may be what your options are. At your initial consultation with Dr. Westfall, he’ll conduct an orthodontic examination that will help him determine which treatment options would be the best fit for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of braces available at Westfall Orthodontics and how they can give you a confident smile that you’ll love!
A note about traditional braces
Braces are an excellent way to fix complex tooth problems and they close gaps and align teeth faster than other options might, which can shorten your overall treatment time. Since every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from person to person. However, the average time spent in braces is anywhere from 12-36 months. You’ll often begin to see improvements in a short time, which is very encouraging!
Caring for traditional braces can come with a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, but it gets easier in no time. A good dental hygiene routine is important for everyone, but it’s essential during orthodontic treatment. There are some tools designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as Waterpiks, which help to rinse those hard to reach areas and ortho picks to make flossing easier. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing each night before bed.
While in braces treatment, there are a few foods that you’ll need to avoid in order to keep your braces from any damage. Sticky and crunchy foods can wreak havoc on the metal wires and brackets of your braces, so it’s important to follow food restriction guidelines put in place by Dr. Westfall. It may be tough in the beginning, but this won’t last forever, and it’ll all be worth it when your braces come off and you see your new, beautiful smile!
As a braces patient at Westfall Orthodontics, you can expect follow-up appointments in our office every 4-8 weeks or so throughout the course of your treatment. During these appointments, Dr. Westfall will check the progress you’re making in your treatment and make any necessary adjustments to your bands and wires. These appointments tend to be fairly quick, so you can get back to school or work on time! You may experience some slight soreness after these adjustments, but it won’t last very long. You can use a salt water rinse or a warm cloth on your cheeks for some relief. These visits are an essential part of the orthodontic process, so do your best not to miss them!
*This photo was taken prior to the COVID19 pandemic. We are currently following new safety protocols.
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics, and also the most common type of treatment.
Today’s metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results to our Westfall Orthodontics patients and are especially useful in cases that are more serious or complex.
Metal braces also tend to be a little more affordable option, since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year.
Clear braces
Also known as tooth-colored braces or aesthetic braces, clear braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While clear braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more discreet straightening option.
Although clear braces are tough, they’re made from polycrystalline ceramic, a material that can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can hold up to more pressure than clear ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made.
Clear brackets are often slightly more expensive than metal braces, as well. Because of this and since they are more prone to breaking, Dr. Westfall typically recommends clear braces for older teens and adults who are pursuing orthodontic treatment. That said, clear braces can be an excellent option for many Westfall Orthodontics patients. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles, although some of our patients choose to use color bands for a unique neon look.
*This photo was taken prior to the COVID19 pandemic. We are currently following new safety protocols.
Find braces that work with your smile at Westfall Orthodontics
At Westfall Orthodontics, we know that every smile is unique and what works for one person may not be the best fit for another. This is why Dr. Westfall and the team at Westfall Orthodontics works together with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan! With his education and expertise, you can trust that Dr. Westfall will only recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your smile.
If you’re in Abingdon, Richlands, Bristol, or the surrounding communities, we would love to meet you and give you more information on how braces can give you a healthier, straighter smile! Contact our office today to schedule your FREE consultation!