Treatments

Types of Braces

Metal Braces
Clear Braces
Lingual Braces

Traditional/Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high-grade stainless steel. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive.

Clear Braces

Many patients enjoy the combination of ceramic and metal because it is simultaneously attractive and sturdy. In fact, these braces are so sturdy that many doctors will recommend them to their patients who play sports. Patients are allowed to engage in most everyday activities without fear of delaying or impeding their progress.

Also, because they have a semi-transparent color that will not stain, patients can proceed with necessary orthodontic treatment without having to feel self-conscious. In addition, Clear braces’ smooth, rounded shape allows for greater patient comfort.

These features are designed for patients regardless of age. If you have questions about Clear Braces, consult your orthodontist.

Lingual Braces

You already know about the traditional metal braces placed on the front of the teeth. What sets lingual braces apart is in their placement on the back of the teeth. Lingual braces are virtually invisible, and that's the main reason eligible patients choose them. This partly explains why they are more common among adults than children. One other advantage is if you play a wind instrument or a sport, lingual braces are easier to adapt to than traditional braces. Keep in mind that you'll have to search for an orthodontist who offers lingual braces. Not all practices offer them because dentists need to take continuing education courses in order to learn to use the equipment required to place the braces. According to the American Lingual Orthodontic Association (ALOA), these custom-made braces usually cost more than traditional outfits.

iTero Scanner

Our practice now offers the iTero Impressionless Scanner in our office. The innovative iTero Impressionless Scanner is an advanced technology used to take oral impressions for braces, Invisalign®, Appliance and retainers. Impressionless scanning uses confocal imaging to digitally capture the shape of teeth and gums, providing a multitude without the use of traditional impressions.

Traditional impression techniques requires a patient to be uncomfortably seated while having a messy substance in their mouth. However, with the iTero Impressionless Scanner it takes 1/3 the time to take an impression and we get a much more detailed result.

iTero Impressionless Scanners have several benefits over traditional impressions. First, a patient’s movement does not distort the scan while eliminating the invasiveness and discomfort caused by impressions. Second, the real-time digital display of scans allows for immediate adjustment, ensuring accurate scans the first time. Finally, the image quality of impressionless scans is superior to conventional impressions.

Suresmile

Our orthodontic technicians and Dr. Firth are certified SureSmile providers.

Dr. Firth provides state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment. Instead of bending an archwire by hand, Dr. Firth uses advanced 3-D imaging, virtual simulations and robotically bent archwires customized for your treatment. When the SureSmile wire is inserted into your brackets, each tooth moves directly to the prescribed position. Your teeth don't move faster with SureSmile - they move with precision that was never before possible.

SureSmile utilizes advanced technologies to greatly improve traditional treatment methods. The software provides virtual simulations for Dr. Firth to review planning options and determine your optimum treatment. The target position of each tooth is planned in advance so you’ll know what outcome to expect.

How Does SureSmile® Work?

Dr. Firth will place your braces on and place wires in to even out your teeth. After two to three orthodontic adjustments, Dr. Firth and one of his orthodontic technicians will create a 3-D computer model of your bite by using advanced imaging technology to scan your teeth. The 3-D images can be captured with the OraScanner. The scan procedure is the beginning of your SureSmile treatment.

With the 3-D model, Dr. Firth can now see your teeth and how they fit together from any angle. SureSmile Treatment Planning software provides virtual simulation tools that allow Dr. Firth to determine the final position of your teeth and the most effective plan for your unique treatment needs.

Once your treatment plan is determined, SureSmile directs a robot to bend a Shape-Memory Alloy archwire according to Dr. Firth's prescription. This wire is designed to deliver gentle forces needed to move your teeth consistently and directly to their desired finishing position.

Is my orthodontist still in control of my treatment?

Absolutely. SureSmile allows Dr. Firth to treat patients using the same fundamental process and tools that he or she has used for years. In fact, Dr. Firth has greater control over treatment thanks to the 3-D visualization tools that SureSmile provides.

Call us for more information or go to www.suresmile.com.

Bankhead & FirthOrthodontics