Here at Shine Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of unique and innovative orthodontic treatment options to patients of all ages in our Holly Springs office. Our world-class team is committed to creating customized treatment plans that are designed specifically to meet your unique needs! Using the latest techniques and innovative technology, Dr. Rita McGrogan is able to successfully correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between teeth
- protruding teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- impacted teeth
Dr. McGrogan does this using a variety of treatment methods, including different types of braces and clear aligners. As the most common type of orthodontic treatment, braces have undergone quite a transformation over the years. Not only are today’s braces smaller and more aesthetically pleasing, but they also move the teeth more efficiently, leading to a better orthodontic experience all around!
Once you make the decision to pursue braces treatment to improve your oral health and align your smile, your next concern may be what your options are. At your initial consultation, Dr. McGrogan will conduct a thorough orthodontic examination that will help her determine which treatment options are the best fit for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of braces we offer, how they differ, and how they can give you a confident smile you’ll love!
A note about traditional braces
Braces are incredibly effective when it comes to fixing complex tooth issues, closing gaps, and aligning teeth faster than other options, which can shorten your overall treatment time. Since every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. On average, patients wear braces anywhere from 12 to 36 months. You can often start to see improvement in a short time, which can be very encouraging!
Taking care of your traditional braces can sometimes be a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier over time. A good dental hygiene routine is good for your oral health in general, but during orthodontic treatment, it’s absolutely essential. There are some handy tools designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as waterpiks to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to make flossing easier. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before you go to bed.
There are some foods you’ll need to avoid throughout the course of your braces treatment in order to protect them, including foods that are sticky, crunchy, or chewy. These can cause major damage to the brackets and wires. While this can be frustrating at times, remember that it won’t last forever, and it will all be worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!
As a patient in braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us every 6-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. McGrogan will check the progress of your teeth, change the bands that are attached to the brackets, and replace wires as necessary. These check-ups tend to be fairly quick, so you can get back to school or work on time! Though you may experience some slight residual soreness after your adjustments, it should be temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so do your best not to miss them.
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics and the most common type of treatment. Modern metal braces have gone through some design changes and are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be. They’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more serious or complicated.
Metal braces also tend to be a slightly more affordable option, since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments might. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year.
Ceramic braces
Also referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces work in much the same way as metal braces, with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic braces are nearly 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 ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from is more prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can hold up to more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have more severe corrections that need to be made.
Ceramic braces are often slightly more expensive than metal braces, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breaking, Dr. McGrogran typically recommends ceramic braces for adult and older teen patients. That said, ceramic braces can be an excellent option for many individuals. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!
Find braces that work with your smile at Shine Orthodontics
At Shine Orthodontics, we believe your smile is one of a kind, and what works for one patient may not be the best choice for another. That’s why Dr. McGrogan creates a customized treatment plan for every patient she sees! With her education, skills, and experience, you can be sure that she’ll only recommend the course of treatment that’s best suited for your unique smile.
If you’re in Holly Springs or the surrounding areas, we’d love to give you more information on how braces from Shine Orthodontics can give you a healthier, straighter smile. Contact our office today to schedule your FREE consultation! We can’t wait to meet you!