At Specialty Smiles we know choosing the right orthodontic treatment can be tough, especially with so many options out there today. When people come to our office looking for braces they want to know what makes one different from another and which one will work best for them. We want to take some time to explain the different types of orthodontic treatments we offer and how each one works.
One of the most common and effective ways to straighten teeth is still with metal braces. These have metal brackets that hold each tooth in place and are connected by a wire. We change the wire over time to slowly move your teeth into place. A lot of people think metal braces are just for kids but we see a lot of adults who choose this option because it works well for complex cases and is often cheaper than the newer options. Metal braces are smaller and more comfortable now than they used to be since the technology has come a long way.
Ceramic braces are a great option for those who want something that’s not so obvious. These work the same way as metal braces except the brackets are clear or the same colour as your teeth so they blend in. A lot of our adult patients like this option because it works like traditional braces but isn’t as visible. The treatment time is about the same as metal braces and we find patients get used to them pretty quickly.
Invisalign has been very popular over the last few years and for good reason. This method uses translucent plastic aligners that fit tightly over your teeth. You wear each pair of aligners for about 2 weeks before switching to the next set. You can take the aligners out when you eat or brush your teeth which is one of the best things about them. This makes life a lot easier. You do need to be disciplined though because you need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day to get the results you want. We recommend Invisalign for people who want a treatment that’s almost invisible and have mild to moderate alignment issues.
InBrace is one of the newest developments in orthodontics. This technology puts brackets and wires under your teeth instead of in front of them so you can’t see them at all. Some people find it easier to use this therapy than Invisalign because they don’t have to remember to wear aligners all the time. InBrace can handle more complex cases than clear aligners but not as many as traditional braces. We have had great results with this technology and many patients like that it works and is invisible.
We also offer faster orthodontic options for patients in Miami Lakes who want to see results quicker. Some treatments can make a big difference in 6 months but they usually work best for patients who only need to fix the front teeth that show when they smile. We look at each patient on a case by case basis to see if they can get shorter treatment times.
You will need to wear retainers after your active treatment is over to keep your beautiful smile. We make custom retainers that keep your teeth in their new positions while the bone and tissue around them heal. Some people just wear removable retainers at night while others do better with permanent retainers that are glued to the back of their front teeth. We will recommend the best retention plan for you based on your treatment. We offer a range of Types of Braces to suit every preference, from traditional metal to advanced clear options. Our orthodontic specialists will help you choose the ideal treatment for your smile goals.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right orthodontic treatment such as how complex your case is, how much you have to spend and what you want. When you come to our Miami Lakes office we will examine your teeth, talk about your goals and explain which options will work best for you. We believe every patient should fully understand their treatment plan before making any decisions.
Adults get braces too. More and more adults are getting orthodontic treatment and we’ve helped many of them get the smile they’ve always wanted. We’ll be with you every step of the way and make sure you’re happy with your choice whether you choose traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign or InBrace.
Dr. Eddy J. Sedeño III, DMD, MS, is a board-certified orthodontist proudly serving his hometown of Miami Lakes. A graduate of the University of Florida, he earned both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Dental Sciences degrees. Recognized for excellence in orthodontics, Dr. Sedeño has contributed to research on Invisalign® treatment and co-authored a leading dental reference chapter. He also serves as a Courtesy Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, reflecting his dedication to both patient care and education.