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With orthodontic technology constantly advancing, we’re seeing many innovative treatments and options become available. Here at Selden Orthodontics, we take pride in making the process of straightening your teeth as comfortable and stress-free as possible! An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Selden has been educated and trained in the movement and growth of the teeth and jaws. Between his expertise, our state-of-the-art technology, and a very talented team, our practice is able to successfully treat many dental issues, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbite
- underbite
- crossbite
- impacted teeth
Because every smile is unique, Dr. Selden creates a personalized treatment plan for every patient based on their specific needs. When you schedule your free consultation with our Charlotte or Huntersville location, you’ll receive a thorough orthodontic exam. Dr. Selden will discuss the results of this exam with you and guide you through which treatment would be the best fit for you.
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment to achieve a healthier smile, we have a wide range of affordable options available for patients of all ages, including braces. These are the most popular treatment, year after year, so let’s take a look at what they are, how they work, and how we can use them to give you beautiful results you’ll love!
How do traditional braces work?
Braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance, which means that the brackets are affixed directly to your teeth. The positioning of these brackets will be determined using your customized treatment plan, and is based on the particular movements your teeth need to make. Once the brackets have been attached, the wire will be inserted. At Selden Orthodontics, we use shape-memory NiTi wires to move the teeth in the right direction.
NiTi wires exert a continuous force against the teeth, so there’s no need for wire tightening. That means less time in braces, and the time you are in them is more comfortable!
We encourage specific and precise movements by using bends in the NiTi wire to provide different types of pressure on different teeth. This process of tooth movement is called remodeling, and involves minor changes in the bone surrounding the roots of teeth. When pressure is put on a tooth, cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts will form around its root. Together, the wire, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts create a negative pressure on one side of the tooth. At this site, bone is removed. On the other side of the tooth, bone is reformed. As pressure is put on the tooth and bone, the tooth will slowly move into the correct position.
It’s important to note that this process is only able to occur if constant pressure is kept on the tooth. As bone is absorbed on one side and then deposited on the other side, the tooth can move. Once the pressure stops after the teeth have settled into their new positions, most will begin naturally drifting back to their old positions over time. This is why patients are given retainers once their braces treatment is complete, and why it’s so important to always wear them as directed! Regular retainer use helps keep teeth in their improved positions and prevents the natural drifting they’re prone to.
What braces are available at Selden Orthodontics?
Dr. Selden stays up-to-date on the latest in orthodontic treatment and braces technology. We’re proud to offer the following options for braces, and also use mini implants and diode lasers for more efficient tooth movement and faster treatment times.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliance. They are typically made using a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other metals, which makes them very durable and long-lasting. These braces consist of bands that wrap around the back molars and smaller metal brackets that are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. There is also a thin metal wire that runs through the brackets. This wire can also be fixed to the brackets using flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. These components are what allow us to gently your teeth into their new positions over time.
Traditional metal braces have a long track record of being a reliable, effective, and economical option for straightening the teeth, particularly in cases that are more severe or complex. While past versions have been a bit bulky and awkward, today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than ever before. You can even customize them by choosing fun color combinations for your elastics!
Clear Braces
While traditional metal braces tend to be the most popular option for orthodontic treatment, clear braces are another great choice for certain patients. Sometimes known as ceramic braces, these are a variation on conventional braces that provide a much less noticeable method of treatment. Clear braces utilize the same components as traditional braces, but instead of metal, the brackets are made of a translucent ceramic material that blends in with the natural color of your teeth. This offers patients an incredibly discreet treatment option, particularly when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties.
While the technology behind ceramic braces is constantly improving, current models are a bit less durable than their metal counterparts and can sometimes be more prone to breakage. They can also be slightly more costly than traditional braceseldens. For image-conscious teens and adults, however, the benefit of having an inconspicuous treatment option is priceless!
Champagne Braces
Our popular champagne-colored brackets are just as durable as traditional metal braces, and the unique color blends in beautifully with your smile. The brackets are just as sturdy as metal braces, while the contoured design keeps this treatment option comfortable, light, and aesthetically pleasing. Champagne braces offer the best of both worlds with the durability of stainless steel and the classic “white” gold appearance. A unique proprietary process ensures the brackets stay champagne-colored for the duration of treatment, and they are particularly striking when matched with gold wire and clear ligatures!
Find the right braces for you at Selden Orthodontics
You’ll never find “cookie-cutter” treatment at Selden Orthodontics! Dr. Selden knows that what works for one patient may not be the best choice for another. When you choose our practice for your orthodontic needs, you’ll receive a customized treatment plan designed to give you superior results you love!
If you’re in Huntersville, Charlotte, or the surrounding communities and would like to learn more about how braces can transform your smile, get in touch today! We’ll be happy to schedule you for a FREE consultation with Dr. Selden and help you take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted.
