Types of Braces
At Potter Orthodontics, we are offering the latest advancements in orthodontic braces to give you a beautifully aligned smile in the quickest, most comfortable way possible. With a selection of braces in Fullerton and Yorba Linda CA, we aim to empower you to make the right choice for your dental health.
With the right braces, you can improve your smile and your quality of life even while treatment is still ongoing. They correct misalignments, bite issues, and spacing irregularities, ensuring your teeth function optimally and are easier to maintain. Some of the most common issues braces are used to correct are:
- Class II Malocclusion — Class II malocclusion is a dental issue characterized by overjet, where the upper jaw and teeth project ahead of the lower jaw. This condition often results from inherited issues or persistent thumb-sucking. Braces can help align the jaws and teeth.
- Class III Malocclusion — Class III malocclusion is a genetic dental issue where the lower jaw and teeth are displaced to the front of the upper jaw structures. This can cause the appearance of an excessively large lower jaw, which braces can address to achieve a more balanced smile.
- Crossbite — A narrow upper jaw or an abnormally large lower jaw can result in posterior crossbites, which cause the lower teeth to be positioned outside of the upper teeth. This posturing may also result in an incorrect functional position of the lower jaw with accompanying facial asymmetry.
- Crowding — Crowding is a common dental issue requiring orthodontic care, arising from contributing factors such as atypical or narrow teeth.
Metal
Traditional metal braces, made of high-grade stainless steel, are a popular choice for patients of all ages. They correct various dental problems, including crowding, gaps, and misalignment. Dr. At Potter Orthodontics, we use state-of-the-art metal braces that are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. You can also customize them with colored elastics for a distinct smile.
Traditional metal braces operate on a proven principle that gradually guides your teeth to their ideal positions. This process involves a series of wire adjustments performed during regular office visits. After Dr. Potter conducts a comprehensive orthodontic assessment, we custom-fit and attach the metal braces to the front of your teeth. Dr. Potter will provide you with clear instructions on how to care for your braces and perform necessary wire adjustments during each visit.
With regular appointments scheduled every four to six weeks, Dr. Potter meticulously monitors your progress and fine-tunes the braces to ensure your teeth move in the desired direction. Consistent attendance at these scheduled visits is crucial to maintaining treatment progress.
Traditional braces offer a number of benefits for treatment, including:
- Time-Tested — Metal braces have always been the go-to treatment for correcting misalignment issues, proving that this option has stood the test of time.
- Stain & Chip-Free — Crafted from robust stainless steel, the metal brackets of traditional braces are highly resistant to staining and chipping, ensuring their longevity throughout your treatment.
- Cost-Effective — Especially popular among children and teenagers, traditional metal braces are known for their toughness, reducing the need for frequent follow-up visits and repairs. Their affordability and proven effectiveness make them a wise investment.
- Color Options — Inject a burst of personality at no extra cost! During each appointment, we introduce fresh elastic bands around the metal brackets that secure the wire, allowing you to express your unique style with hundreds of color combinations.
Clear
Ceramic braces, often referred to as “clear braces,” offer a discreet yet highly effective orthodontic solution. Crafted from clear materials that seamlessly blend with your teeth’s natural color, ceramic braces provide a less conspicuous alternative to traditional metal braces.
At Potter Orthodontics, we harness the versatility of ceramic braces to cater to a wide range of orthodontic needs. Whether you require mild or severe misalignment correction, ceramic braces can transform your smile.
Ceramic braces operate on the same fundamental principles as their metal counterparts, gently guiding the realignment of your teeth through a series of wire adjustments during regular office visits. Regular check-ups and adjustments, scheduled every four to six weeks, are vital to the success of your treatment. Dr. Potter closely monitors your progress and fine-tunes the braces to ensure your teeth move in the desired direction.
Aside from being a more discreet treatment option, clear braces offer several benefits, including:
- Comfort — Clear ceramic braces offer heightened comfort due to the reduced pressure exerted on the teeth and cheeks compared to metal brackets.
- Aesthetics — When aesthetics are of paramount importance, clear ceramic braces provide an ideal solution. They seamlessly blend with your natural tooth color, offering confidence that your treatment remains inconspicuous to others.
- Outstanding Results — Ceramic braces boast exceptional orthodontic capabilities, effectively addressing a spectrum of misalignment issues. Whether you have overbites, underbites, or misaligned teeth, ceramic braces deliver impressive results.
While ceramic braces are clear, the latest ceramic materials used in them are exceptionally durable and resistant to staining. We have full confidence in the durability of ceramic braces and stand ready to replace any broken brackets as needed.
Despite this, proper maintenance of clear braces should still be practiced. It involves consistent brushing and flossing after every meal to prevent plaque buildup around the braces. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid sticky or hard foods to avoid damage to the braces.
Lingual
Lingual braces represent a cutting-edge solution in orthodontic treatment, offering an exceptional blend of effectiveness and discretion. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them completely invisible to others. This innovative approach allows patients to undergo comprehensive orthodontic treatment without the aesthetic concerns associated with visible orthodontic appliances. Potter Orthodontics specializes in this sophisticated treatment option, providing personalized care to ensure optimal results for each patient.
Crafted with precision and customized to fit the unique contour of each tooth, lingual braces offer a comfortable and efficient method for correcting misalignments and improving dental health. The customization aspect of lingual braces not only enhances comfort but also ensures that the treatment is as effective as possible. Patients who choose lingual braces at Potter Orthodontics love the benefits of these braces, including:
- Invisibility — Perfect for professionals, teens, and anyone who prefers a discreet treatment option.
- Effectiveness — Despite their invisibility, lingual braces are highly effective in treating various dental issues, from simple straightening to complex bite corrections.
- Confidence — With lingual braces, patients can smile confidently throughout their treatment, knowing that their braces are not visible to others.
Braces For Kids
Braces for kids play a crucial role in not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their smiles but also in improving their overall dental health. At Potter Orthodontics, we understand the unique needs and concerns that come with orthodontic treatment for children. Our friendly and compassionate approach ensures that each young patient feels comfortable and excited about their journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Early orthodontic evaluation allows us to identify and address potential issues before they become more complex problems. Braces can correct misaligned teeth, improve bite function, and make room for permanent teeth to come in properly. This proactive approach to dental care sets a solid foundation for oral health that can benefit a child well into adulthood.
Some of the key benefits of treatment with braces for kids include:
- Treatment with braces can help in instilling good oral hygiene habits from a young age, as kids learn the importance of brushing and flossing around their braces.
- Correcting bite issues and alignment can ease difficulties in eating and speaking, contributing to better overall dental function.
- A straighter, more aligned smile can significantly enhance a child’s confidence, impacting their social interactions and self-image positively.
- Early orthodontic intervention can prevent more severe dental problems later in life, potentially saving time and expense in long-term dental care.
Our team at Potter Orthodontics is dedicated to making the braces experience a positive and rewarding one for children. With a range of options available, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and even fun colored bands, we make sure that each child can express their personality while achieving a healthier smile.
Two-Phase Treatment
In the world of orthodontics, a two-phase treatment approach is often employed to address complex dental issues, ensuring optimal results that last a lifetime. Potter Orthodontics specializes in this comprehensive treatment strategy, which integrates braces as a pivotal component of the process. The two-phase treatment approach is meticulously designed to correct structural problems, promote ideal jaw development, and align the teeth, all at the appropriate stages of a child’s growth.
The initial Phase One begins while the child still has most of their primary teeth and is primarily focused on addressing jaw growth and alignment issues that could create more significant problems if left untreated. The goal during this phase is to create a solid foundation for the permanent teeth to come in correctly and to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. This may involve the use of specific orthodontic appliances, including braces, to guide jaw growth and begin correcting misalignments.
After the completion of Phase One, there is usually a resting period where no active orthodontic treatment takes place. During this time, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally. Monitoring the development and eruption of these teeth is crucial to determining the right timing for Phase Two.
Phase Two typically begins once most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Braces are often applied during this stage to move the teeth into their ideal positions, achieving a beautifully aligned smile and proper bite alignment. Phase Two treatment not only focuses on aesthetic improvements but also ensures the teeth function correctly together, promoting long-term oral health.
Braces For Teens
Braces for teens are a pivotal step towards achieving not just a captivating smile, but also a healthy mouth for years to come. At Potter Orthodontics, we understand the unique challenges and concerns that teenagers face when it comes to orthodontic treatment. That’s why we offer a variety of braces options designed to fit into the lifestyle and preferences of today’s teens, ensuring they can remain confident and comfortable throughout their orthodontic journey.
Teenage years are often the most common time for individuals to undergo orthodontic treatment, as most permanent teeth have erupted, making it an ideal time to correct dental issues. Whether it’s traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or virtually invisible lingual braces, Potter Orthodontics has the right solution to meet every teen’s specific needs and preferences.
Navigating through the teenage years with braces can be a unique experience, full of adjustments and learning opportunities. At Potter Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to ensuring that life with braces for our teen patients is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Understanding what to expect and how to effectively manage life with braces can make all the difference in a teen’s orthodontic journey.
- Eating Habits — One of the first adjustments teens will encounter is a change in eating habits. It’s important to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage braces. We encourage creativity in modifying favorite recipes and discovering new braces-friendly foods that are both nutritious and delicious.
- Oral Hygiene Routine — Maintaining oral hygiene becomes even more critical with braces. Teens will learn to use specialized cleaning tools like interdental brushes and floss threaders to keep their teeth and braces clean. A good oral hygiene routine not only protects against cavities and gum disease but also ensures that once the braces come off, the teeth underneath are healthy and strong.
- Active Lifestyle Adjustments — For teens involved in sports or physical activities, wearing a protective mouthguard is essential to safeguard their braces and teeth from potential damage. We provide advice on choosing the right type of mouthguard that offers comfort and protection without hindering their performance.
- Dealing with Discomfort — It’s normal to experience some discomfort after braces are adjusted. We equip our teens with tips and tricks to manage discomfort, such as using orthodontic wax to cover any poking wires and consuming soft foods or cold beverages to soothe soreness.
- Building Confidence — It’s natural for teens to feel self-conscious about their braces. At Potter Orthodontics, we emphasize the positive aspects of orthodontic treatment and encourage teens to view their braces as a step toward achieving their best smile. With options like clear ceramic braces and Invisalign aligners, teens can choose a less noticeable treatment method that fits their lifestyle and boosts their confidence.
- Staying Engaged in Care — We involve teens in their treatment process, educating them about their progress, and encouraging them to take an active role in their orthodontic care. By understanding the importance of their treatment and seeing the changes in their smiles, teens become more motivated to follow through with their responsibilities, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular appointments.
At Potter Orthodontics, we’re committed to making the orthodontic experience a positive one for teenagers. By providing the support, education, and care needed to navigate life with braces successfully, we ensure our teen patients emerge from treatment not just with beautiful smiles, but with enhanced self-esteem and oral health habits that last a lifetime.
Braces For Adults
At Potter Orthodontics, we firmly believe that it’s never too late to achieve the smile of your dreams. Braces for adults have become increasingly popular and for good reasons. Whether you’re looking to improve your appearance, boost your confidence, or address oral health issues related to misaligned teeth, our specialized adult orthodontic treatments are designed to fit into your lifestyle and meet your unique needs.
Adults decide to undergo orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. Some may have missed out on the opportunity to have braces as children, while others might experience shifts in their teeth positioning over time. Additionally, properly aligned teeth are not just about a beautiful smile; they play a crucial role in improving overall oral health by easing the ability to clean teeth effectively, thus reducing the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. More benefits of adult orthodontic treatment include:
- Improved Oral Health — Alignment corrections can make it easier to clean your teeth, potentially reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Enhanced Aesthetics and Confidence — Achieving a straighter smile can significantly increase self-esteem, making a positive impact on personal and professional interactions.
- Correct Bite Issues — Addressing bite irregularities can improve chewing and speaking functions, and reduce wear on teeth.
We understand that adults lead busy lives, so we strive to make orthodontic treatment as convenient and stress-free as possible. From flexible scheduling to offering clear explanations of each step in the treatment process, our team at Potter Orthodontics is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support. We’re here to ensure that your orthodontic experience is positive and that the results exceed your expectations.
Choosing to invest in your smile is a significant decision at any age. At Potter Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping our adult patients achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles with our comprehensive and personalized orthodontic care. Contact us today to learn more about how braces can transform your smile and your life.
