Precision Braces
How Braces Work
Most are familiar with the general term ‘braces.’ Braces consist of small brackets that are bonded to teeth and engaged by an archwire. The archwire provides a sweeping, continuous force that effectively and efficiently moves the roots of teeth, allowing the orthodontist to complete complex repositioning within the bone to reach the desired and stable occlusion/bite. The orthodontist positions each bracket at the correct angle on the tooth to allow the archwire’s force to move the tooth in the direction required. Archwire bending is also used to direct force. Archwire compositions and strengths vary, with the orthodontist choosing the most effective wire for the type of movements required at each planned stage of treatment.
What are Precision Brackets
Precision brackets are custom-made for each patient, resulting in greater control than even the finest traditional brackets can offer. This greatly shortens treatment length by giving Dr. Wong the ability to execute his treatment plan without the inefficiencies of imprecise wire sockets and bracket-to-tooth relationships. Patients also have the option of choosing traditional metal, clear ceramic, or monocrystalline brackets. Tooth color and clear brackets greatly lessen the attention drawn to the appliance and are especially appropriate for teens and adults.
Advantages of Braces
Fixed appliances such as braces and Brava move teeth and their roots using a sweeping and larger range of motion as compared to the incremental movements generated by Invisalign aligners, with fixed appliances being superior in effecting root movement, especially that of molars. Treatment length is, therefore, reduced. Additionally, dental hygiene and maintenance is considered by some to be less tedious than the handling and cleaning of aligners throughout the day.
What is Suresmile
All traditional braces employ archwires to deliver the necessary force for tooth alignment. Technological improvements in archwire materials and methods such as SureSmile have led to significant increases in the efficiency and efficacy of orthodontic treatment such that the length of treatment is shortened and the number of office visits reduced. SureSmile, which does for wires what precision brackets do for traditional brackets, increases control by mechanically heat-bending wires specifically to Dr. Wong’s prescription and, therefore, greatly reducing treatment time while allowing Dr. Wong to hand-finish and detail your smile with conventional wire as completion nears.
Supplemental Appliances or Treatment
In addition to archwire manipulation, many treatment plans include the use of elastics between upper and lower teeth to align arches. Select cases, when appropriate, utilize appliances designed to speed or retard the growth of the mid-face and/or mandible, compensating for an imbalance in the facial growth pattern. In other cases, when bony foundations of the upper and lower dental arches are sufficiently imbalanced, surgical correction may be combined with orthodontic treatment.
Duration of Treatment with Braces
As with other treatment tools, the duration of treatment with braces depends upon the complexity of tooth movements involved, with treatment lasting between a few to eighteen or more months. Dr. Wong, who has treated thousands of patients using braces, will provide an estimate of treatment duration during your or your child’s comprehensive complimentary examination and will explain the factors involved in making that estimate.
Factors that minimize duration include avoidance of hard foods and consistent participation in monitoring, both remotely and in the office.
Cost and Insurance Coverage for Braces
The cost of a specific orthodontic treatment depends upon its complexity and expected length and is similar across the various appliances that Dr. Wong employs. Cost differences amongst appliances (braces, Invisalign aligners, Brava) are due primarily to differences in material and laboratory fees associated with each appliance type and the relative efficiency of each appliance for a particular case. During your or your child’s comprehensive complimentary examination, the treatment coordinator will communicate treatment costs associated with the appliances recommended by Dr. Wong for your or your child’s unique treatment needs and goals.
Why Dr. Wong is Recommended by Referring Dentists and Patients
Dr. Wong has not only completed over 8,000 orthodontic cases; he continues to be enthused by new treatment methods and continuously develops novel and effective techniques for accomplishing difficult tooth movements. An expert in his field, Dr. Wong is invited to roundtables of leading orthodontists to share his innovations and learn from others. Most importantly, his practice philosophy centers on excellence in treatment and effective communication with the patient and dental practitioners, including each patient’s general dentist and needed specialists, such as periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, and prosthodontists, to bring about the ideal outcome.
For additional information or to schedule a complimentary initial consultation, please visit our contact page or call 206-812-4494.