BRACES PUYALLUP & GRAHAM WA
Discover Your Dream Smile with Braces
More than just an orthodontic office, we at Smiles Orthodontics in Puyallup and Graham, WA, are committed to being your trusted allies in achieving the smile of your dreams. Each and every one of our patients’ smiles is important to us. Our orthodontists and team will do all in our power to help you achieve the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible with modern braces Puyallup & Graham WA.
Braces and Their Role in Your Smile
Braces have been a trusted and effective solution for addressing misalignment issues for decades, and at Smiles Orthodontics, we’re here to make your journey to a beautiful smile as smooth as possible. These innovative orthodontic devices work diligently to align teeth and correct a range of dental problems.
- Crooked Teeth
- Overcrowding
- Gaps and Spaces
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open Bites
For All Ages
Braces are not limited by age. Whether you’re a child, a teenager, or an adult, braces can be a suitable option to transform your smile and improve your oral health. With different types available, they bring specific benefits and considerations for each stage of life. No matter your age, your path to a confident, healthy smile begins here.
Early Prevention with Braces
When is the best time to begin orthodontics? It’s a question we often hear, especially from parents concerned about their children’s dental health. According to our experienced team and the American Association of Orthodontics, around the age of 7 is a great time to schedule that initial visit. But don’t worry; this doesn’t necessarily mean braces for your child right away.
During this early evaluation, we also pay attention to front-to-back and side-to-side relationships among your child’s teeth. For example, if we notice incisors erupting, it could indicate potential issues like open bites, overbites, crowding, or gummy smiles down the road. Catching these signs early can be a game-changer!
Role of Braces
When it comes to addressing misalignment issues in young patients, braces are often the most effective and trusted solution. Braces work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to teeth over time, guiding them into their desired positions. By addressing these issues early with braces, we can significantly reduce the need for more invasive and costly procedures in the future.
Adolescent Treatment and Braces
The teenage years are a special time in your child’s life, and it’s also a prime period for orthodontic treatment with braces. While the AAO recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7, most permanent teeth have erupted by around age 12. This is when we can take a closer look at your teen’s smile, addressing issues like crowding, gaps, and bite concerns with the help of braces.
Why is the early teenage stage ideal for orthodontic care with braces?
- First off, most teens don’t have the same reservations about braces that adults might have. In fact, they often see friends wearing braces and want to join in the experience.
- Also, adolescents are going through a rapid growth phase, which makes it a prime time for braces treatment. We can leverage this growth to shape their teeth and bite correctly as they continue to develop.
- Teens in this age group typically have a high metabolism, which can shorten the overall treatment time and reduce discomfort during their braces journey.
- Adolescence is a time when self-confidence can be closely tied to how one feels about their smile. Orthodontic care with braces means improving how their smiles look and, thus, boosting their self-esteem.
Adult Treatment and Braces
When it comes to adult treatment, one thing is for sure: braces aren’t just for kids anymore. At Smiles Orthodontics, we understand that your dental health and the appearance of your smile matter, no matter your age. If you have healthy gums and bones, we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with braces.
The Benefits of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
- Arguably, the most significant benefit of getting orthodontic treatment later in life is the boost in self-esteem. Many patients have spent years feeling self-conscious about their smiles, only to find that braces can drastically improve their facial aesthetics.
- It’s also about your overall oral health. Living with bite issues and crooked teeth can lead to various problems, including tooth decay, bone loss, wearing of your tooth enamel, headaches, and jaw pain caused by TMJ/TMD.
Adult Braces Are More Popular Than Ever
Believe it or not, adult braces are more popular than ever. People of all ages are realizing the life-changing benefits of orthodontic treatment. Whether you’ve always wanted to correct your smile or need to address dental issues that have arisen over time, braces can make a significant difference in your life.
Types of Braces for Your Unique Needs
At Smiles Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique, just like you. That’s why we offer a variety of brace options to cater to your individual needs and preferences.
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, selecting the right type of braces can make all the difference in achieving your dream smile comfortably and effectively.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces have been used worldwide for over a century. They consist of high-quality stainless steel brackets attached to the teeth, connected by a wire. Elastic ties or power chain braces hold the wire in place.
PROS:
- Traditional braces have been used worldwide for over a century.
- They are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than before.
- Metal braces are highly effective in complex cases.
- They are customizable with colorful elastic ties for a fun touch.
CONS:
- It can be challenging to brush and floss with all the metal components.
- They are noticeable when eating and speaking.
- They can disrupt signals in imaging tests.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made from a clear, tooth-colored ceramic material. They function similarly to metal braces but are less noticeable due to the clear brackets and white elastic modules.
PROS:
- They are made from clear, tooth-colored ceramic material, so they’re less noticeable.
- Ceramic braces, just like their metal counterparts, are proven and effective.
- They can correct a wide range of misalignment issues.
CONS:
- The brackets tend to be slightly larger than metal braces.
- Ceramic braces may stain from certain habits.
- They can be slightly less durable.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are clear, removable trays that gradually move the teeth into position. Unlike traditional braces, aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them an excellent choice for those who seek a more inconspicuous orthodontic solution.
Clear aligners work through a series of custom-made trays, each slightly adjusted to encourage tooth movement. Patients wear each set of aligners for a designated period, typically around two weeks, before advancing to the next set. With each new set of aligners, your teeth gradually shift into their desired alignment.
PROS:
- They are the latest addition to orthodontic treatment.
- Invisalign uses clear, removable trays for nearly invisible alignment.
- They are ideal for mild to moderate dental issues.
- Clear aligners do not restrict your food choices.
- They can lead to faster treatment times in simpler cases.
- Invisalign also requires fewer orthodontic appointments and doesn’t require appliance adjustments.
CONS:
- They may not be suitable for all orthodontic issues.
- Aligners must be removed before consuming dark liquids to prevent staining.
- They must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily for maximum benefit.
Choosing Your Braces
The decision on which type of braces to choose depends on several factors:
- Aesthetics: If you prefer a less noticeable option, ceramic, self-ligating, or clear aligners might be your choice.
- Budget: Pricing can vary, with lingual braces typically being the most expensive due to customization.
- Complexity of the Issue: Some treatments may be more effective with certain types of braces.
Our dedicated team of orthodontic experts will work closely with you to determine the best braces option based on your unique smile and lifestyle.
Your Smile Transformation Awaits
No matter which brace option you choose, a trusted orthodontist with a proven track record of satisfactory results can help you make your smile dreams come to life. Look no further than Dr. Bobby Virk and Dr. Helena Skountrianos of Smiles Orthodontics for your braces Puyallup & Graham WA treament.
Dr. Virk, Dr. Skountrianos, and our amazing orthodontic team are here to provide the highest quality care for patients of all ages. Book your initial consultation today and experience the difference that orthodontic excellence and modern technology can bring to your smile.