Here at Hemphill Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of unique orthodontic treatment options to patients of all ages in our Celina office. Our expert team is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that are designed specifically for your unique smile! Using the latest techniques and innovative technology, Dr. Hemphill can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues using different types of braces, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps/Spaces between teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbites / underbites
- Deep bites / open bites
- Crossbites
- Impacted teeth
We treat these using a variety of treatment methods, including traditional braces. As the most common type of orthodontic treatment, braces have gone through quite a transformation over the years. Not only are today’s braces smaller and more esthetically pleasing, but they also move the teeth more efficiently, leading to a better orthodontic experience all around!
Once you decide to pursue braces treatment to improve your oral health and align your smile, you may wonder what options you have. At your initial appointment, Dr. Hemphill will perform an orthodontic examination that will help him determine which treatment option is right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of braces we offer, how they differ, and how they can give you a confident smile you’ll love!
A note about traditional braces
Braces are exceptionally good at fixing complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might, which has the potential to shorten your treatment time. Because every case is different, there is a huge range of treatment times with metal braces, varying from patient to patient. It can be anywhere from 6-36 months, but you can often start to see improvements even in the initial stages, which can be very encouraging.
Taking care of your traditional braces can be a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier over time. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, particularly during orthodontic treatment. There are a lot of tools designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as waterpiks to help rinse any hard to reach areas, and ortho picks to make flossing easier. We always refer to Dr. Hemphill’s Rule of Two: brush TWICE a day for at least TWO minutes each time, and floss every night before bed.
Some foods will need to be avoided while wearing braces to protect them, including anything hard/crunchy or sticky/chewy since these can damage the brackets and wires. This won’t last forever, though, and will all be worth it once your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!
As a patient in braces, you can expect follow-up visits with us every 4-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Hemphill will check the progress of your teeth and make any necessary changes to bands, wires, or elastics. Check-ups tend to be fairly quick, so you can get back to school or work on time! Though there may be some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, it is temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so try your best not to miss them.
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics, and also the most common type of treatment. Thanks to a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, the brackets are very durable and long-lasting.
Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more serious or complicated.
Metal braces also tend to be a more affordable option, since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year.
Clear braces
Sometimes referred to as ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces, or esthetic braces, clear braces function in much the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of being fabricated from semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramics. While clear braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more subtle straightening option.
Although clear braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can hold up to more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made.
Clear brackets are often slightly more costly than metal brackets. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breaking, we believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. That said, ceramic braces can be an excellent option for many patients. They are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!
Find braces that work with your smile at Hemphill Orthodontics
At Hemphill Orthodontics, we know every smile is unique, and what works for one patient may not be a good choice for another. That’s why Dr. Hemphill creates a customized treatment plan for every patient! With his education, skills, and experience, you can be sure that he’ll only recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your smile.
If you’re in Celina or the surrounding communities, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a healthier, straighter smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation!
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Dr. Hemphill