Your Orthodontic Treatment Options

McClellan Orthodontics

A variety of orthodontic options exist today for people looking into getting braces. From traditional silver braces to clear aligners, it can be a challenge to decide which choice is the best. At McClellan Orthodontics, we know about all of the treatment options on the market, and which is the best option for your specific orthodontic problem.

Silver Braces - These are the most common type of braces. Silver braces are made of sleek surgical steel and titanium and are comfortable to wear. Silver braces are bonded to the teeth and connected with a metal archwire. The wire is brought into place with tiny elastic bands. They give Dr. McClellan the control he needs to move the teeth in small increments at a time. Silver braces require periodic tightening every 4-6 weeks. The steady pressure will gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw over time. Silver braces can correct a wide variety of issues, including jaw problems, crooked teeth, and bite misalignments. Silver braces are a proven method for getting a lifelong, healthy bite.

Ceramic Braces - These tooth-colored braces are less visible than silver braces. They are comprised of the ceramic brackets, which are typically more rounded than metal brackets, metal archwires colored to blend in with your natural smile, and elastic bands to help pull your teeth into correct alignment over time. Ceramic braces are like silver braces in their application, duration of treatment, and removal but offer a more discreet appearance to patients who want to avoid noticeable silver braces. Ceramic braces are used to correct the same dental issues as metal braces and invisible aligners. Since ceramic braces are designed to blend seamlessly into your smile, Dr. McClellan will select the perfect shade to match your natural tooth color. For those with naturally whiter teeth, a clear ceramic is used to render the brackets almost invisible. Those with darker tooth shades have the option to select colored ceramic matched to their teeth for best aesthetic results. The metal archwire is similarly colored to complement your teeth, and the elastic bands are typically clear.

Clear Aligners - Unlike silver and ceramic braces, clear aligners, like Invisalign, use clear trays to help you achieve a straight smile. Because the aligner trays are clear, they are practically invisible to those around you. The clear aligner trays are removable, which means that when you need to take them out, you can. It also means that you can continue to take care of your teeth normally and continue to eat the wonderful foods you love. Typically, clear aligners work faster than traditional braces, meaning that you can effectively straighten your teeth faster. Each set of aligner trays are designed to fit your mouth and your teeth comfortably. Clear aligners have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Which orthodontic treatment option is right for you?

Dr. McClellan uses of the full range of orthodontic appliances to get you a great outcome in the shortest possible amount of time. Based on his specialty education in orthodontics and clinical experience, he will recommend the treatment option he believes is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

Book an initial consultation with McClellan Orthodontics to talk about your options regarding orthodontic treatment. We look forward to speaking with you!

 

 

Early Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

Timing is everything…especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.

Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper way the teeth move against each other during function. For each patient, a healthy bite is paramount for dental treatment success. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. By age 7 your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. McClellan to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws.

Early intervention is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child's jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for optimal results. There are generally three outcomes of an early exam:

1. No treatment is expected to be necessary.
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow. 
3. There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in your child’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time. The major advantage of early treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic, and comfortable results that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. In some cases, early treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Early Treatment may be recommended if your child has any of the following orthodontic issues:

• Underbite
• Crossbite 
• Crowded Teeth 
• Excessively Spaced Teeth 
• Extra or Missing Teeth 
• Thumb or Finger Sucking that is Affecting the Teeth or Jaw Growth

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. McClellan may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order. Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit McClellan Orthodontics today. No referral needed! Our office provides an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation.

When you choose McClellan Orthodontics for your child’s orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist in orthodontics. Dr. McClellan and his team possess the skills and experience needed to give your child their best smile. Visit our website to learn more.