Orthodontic treatment may involve the use of either fixed or removable braces or a combination of both.

Fixed Braces are attached by special adhesive to the teeth, and are made of stainless steel. Clear brackets are available (privately) but they are expensive. The teeth are moved along the wires using elastic bands or springs. Fixed braces are precision appliances and can position the teeth very accurately and precisely into straight lines, but they require a great deal of time, expertise and co-operation in order to be successful.

There are also removable clear unnoticeable braces (invisalign type) which are available only privately, and retainers which are fitted after removal of the fixed braces. When braces are removed, retainers would be used to help the teeth settle into their new positions.

Other specialized types of treatment are also available, but only under a Private contract. These include Use of ceramic (clear) braces, Transfer or Retreatment Cases, and Complex / Interdisciplinary Treatment. Note that all patients over the age of 18 will be treated privately.

Each and every patient requires tailor-made treatment, decided on by the orthodontist and agreed by you, the patient. In order to decide what treatment is appropriate for you, your orthodontist will want to carry out an assessment of your teeth which is likely to include x-rays and impressions (molds of the teeth). Treatment can take more than two years so it is important you are happy with what is recommended. Braces are almost always suggested. Those which are supplied most often are:

A fixed brace – this is the most common type of brace, often known as train tracks. Brackets are glued onto the teeth and connected by a wire. Sometimes small elastic bands are used to hold the wire in position. This wire exerts a gentle pressure so teeth are turned or moved into a new position. The brackets can be metal or ceramic and the elastic bands may come in many colours, these are used to tie the wire into the fixed braces.

A removable brace – this is sometimes recommended for correcting a simple problem, such as moving a single tooth. It is a plastic plate with delicate wires and springs attached. The removable brace should be worn all the time except when it needs cleaning or when you are playing sport. Clear removable (Invisalign type) are available for adult treatment if the case is suitable.

Functional braces – these are worn to alter the position of the jaws and the way the upper and lower teeth meet. The power of the jaw muscles is applied to move the teeth They are usually worn on the upper and lower teeth at the same time. They are also usually removable but should be worn as much as possible.

Retainers – at the end of treatment, all patients should wear retainers to hold their teeth in the new position. These can be removable or fixed and are an important part of treatment. We recommend removable retainers to be worn over a long term basis to prevent any relapse of tooth movement.

Adult Orthodontics San Antonio

So you didn’t get braces as a kid, or maybe you did, but you stopped wearing your retainer. Orthodontics can still help you – you are never too old for braces. In fact, about 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. And, you will be so proud of your new beautiful smile!

The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults and children. The most important determining factor is the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone. Because, facial bones are no longer growing in adults, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone. However, many corrections can and other dramatic changes can be accomplished with a combination of surgery and braces if desired.

New Technologies

Braces have also come a long way since you were a kid. They are more comfortable, the treatment times are shorter and require fewer visits. New technologies have also made advances in cosmetic braces. You can choose between lingual braces that fit behind the teeth, cosmetic braces that are tooth-colored and barely visible, or regular braces that are now much smaller and more comfortable than ever before.

Invisalign

www.invisalign.com
Researchers continue to focus on developing lighter, more comfortable materials, removable appliances, and cosmetic improvements to correct teeth. One such new technology is called the Invisalign system. This combines traditional orthodontic diagnosis and treatment with the latest 3-D computer graphics technology. This process applies a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan to precisely separate large tooth movements into smaller, simpler ones. A series of custom-made, clear appliances (similar to mouthguards or bleaching trays) are worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements normally achieved through braces. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, ask us about it.

We want you to have the most beautiful smile possible. We will do our part, but you have to do yours too! With the proper care, you can keep those pearly whites your whole life. While you are in braces, good dental hygiene is especially important. In “Caring for Braces” we tell you all you need to know about taking care of your teeth during treatment and making sure your treatment progresses as smoothly and quickly as possible. For the short periods when your teeth may be a little sore, we have provided some “Soothing Recipes” for you. And, to make sure you keep your new beautiful smile stays bright, “Taking Care of Your Teeth” tells you everything you need to know to follow a good dental care routine.

Clear Braces – Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign (Invisible Braces) is an innovative method of straightening teeth, using breakthrough technology that lets you get the smile you always wanted without bands, brackets or wires. Results, costs, and treatment times are about the same as fixed braces – so the advantages are clear!
A table comparing Invisalign braces with other treatments is provided here.

An Invisalign aligner

What is it?
By using a series of clear removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth. Change them every 2 weeks, your teeth will move little by little, week by week, until they have moved to the final position Dr Kerr has prescribed. Comfortable to wear, our aligners are also removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.
Treatment time
Invisalign usually takes from 6 to 24 months. The average time is 12 months. You will see Dr Kerr every few weeks for a check-up and adjustments. At these visits you will be given additional aligners to continue your treatment.

Invisible and comfortable

Invisalign is an invisible solution. So you won’t draw undue attention to your mouth while in treatment. In fact, virtually no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them!
Over one million people have already improved their smiles with Invisalign. Maybe it’s time you were one of them. Call our practice on (07) 3366-0022.
Will it work for me?
Although some people are told that Invisalign will not work or is not suitable for them, in most cases this is not true. Invisalign is an appliance that straightens teeth, and will work, provided the aligners are worn 20 – 22 hours a day.
There is a very small minority of patients who would be better with fixed braces.
More Information

If you would like to know more about Invisalign, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.
If you’d like some more online reading, you might like to go to the official Invisalign website.

The Modern Alternative
Invisalign is growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional fixed braces. The same results for similar costs and time, with more comfort and better aesthetics. See the comparisons.
Skilled Orthodontic Team
Dr. Cochran is a San Antonio Invisalign provider. He and his team have the experience to help give you the best orthodontic result. Read more about the practice here.
Making a Good Decision
Research suggests when you’re more confident in your appearance, your self-esteem brings out the best in you – whether that’s in your career, your health, or in life generally.