What are the different types of braces?

We get many frequently asked questions and many of you are wondering about the different types of braces that we offer at our practice. 

Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They love using different colors of ligature ties. These braces are much smaller than ever before.

Translucent clear ceramic braces are the most popular with adults. You have to be very close to someone to be able to see them. Yet, because they are a ceramic material, they are more fragile and have some limitations. The Angolkar4Smiles team will discuss these choices of braces at the consultation appointment.

The Invisalign system is becoming a very popular method of orthodontic treatment for adults who are candidates. The Invisalign system consists of a series of clear orthodontic appliances called aligners that allow you to straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional braces. Each set of custom-made aligners is worn for about two weeks and moves the teeth in small steps to the desired final position. However all orthodontic patients are not candidates for this treatment option. For more information about the Invisalign system, please call Angolkar4Smiles to make an appointment for a complimentary exam to see if you are a candidate for this exciting new system.

Your First Visit

What to Expect at your Initial Exam

Complimentary Consult with X-rays:

Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your first visit consists of a complimentary examination with orthodontic x-rays and a discussion of potential treatment options. We take orthodontic x-rays on all patients before the initial consultation. These x-rays help us to evaluate the orthodontic needs of the patient thoroughly and are an important step in the path to get a beautiful smile.

Financials:

Our Financial coordinator will discuss the financial options after the Doctor has finished the consultation and gone over the treatment options, Generally, orthodontic treatment fees are financed by the practice with no interest and affordable monthly payments over a period of two years.
Our office has a unique financial model whereby we offer an option of "NO DOWN PAYMENT" to most of our patients. We strongly feel that braces should be made affordable to all.
Financial and Consent forms are signed once the treatment recommendations and financial plan are accepted and you are ready to start the process to get that dazzling smile.

Orthodontic Records

The next step involves taking Orthodontic records of the patient. These consist of impression of teeth to make study models and digital photographs.
There is a fee for this step, however, our office offers a 50% discount if the records are done on the same day as the initial consultation. This saves time for the patient as well as our office and expedites the process of starting the orthodontic treatment.
THIS FIRST VISIT TAKES APPROXIMATELY 90 MINUTES, SO ALLOW ENOUGH TIME SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH MOST COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION.
Appointments to put the braces on are scheduled as soon as possible after the above steps are completed.

Wondering if your child needs braces?

What are the signs or symptoms of orthodontic problems?

Although determining if orthodontic treatment is necessary can be difficult for you to assess, the following may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice.

Look at the teeth at any age. If you see any signs of crooked teeth, gaps between your child's teeth or overlapping teeth, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.

Have your child bite all the way down, but keep their lips open so you can their teeth. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? All these are indicators for potential orthodontic treatment.

Look at the alignment of the jaws. Does the jaw shift off center during biting down? If you see any misalignment or shifting of the jaw, it suggests a skeletal or jaw bone problem, which requires early orthodontic intervention. These are only some of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems.

Asking your general dentist is good reference, but Angolkar4Smiles is the best resource since orthodontics or braces are all we do. Our initial exam is complimentary, so it makes sense to get a consultation with us and we will be happy to give necessary recommendations.

We hope to hear from you soon!