In recent years, orthodontic technology has come along in leaps and bounds, so it’s a great time to start treatment. McMurphy Orthodontics is proud to offer our patients a wide variety of treatment options to our Biloxi and Ocean Springs patients, including different types of braces. We have an expert team in place to successfully treat a range of orthodontic issues in patients of all ages, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between the teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbites
- underbites
- crossbite
- impacted teeth
We do this using several treatment methods, including traditional braces. Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. Thankfully modern braces have come a long way and are far from the bulky contraptions they once were. Today’s braces are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and more efficient than ever! This transformation has resulted in a better orthodontic experience for you and your orthodontist.
If you’ve been considering braces to improve your oral health and get a healthier smile, you may be wondering what options are available. When you schedule a free consultation with Dr. McMurphy, he’ll be able to determine which treatment option would be the best fit for you and your unique smile.
Let’s take a closer look at what types of braces are available, how they differ, and how this treatment staple can give you a beautiful smile you’ll want to share with the world!
What are traditional braces?
Traditional braces are made up of metal or clear brackets attached to the teeth and then tied together by wires, tiny rubber bands, or elastics. This treatment method is especially useful for correcting complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments. This can potentially shorten your treatment time, although this will vary depending on your unique case. In general, however, the average treatment time for braces tends to be anywhere from 18 to 36 months.
While the maintenance involved with traditional braces can take some adjustment in the early days, it gets easier with time and practice. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, and it’s even more important for patients in braces since food and bacteria can get stuck between the wires and teeth.
Types of braces
Metal braces
Metal braces at McMurphy Orthodontics are made of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, making them very durable and long-lasting. Modern braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, with smaller brackets and colorful, customizable bands. They have a long track record of delivering excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
The metal braces Dr. McMurphy uses don’t require the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, so they also tend to be a slightly more affordable option. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment in Biloxi and Ocean Springs year after year.
Ceramic braces
Sometimes referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces function the same way metal braces do, with the added benefit of tooth-colored ceramic brackets. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with your natural smile for a more discreet straightening option with McMurphy Orthodontics.
Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made out of is slightly more prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, Dr. McMurphy may suggest them for more complex oral issues.
Since ceramic braces can be more expensive and prone to breakage, we believe they are generally better suited to adults and older teens. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle and efficient way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile.
Clear aligners
Clear aligner therapy at McMurphy Orthodontics uses a series of removable aligners custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. Like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. To accomplish this, you’ll wear them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment and replace them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system, as directed by Dr. McMurphy.
Clear aligners give you more freedom and flexibility than regular braces. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligners, then brush and floss the way you usually would!
Caring for braces
No matter what type of braces you choose, you’ll have to make a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. If you struggle with brushing and flossing effectively while wearing braces, there are several tools designed to make it easier.
Waterpiks help rinse any hard-to-reach areas and ortho picks can assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Sticky and crunchy foods can damage the brackets and wires, so McMurphy Orthodontics patients will need to avoid these kinds of foods during braces treatment. While it can take some getting used to, it won’t last forever! Any minor frustrations will be more than worth it once your braces come off and you get a look at your beautiful new smile.
While in braces, you can expect follow-up visits in our Biloxi or Ocean Springs office every four to eight weeks throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. McMurphy will change the bands that are attached to the brackets and may replace the wire as well.
These check-ups tend to be fairly brief, so you can get back to school or work quickly! There can sometimes be a bit of residual soreness following these adjustments, but it should only be temporary.
These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan. To help us ensure the very best results in the least amount of time, you should always try your best not to miss them!
Find the braces that work for you at McMurphy Orthodontics
Here at McMurphy Orthodontics, we know that every smile is unique. What works for one patient may not be a good choice for another, and that’s why Dr. McMurphy creates customized treatment plans for every patient he sees. He will take your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals into consideration when recommending the course of treatment that would work best for your smile.
If you’re in Biloxi, Ocean Springs, or the surrounding communities, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a beautiful, healthy smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. McMurphy!