Orthodontics – Dublin, CA
Straighter Teeth, Healthier Smiles
Are you someone who desires a straighter smile? Are you tired of living with crowded teeth that cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance? At Waterford Dental Group, we are pleased to provide our patients with orthodontic treatment in Dublin. Available in a variety of options (i.e., traditional braces, Invisalign, and clear/ceramic braces), you and a member of our team can discuss which solution is right for your orthodontic needs. Call us to find out which steps are necessary to start the process of wearing braces.
Why Choose Waterford Dental Group for Orthodontics?
- In-House Orthodontist Who Ensures Beautiful Results
- Digital Impression System for Less Mess
- Your Dental Insurance is Welcome
Traditional Braces
Consisting of metal brackets and wires, traditional braces continue to be one of the most popular options for orthodontic treatment. Bonded to teeth for permanent placement, the wire is tightened at each dental visit to encourage teeth to move into the appropriate position. The average timeframe for treatment is 2-3 years depending on the severity of the initial problem, and traditional braces are deemed a suitable choice for children, teens, and adults.
Learn More About Traditional Braces
Clear/Ceramic Braces
It’s no secret that traditional braces can result in a lot of unwanted attention, so if you’re looking to avoid the spotlight, you can opt for clear/ceramic braces. Made with tooth-colored or transparent brackets and wires, they appear more subtle and tend to lay flatter against teeth. This minimizes their bulkiness and visibility so that you can undergo the same orthodontic timeline without the noticeable metal.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
In just 12-18 months, you can achieve a straighter smile with Invisalign Clear Aligners. Made from SmartTrack technology that promotes a more comfortable fit and predictable results, these clear plastic trays are to be worn 20-22 hours each day to keep teeth moving in the right direction. Your commitment to the process requires swapping out current sets for the next ones in the series every two weeks until you are finished with treatment.
Retainers & Oral Appliances
The final phase of any orthodontic treatment is to receive a custom-made retainer. This device ensures that your teeth will remain in their new location permanently. Otherwise, they will attempt to shift to their original placement, effectively undoing all your hard work. Most retainers are worn around the clock initially; however, as time passes, our team might recommend that you only wear it at night.
Invisalign FAQs
How Do I Take Off Invisalign Trays?
Patients are often surprised that there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to taking the Invisalign aligners off. Don’t worry – this will get easier and easier with time. In the meantime, make sure your hands are dry before using your finger to gently remove the aligner, starting from the back of your mouth. If you’re having trouble, or you simply have long nails that you don’t want to break, you can always buy a PulTool or OrthoKey. These orthodontic accessories have a small hook on the end, which makes removing your aligners significantly easier.
Will I Need Invisalign Attachments?
Patients often think of clear aligners when they think of Invisalign. However, it’s possible for other orthodontic accessories, like attachments, to be added to your treatment plan. These small pieces of tooth-colored resin give the aligners something to grip, helping them guide even more stubborn teeth into position. Whether or not you need attachments will be something that your Dublin dentist determines during your initial consultation. If the answer is “yes,” you can have peace of mind knowing that they are considerably more comfortable and discreet than metal brackets and wires.
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Good news: Invisalign can fix several common orthodontic problems, including overbites. So, if your upper teeth jut out beyond your lower ones, there’s a good chance that we can move your bite into proper alignment without any metal at all! To find out for certain if you’re a candidate, schedule a consultation with us so we can learn about your dental history, the complexity of your case, and your aesthetic goals.
Can You Eat with Invisalign Trays In?
No, because doing so dramatically increases the chances of them breaking. Not to mention that exposure to dark-colored foods and drinks can lead to considerable stains, which draws unwanted attention to your aligners. So, make sure that you take off your aligners, rinse them with clean, cool water, and put them in their designated case before enjoying your meal or snack.
Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign Trays In?
There is a common misconception that you can drink iced coffee with your aligners in. That’s not the case! Doing so will definitely stain your aligners, but it also increases your risk of tooth decay dramatically. For these reasons, it’s crucial that you remove them before indulging in this caffeinated beverage.
Note: You only have a few hours of aligner-free time each day. So, consider enjoying your cup of coffee with your breakfast or lunch instead of separately. This is a small change to your routine that will have a big influence on whether or not you stay on-track with your treatment plan.