Smile with McLean Orthodontic Appliance

Thanks to today’s technology, patients now have more options when it comes to wearing braces. While traditional metal braces are still the most commonly used, ceramic and clear plastic appliances are becoming increasingly popular, especially among older teenager and adults.

Traditional metal braces:

These high-grade stainless steel metal braces are the most common type of braces. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.

Ceramic braces:

Clarity brackets are made from translucent (clear) material, and they don’t stain or discolor. They are less visible on your teeth, so they are mainly used on individuals who have cosmetic concerns. The only drawback to ceramic braces are that they are more fragile, and the clear elastic ties that go around the brackets can discolor between orthodontic visits.

Clear invisible aligners:

Invisalign uses custom-made series of clear, plastic aligners created from sophisticated 3-D computer imaging technology to straighten teeth without braces. These aligners are comfortable, removable and virtually invisible. They are worn 22 hours a day, and you take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth. Invisalign is a popular choice for individuals who are concerned about the appearance of braces.

Retainers:

Retainers preserve and stabilize your results from orthodontic treatment. They are the best way to control or limit changes in tooth position. Retainers can be removable or permanent. Removable ones can be traditional, made with acrylic and wires, or clear, similar to aligners. Permanent retainers consist of wires bonded behind either top or bottom teeth.

Dr. Sooyeon Ahn provides comprehensive orthodontics in the McLean area for Great Falls, Tyson’s Corner, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax and Arlington, VA.