Here at Langford Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of unique orthodontic treatment options to patients of all ages in our Knoxville and Seymour offices. Our expert team is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that are designed specifically for your unique smile! Using the latest techniques and innovative technology, Dr. Allen Langford is able to successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues using different types of braces, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Impacted teeth
We treat these using a variety of treatment methods, including traditional braces. As the most common type of orthodontic treatment, braces have gone through quite a transformation over the years. Not only are today’s braces smaller and more aesthetically pleasing, but they also move the teeth more efficiently, leading to a better orthodontic experience all around!
Once you decide to pursue braces treatment to improve your oral health and align your smiles, your next concern may be what your options are. At your free initial consultation, Dr. Langford will perform an orthodontic examination that will help him determine which treatment options are right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of braces we offer, how they differ, and how they can give you a confident smile you’ll love!
A note about traditional braces
Braces are an effective way to fix complex tooth issues, close gaps, and align teeth faster, resulting in shorter overall treatment time. Since every case is different, treatment time with metal braces will vary from patient to patient. On average, patients at Langford Orthodontics spend anywhere from 12-36 months wearing braces. However, you can often start to see improvements in a short time, which is very encouraging!
As a patient in braces, you can expect follow-up visits every six to eight weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Langford will observe the progress your teeth are making, replace any worn out bands or wires, and anything else to keep your treatment moving forward. These appointments tend to be fairly quick, so you don’t have to worry about getting back to school or work on time!
While there may be some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, it should be temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so try your best not to miss them.
Caring for braces
Taking care of your traditional braces can be a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier over time. A good dental hygiene routine is essential for oral health, especially throughout your orthodontic treatment. There are some instruments designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as waterpiks to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to make flossing easier. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed.
There are also some foods you’ll need to avoid while wearing braces to protect them, including anything sticky, crunchy, or hard. These can damage the brackets and wires and cause delays in your treatment. These restrictions won’t last forever, though, and it will all be worth it when your braces come off and you see your beautiful new smile!
Types of braces
At Langford Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest in orthodontic treatment and technology, including:
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics and the most common choice for treatment in Knoxville and Seymour.
Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more serious or complicated.
Metal braces also tend to be a little more affordable option, since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year.
Ceramic braces
Also referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces function in much the same way metal braces do. However, these have the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets, making them nearly invisible. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more subtle straightening option.
Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can hold up to more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made.
Ceramic brackets are often slightly costlier than metal brackets, as well. Since they can be more expensive and are more prone to breaking, Dr. Langford believes ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. That said, ceramic braces can be an excellent option for many patients. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!
Find braces that work with your smile at Langford Orthodontics
At Langford Orthodontics, we know every smile is unique, and what works for one patient may not be a good choice for another. That’s why Dr. Langford creates customized treatment plans for every patient! With his education, skills, and experience, you can be sure that he’ll only recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your smile.
If you’re in Knoxville, Seymour, or the surrounding areas, our team would love to give you more information on how braces can give you a healthier, straighter smile. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation!
- Dr. Langford
Back to Blog