Braces in Chesapeake, VA
When you think about braces, you may think of the uncomfortable, bulky metal braces of the past. Thankfully, modern braces are made for comfort and effectiveness! They can be sleek, discreet, and even clear. Modern techniques also make them easier to clean and maintain, with stain and discoloration resistance.
Here at Bivins Orthodontics, we offer many different options for our patients, children and adults alike. Which type of braces you choose will depend on your orthodontic concerns, goals, and desired comfort levels. Our office has been voted Best of Chesapeake for 18 years in a row, and it’s because we truly care for and understand every patient we treat.
When you come to us for braces treatment, you can be sure you’re receiving the best possible care.
What Braces Are and How They Work
Braces are orthodontic tools used to correct alignment problems or other dental concerns for people of all ages. No matter which type you have, braces work to align your teeth to their proper positions by providing mild, constant pressure the entire time you wear them. Metal and ceramic braces are made of brackets and wires that are securely attached to each tooth, while clear aligners are made of a plastic tray molded specifically for your teeth.
Your braces are always custom-made and installed to your mouth and bite, so they’re guaranteed to shift your teeth appropriately. How long you wear your braces depends on the type of braces you have and how severe your orthodontic issues are. On average, patients wear braces for around 12 to 24 months.
The 3 Types of Braces Available At Bivins Orthodontics
Although braces are typically associated with teenagers, patients of all ages can benefit from braces treatment! Some types of braces appeal more to some age groups than others, and certain braces types are more properly suited for some orthodontic conditions than others. Thanks to the improvement in discreet materials, braces are now more common for adults than ever. We offer:
Metal Braces
Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive. There are two main types of metal braces: traditional and self-ligating. Both are great options for those looking to improve their smile; at Bivins Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces to our patients.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are made of high-quality, durable stainless steel. They are the most common type of braces for all ages. The metal brackets, bonded to the front of each tooth, are connected by the archwire, which helps guide the teeth into their correct positions. Small elastic bands are added to keep the archwire in place.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces are a modern alternative to traditional metal braces for those seeking a discreet, nearly invisible solution. Ceramic braces aren’t entirely invisible but are much less noticeable in photographs and your daily life. At Bivins Orthodontics, we proudly offer LightForce ceramic braces for our patients.
LightForce Ceramic Braces
LightForce Ceramic Braces use a digital platform providing orthodontists with fully customized, 3D-printed tooth-moving tools, which takes indirect bonding and clinical efficiency to the next level. Because of the 3D-printed, digital technology, LightForce Braces are as accurate to your unique mouth and bite as possible. This often means treatment requires less adjustment and less time in the office.
Braces Alternatives
Clear aligners are a braces alternative for those looking for a removable treatment option. Instead of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, clear aligners use custom-made trays made of a plastic-like material that’s nearly invisible to the naked eye. They function very similarly to braces in that they apply mild pressure gradually over time to shift your teeth into their correct position.
At Bivins, we offer Invisalign and 3M Clear Aligners. We’re also a Certified Invisalign Provider, and Dr. Bivins was one of the first orthodontists in Tidewater to be Invisalign certified over 20 years ago!
Both clear aligner options are removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth without changing your dietary or hygiene habits. They must be worn at least 22 hours a day, and always at night while you are asleep, for proper progress and optimal treatment.
Start Your Journey With Braces in Chesapeake Today!
No matter which type of braces treatment you prefer, you’ll find industry-leading care at Bivins Orthodontics. Each patient has needs and desires as unique as their teeth, and we work with everyone to create the ideal treatment plan for them and their budget.
Dr. Bivins has over 25 years of experience treating patients of all ages and giving them the smile they’ve always dreamed of. He’d love to help you achieve yours! Schedule your braces consultation with us in Chesapeake, VA, today and get started on your smile journey.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re available during office hours at 757-982-8608 or email us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you soon!