Smile Makers OrthodonticsSmile Makers Orthodontics
Traditional metal braces are the most common type and are now more comfortable than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, our metal brackets are smaller and flatter, making them more comfortable while maintaining the same degree of control over tooth movement. You will have the option of choosing from our 26 assorted colored AlastiK ligature ties (colored bands that tie your wire in) for a unique and colorful smile.
With the latest advances in orthodontic technology, our clear braces are both beautiful and durable, providing an aesthetic alternative to our traditional metal braces. While the innovative ceramic material attractively blends in with your teeth, making them less noticeable, they can also showcase your vibrant personality if you do decide to choose from our selection of fun colors.
Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign utilizes a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth instead of braces. With only a clear tray of plastic covering the teeth, most people will not be able to notice you’re wearing anything at all. These aligners are similar to the clear retainers used to hold the teeth after completing treatment, but they are slightly thicker and more rigid. Each tray is designed to fit the teeth in a slightly different position, placing pressure on the teeth when worn, which causes them to move a little bit with each subsequent tray. These trays are fabricated by Invisalign’s laboratory after Dr. Hsu carefully plans the series of tooth movement throughout the course of treatment.
Orthodontics is not just about braces. At Smile Makers Orthodontics, we use several types of appliances to correct problems with the bite that can’t be addressed with braces alone. We also use various types of retainers to keep the teeth straight once the braces are removed at the end of treatment. All appliances and retainers are made in house by Dr. Hsu and his team to ensure the best fit and most accurate design. Not having to wait on lab turnover also allows us to deliver our appliances and retainers to you in the shortest amount of time, oftentimes the same day or very next day.
Most bite discrepancies are within the range of traditional orthodontic tooth movement. There are rare occurrences when these bite discrepancies are so severe that they cannot be fully corrected even when permanent teeth are extracted. Usually this happens when the underlying problem is a severe discrepancy in the alignment of the jaws themselves. Traditionally these cases can only be successfully treated with orthodontic treatment in conjunction with jaw surgery. The latest technological advances have made it possible to treat some of these complex cases without requiring invasive procedures like breaking the jaws to surgically realign them. Here at Smile Makers Orthodontics, Dr. Hsu will always consider all treatment options available in order to achieve the best results in the least invasive way.