Orthodontic Treatment in Wenatchee, WA

What Are Braces?

Dental braces are devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help to position them with regard to a person’s bite, while also working to improve dental health.

They are often used to correct underbites, as well as malocclusions, overbites, crossbites, open bites, deep bites, crooked teeth, and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. Braces can be either cosmetic or structural.

Dental braces or orthodontic braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and to otherwise assist in shaping the teeth and jaws.

Many patients start braces in their youth, as that is when crooked teeth are first noticeable. Studies have shown that braces yield the best results when patients start treatment early. But that certainly doesn’t mean adults can’t benefit from them, as well. In fact, many adults choose to straighten their teeth later in their lives. If the teeth are determined to be healthy and strong, braces can be safely used.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth with braces, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chen and his experienced staff. We will be happy to examine your teeth to see if braces are right for you.

Invisalign®

Get a smile that makes you feel confident and radiant. Invisalign is a way for patients to straighten their teeth without metal braces. With help from your family dentistry in Wenatchee, Confluence Dental, you will love your smile!

This groundbreaking and innovative treatment option uses clear aligners to gradually straighten your teeth over time. Initially, a 3D map of your mouth and teeth is created to help us determine the best placement for the clear aligners.

Multiple sets of clear aligners are made, which you will wear over the course of your Invisalign treatment. Each set gently changes the positioning of your teeth. So when one set of clear aligners has done its job, another set will take its place on your teeth.

Eventually, after all of the sets have completed their treatment, you will be left with beautiful, straight teeth. Invisalign is so effective that many patients start seeing a difference in the appearance of their teeth within just a few weeks of starting treatment!

Since every patient is unique, each Invisalign treatment is specially made for your mouth only. And with Invisalign, patients don’t have to worry about the restrictions found in metal braces.

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal-wired braces are stainless steel, sometimes in combination with titanium, and are the most widely used. These include conventional braces, which require ties to hold the archwire in place, and newer self-tying (or self-ligating) brackets. Self-ligating brackets may reduce friction between the wire and the slot of the bracket, which in turn might be of therapeutic benefit.

Clear braces serve as a cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces by blending in more with the natural color of the teeth or having a less conspicuous or hidden appearance. Typically, these brackets are made of ceramic or plastic materials and function in a similar manner to traditional metal brackets.

Clear elastic ties and white metal ties are available to be used with these clear braces to help keep the appliances less conspicuous. Clear braces have a higher component of friction and tend to be more brittle than metal braces. This can make removing the appliances at the end of treatment more difficult and time-consuming.

With Invisalign, the clear aligners are easily removed for faster treatment times. You can look forward to straighter teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months! Not only that, but you will have better oral health and hygiene as a result of straightening your teeth with Invisalign’s clear aligners.

If you would like to try Invisalign or traditional braces, call us to arrange for a consultation with our experienced team. Your family dentist in Wenatchee, WA, can give you a better idea of which one is more suitable for you.