Braces In Valencia, CA

Still An Efficient Way To Straighten Teeth

Orthodontic braces have been around for centuries and are still one of the most common ways to correct teeth alignment. This cornerstone, traditional bite and smile-aligning solution has stood the test of time and is still incredibly effective. At Valencia Smiles, Dr. Mulcahey offers several options to help patients find an approach that fits their orthodontic needs and preferences. SmartClip™ Self-Ligating Brackets and Clarity™ Clear Braces can both be used to move teeth into better alignment while addressing problems with your bite.

Smiling teenage girl wearing colorful metal braces while spending time with friends, representing teen orthodontic treatment in valencia, ca.

Modern Braces For Comfortable, Efficient Treatment

There is a reason this traditional, smile-aligning solution is still around. The way it is used today is not the same as it was even 5 years ago. Our appliances are smaller, materials are stronger and more resilient and the wires are designed to move teeth with light, continuous force.

Dr. Mulcahey can help determine which type is best suited to your smile. Depending on your treatment needs and preferences, you may be a candidate for traditional metal braces, Clarity™ Clear Braces or SmartClip™ Self-Ligating Brackets. With these options, you can make a selection based not only on the movement of your teeth but also on how you want your orthodontic treatment to look and feel.

Parts Of Braces

There are several parts to standard braces, including brackets, archwires and ligatures. Below, Dr. Mulcahey has provided explanations on what each component does:

Brackets

Brackets are secured to your teeth using a special bonding cement. They have built-in features that control the movement and angle of your teeth, including a slot for the archwire, allowing for precise tooth movement. Tie wings stand out beyond the base of the bracket to attach the ligatures that secure the wire to the bracket.

Archwires

Once orthodontic brackets are cemented onto the teeth, an archwire is placed within the slots of the brackets to begin treatment. Archwires come in various shapes and materials, largely dependent on the stage of treatment and the type of tooth movement that is required.

Ligatures

Once the archwire is positioned within the slot of the orthodontic bracket, it is secured in place with either an elastic or stainless steel ligature. Elastic ligatures come in a variety of colors and are changed at every visit. Not every option uses traditional ligatures. SmartClip™ Self-Ligating Brackets, for example, use a specialized clip built into the bracket to hold the archwire in place without the need for color ties.

Clarity™ Clear
Braces

Clarity™ Clear Braces feature a comfortable design with a translucent appearance. Made from a hard ceramic material, these are designed not to stain or discolor. With the performance of traditional orthodontic treatment and a more discreet appearance, many patients choose Clarity™ when they want to straighten their smile without the look of metal brackets.

Clarity™ works much like traditional options, using brackets and archwires to guide your teeth through treatment. The difference is in the brackets themselves. Clarity™ uses translucent ceramic brackets that are designed to be less noticeable against your teeth.

Because they use the same basic approach as other fixed options, Clarity™ can provide the control needed for a variety of tooth and bite concerns. They are also different from removable clear aligners, since the brackets remain attached to your teeth throughout treatment. If you like the idea of a fixed orthodontic treatment but would prefer a less noticeable appearance, Clarity™ may be worth discussing with Dr. Mulcahey. She can evaluate your smile and bite and help you decide whether Clarity™ makes sense for your treatment plan.

SmartClip™ Self-Ligating
Brackets

SmartClip™ Self-Ligating Brackets by 3M Unitek use a unique self-ligating passive bracket system with a specially designed clip that holds the archwire in place.

Unlike traditional options that use elastic or stainless steel ligatures to secure the archwire, SmartClip™ brackets use the built-in clip. This means color ties are not needed and there are no ligatures to change during appointments. The self-ligating design also allows the archwire to be placed without opening or closing traditional ligatures. SmartClip™ brackets are designed to reduce friction and can make adjustments more comfortable for patients.

Without color ties around the brackets, there may also be less food and plaque accumulating around the appliance. Appointments can be shorter since there are no color ties to change.

For patients interested in an option without traditional color ties, SmartClip™ Self-Ligating brackets offer another choice. Dr. Mulcahey can discuss whether this type of bracket is appropriate based on your individual treatment needs.

Why You Made Need To Straighten Your Smile And Align Your Bite

People need orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons to wear them are to correct:

  • Overcrowding and spacing

  • Misaligned jaw

  • Overbites

  • Underbites

  • Open bites

  • Gum issues

  • Unmatched dental midlines

  • Issues with chewing and speech

Orthodontic treatment can address both the appearance and function of your smile. During your appointment, Dr. Mulcahey will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine what type of orthodontic treatment can best meet your needs.

Smiling young woman wearing traditional metal braces, highlighting the benefits of orthodontic treatment at valencia smiles in valencia, ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is a big decision, especially when you are comparing treatment options for yourself or your child. These questions can help you think through some of the practical considerations that may come up before starting orthodontic treatment.

Are Braces Better Than Invisalign®?

Neither option is automatically better for every patient. They can both produce excellent results, but the right choice depends on your teeth, bite, treatment goals and how consistently you can follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Dr. Mulcahey can explain which option is likely to work best for your particular smile.

You will still have plenty of foods to choose from while undergoing orthodontic treatment, but some foods can damage brackets or wires and should be avoided. Hard, sticky or particularly chewy foods are common culprits. Dr. Mulcahey will give you specific guidance about foods to limit and how to protect your orthodontic appliances while eating.

Brushing and flossing take a little more attention when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment because food and plaque can collect around the brackets and wires. Brushing after meals when possible, cleaning carefully around each bracket and using tools such as floss threaders or orthodontic flossers can make your daily routine easier. Keeping up with good oral hygiene throughout treatment is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while your smile is being straightened.

Treatment time varies from person to person. The amount of time you’ll spend in treatment depends on things such as your prescribed tooth movement, your bite and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Dr. Mulcahey can give you a more personalized estimate after evaluating your smile.

If a bracket comes loose or if you feel a poky wire, contact our office so we can let you know what to do next. A minor orthodontic issue may not require an immediate visit, but addressing it promptly can help keep your treatment on track.

There is no single treatment that works best for everyone. Dr. Mulcahey will consider your or your child’s teeth, bite, treatment goals and preferences when recommending an approach. Request a complimentary orthodontic consultation and our team can explain the options available and help you choose a treatment that fits you or your family’s smile needs and wants.

Benefits Of Straight Teeth

Straight teeth can do more than change the appearance of your smile. Proper alignment can make it easier to care for your teeth and may improve how your teeth function together.

Higher Self-Esteem

A beautiful smile can increase self-confidence and make you feel more comfortable smiling.

Fewer Cavities

When teeth are straight and properly aligned, food has fewer places to hide and can be more easily brushed and flossed away.

Clear Speech

Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect speech. Improving tooth alignment may help address some speech concerns.

Better Digestion

Properly aligned teeth can make chewing food easier before it moves through the digestive system.

Fewer Accidents Impacting Teeth

Protruding teeth may be more vulnerable to injury. Correcting their position can help reduce this risk.

Fewer Headaches

Crowded or crooked teeth can contribute to uneven wear and jaw strain. Correcting alignment and bite can help improve how the teeth and jaws work together.

Better Gum Health

Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Better brushing and flossing can help support healthier gums.

Less Soft-Tissue Injury

Crooked or protruding teeth can rub against the cheeks, lips or other soft tissues in the mouth, potentially causing irritation.

Better Overall Oral Health

Properly aligned teeth can be easier to brush and floss, making daily oral hygiene simpler and helping support your long-term oral health.

More Smiling

When you feel confident about your smile, you may find yourself smiling more often.

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One Office for Growing Smiles in Valencia, CA

From a child’s first dental visits to braces, Invisalign® and adult orthodontic treatment, Valencia Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is here to support your family through every stage of the smile. Experience personalized pediatric dental and orthodontic care in a comfortable, family-focused office in Valencia, CA.