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Types of Braces
At Watterson Dentistry, we’re passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve beautifully aligned smiles and optimal oral health. Braces remain one of the most effective and time-tested ways to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, from crooked teeth to misaligned bites. With the expertise of Dr. Watterson, who emphasizes both dentistry and orthodontics, you can feel confident that your braces treatment will be tailored to your unique needs and goals.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces do more than just improve the appearance of your smile — they enhance your overall dental health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Braces also address functional concerns like bite misalignments, which can lead to jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, improving airway and breathing disorders, and difficulty chewing.
Whether you’re seeking orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, braces offer long-lasting results that can transform your smile and boost your confidence.
Damon Metal Braces: A Modern Approach to Orthodontics
At Watterson Dentistry, we offer Damon metal braces, a state-of-the-art system designed to make your orthodontic journey more comfortable, efficient, and effective.
Damon braces differ from traditional braces in that they use passive self-ligating brackets, which means they don’t require elastic ties to hold the wire in place, creating friction that leads to more discomfort. Instead, Damon wires move freely within the passive brackets, reducing friction on teeth and allow for smoother, faster tooth movement.
What Makes Damon Braces Unique?
- Comfortable Experience — With fewer adjustments and less friction, patients often find Damon braces more comfortable than traditional braces.
- Faster Treatment Time — The innovative design of Damon braces allows for more efficient tooth movement, often reducing the overall treatment time.
- Easier to Clean — Without elastics to trap food and plaque, Damon braces make maintaining oral hygiene easier.
- Discreet Appearance — While they are metal braces, Damon brackets are smaller and less noticeable than traditional options, making them a great choice for patients who want a modern look.
- Fewer Visits — The technologically advanced Damon system allows for teeth to move for longer periods of time before adjustments or wire changes are needed. Therefore, it is common to have visits three months apart, rather than every three to four weeks. This saves you time away from school and/or work and fewer visits to our office.
Damon braces are ideal for addressing a variety of orthodontic concerns, from mild crowding to complex bite issues. They’re an excellent choice for both teens and adults who want effective results with a more comfortable experience.
Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
At Watterson Dentistry, we make the process of getting braces as smooth and stress-free as possible. During your initial consultation, we’ll assess your dental alignment, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if Damon braces are the right option for you. From start to finish, our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your treatment is tailored to your needs and that you feel confident in your progress.
Braces can transform not just your smile, but your life. Whether you’re a pre-teen or teen starting your orthodontic journey or an adult looking to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, Watterson Dentistry is here to help.
Braces for Kids
At Watterson Dentistry, we understand that early orthodontic care can make a big difference in a child’s smile and overall health. Braces for kids are not just about achieving a straight smile — they’re about addressing potential issues early to guide proper jaw development, improve airway function, create room for permanent teeth, and prevent more serious problems down the road like sleep-disordered breathing.
The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment
The AAO recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, the jaws and teeth are still developing, and early treatment can identify and address issues before they worsen. While not every child will need braces or treatment at this stage, early intervention can improve long-term health, and save time, money, and effort later on.
Quad Helix & Lip Bumper: Early Orthodontic Solutions
At Watterson Dentistry, we use specialized appliances like the Quad Helix and Lip Bumper to address specific orthodontic concerns in children. These fixed appliances are often part of early treatment, helping to guide the development of the jaw and teeth before braces are needed.
- Quad Helix — This fixed appliance gently widens the upper jaw to correct crossbites and create space for crowded teeth. By addressing these issues early, the Quad Helix can prevent more extensive treatment later.
- Lip Bumper — Designed to manage the lower jaw, the lip bumper creates space by guiding the molars backward and keeping the pressure of the lips from pushing the front teeth inward. It’s an effective solution for improving alignment and encouraging proper jaw growth.
These appliances are comfortable and work subtly over time, ensuring your child’s smile develops in a healthy, balanced way. Early interventions like these pave the way for easier and more effective orthodontic treatment in the future.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care
- Corrects harmful habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
- Guides jaw growth to ensure proper alignment
- Creates space for crowded or misaligned permanent teeth
- Addresses bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites
- Prevents the need for more extensive treatments in the future
- Minimizes tooth removal
Early treatment often involves two different phases which we perform as one continuous process of treatment. The first part of the process focuses on addressing immediate concerns, such as jaw growth or creating space for teeth, while the second step involves braces or other orthodontic appliances during adolescence to refine alignment.
At Watterson Dentistry, we use Damon metal braces, which are a comfortable and efficient choice for children. These self-ligating braces are designed to reduce friction, allowing teeth to move more freely and comfortably.
With Dr. Watterson’s expertise in both dentistry and orthodontics, your child’s treatment plan will be carefully tailored to their unique needs and developmental stage, ensuring optimal results.
Creating Confident Smiles for Kids
Our goal is to create a positive orthodontic experience for your child. We understand that braces can feel intimidating, which is why our friendly team takes the time to explain every step of the process and make visits fun and stress-free.
If your child is showing signs of alignment issues or you’ve been told they may need braces, don’t wait to schedule an evaluation. Early intervention can pave the way for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
Braces for Teens
Most teens are in a stage of rapid growth, making this an optimal time to correct orthodontic issues. With permanent teeth fully erupted or close to it, braces can effectively guide teeth into their proper positions, address bite problems, and create a balanced, functional smile.
Orthodontic treatment during adolescence offers more than just aesthetic benefits — it also improves oral health by making teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and long-term wear and tear. Investing in braces now can prevent more complex dental issues later in life.
A Treatment Plan Tailored for Your Teen
Dr. Watterson and our team take a personalized approach to orthodontics, ensuring that every teen receives a treatment plan designed for their unique smile. We know that wearing braces is a big step for teens, and we’re here to make the process smooth and enjoyable. During the initial consultation, we’ll assess your teen’s orthodontic needs, explain their treatment options, and answer any questions to make sure they feel comfortable and informed.
Making Braces a Positive Experience for Teens
We understand that teens often feel self-conscious about their appearance, which is why we strive to make braces a positive experience. Our friendly team works to create a welcoming environment, helping teens feel confident about their treatment and excited about the results.
In addition, we use advanced technology like the iTero scanner to streamline the process. This innovative technology replaces messy impressions with digital scans, allowing teens to see a 3D model of their teeth and preview their post-treatment smile.
A straight, healthy smile is one of the best gifts you can give your teen. At Watterson Dentistry, we combine advanced braces technology with personalized care to ensure your teen’s orthodontic journey is as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Braces for Adults
At Watterson Dentistry, we believe that a straight, healthy smile is achievable at any age. Braces aren’t just for kids and teens — more adults than ever are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their appearance, oral health, and confidence. Whether you’ve been living with crooked teeth for years or are addressing shifting teeth later in life, our team is here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Why Adults Choose Braces
There are many reasons why adults may seek orthodontic treatment, including:
- Correcting crowded or misaligned teeth
- Closing gaps in their smile
- Aligning their bite to improve jaw function
- Preparing for other dental treatments, like implants or restorations
Beyond the functional benefits, straight teeth can enhance your self-esteem, making you feel more confident in social and professional settings. Braces offer transformative results that can improve your quality of life at any age.
Braces for a Healthier Smile
Orthodontic issues don’t just affect the appearance of your smile — they can also impact your oral health. Misaligned teeth can be harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and long-term wear on your teeth. Braces address these issues by aligning your teeth and bite, making it easier to maintain a healthy smile.
Orthodontic treatment can also help alleviate discomfort caused by bite issues, such as jaw pain, headaches, or uneven pressure on your teeth. By correcting these problems, braces can contribute to improved overall dental health and comfort.
It’s Never Too Late to Love Your Smile
We understand that choosing braces as an adult is a big decision, and our team is here to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. From your initial consultation to the day your braces come off, we’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Our office uses advanced technology, such as digital imaging and 3D treatment planning, to ensure precise and efficient care. We also prioritize patient education, so you’ll always know what to expect at every step of your journey.
Investing in braces as an adult can be life-changing. Whether you’re seeking a subtle enhancement or a complete smile makeover, orthodontic treatment can give you the confidence and oral health you deserve.
