If you’re tired of slogging through the internet to find the right braces for you, our office is ready to give you some answers. Diamond braces are one of the several options we offer at Bowman DMD at Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, FL. Here are some of our favorite perks that come along with them.
Diamond Braces: How Are They Different and What Are the Benefits?
Familiar and Effective
Diamond braces are also known as mini-diamond braces. As the “mini” in their name implies, they’re smaller than traditional metal braces. Don’t let the size fool you, though. These little braces offer a similar treatment timeline to metal braces, making them a good choice for someone looking to pair the effectiveness of traditional braces with a more manageable size.
A Comfortable Choice
With about 30% less bulk, patients can generally expect these braces to be more comfortable than traditional ones. The less pronounced brackets tend to be more comfortable against your gums and mouth. Canker sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when patients are wearing more abrasive traditional braces. The mouth is sensitive, and it isn’t used to having metal stuck onto your teeth.
If you’re looking to reduce the friction against your cheeks and lips, these braces may offer some relief. They may have a lot of the same metal components, but they’re smaller in size so there’s less for your mouth to get irritated over.
Tightening Can Be Easier, Too
These braces can often be more comfortable when it comes time to tighten them. Tightening braces can make your teeth sore, but with mini-diamonds, the smaller brackets don’t require the same amount of pressure.
They Can Handle Your Alignment Concerns
These versatile little braces are a great choice for a variety of alignment issues, including crowding and gaps. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are better suited for patients with more minor alignment concerns.
They Work for Kids and Adults
Patients of all ages have enjoyed the benefits these diamond braces have to offer. After all, a more compact size paired with effectivity and comfort is a major perk, no matter your age!
They’re Cosmetically Pleasing
Smaller braces mean less visible braces. Patients who are dreading a metallic smile are often comforted by the idea of an option that blends in a little easier. Cosmetic concerns are one of the primary reasons these braces are so popular.
Ligatures Can Be Clear or Have a Pop of Color
If you’re looking for the braces to be less noticeable, a mini-diamond can have ligatures that blend right in with your smile. If you’re looking to have some fun with it, you can change out the color of your ligatures each time you come in for an appointment. Kids and teenagers especially like this option as a way to express themselves and their sense of style.
Cleaning Is Easier
Good oral hygiene is so important for the health of our teeth. Getting your teeth thoroughly cleaned can be difficult when you have to work around traditional braces, but the smaller brackets that come along with mini-diamonds can make that process much less of a headache.
They Work at About the Same Rate As Traditional Options
Treatment time can vary depending on your needs, but you can expect to be done with your mini-diamonds at about the same time you’d be done with traditional braces. To generalize, some patients may begin to notice a positive difference after about a month of wearing their new braces. Treatment may be completed in a year, but it may also take two or three years.
We know that’s not a very specific timeline, but without knowing your exact needs it can be difficult to tell you what to expect. During a consultation, our team would be happy to assess your needs and your different options. Once we know your dental goals, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of how long you can expect your braces to be keeping you company.
What Are the Alternatives?
We know braces aren’t always a “one size fits all” solution, so we are pleased to offer a variety of options for our patients. Here are some other options we offer here at Bowman DMD, in addition to mini-diamonds:
Clear Braces
Ceramic braces, also commonly called clear braces, are made to be discreet. Their clear nature makes them blend into your teeth very nicely. It’s an especially good option for adults who don’t want noticeable braces.
How Fast Do They Work?
Despite being made of a different material, they function the same way as traditional braces. They’re attached to your teeth and employ the use of gentle pressure to move your teeth into a more correct position.
That said, they do tend to work slower than some of our other options. Since they’re made of a less sturdy material, they may have to be tightened more gradually.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
These braces are a bit more fragile than mini-diamonds, so your eligibility will partly depend on your lifestyle and how sturdy you need your braces to be. The elastic ties used for ceramic braces may also discolor, and the braces can stain. We encourage our patients who choose ceramic braces to keep on top of cleaning them so they stay as clear as the day you received them.
If you like the look of them and are willing to take proper care of them, clear braces should look good and do a great job at the same time. Our office will give you all the support and information you need when you receive ceramic braces to make sure you’re set up for success. Clear braces or mini-diamond braces florida both can be a good fit for someone who wants subtlety without compromising on the quality of their results.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a series of completely clear templates that slide over your teeth. These templates are known as aligners, and they are custom-made for you. The goal here is to gradually move your teeth into a more correct position.
How Fast Does It Work?
Invisalign is usually used for about a year, but the process can be lengthened if needed. After you’re happy with your results, a retainer will help your teeth in line for the long run. It’s also important to note that if you forget to wear your aligners or don’t wear them consistently enough, it can extend your treatment period.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This is a good option for adults and some teenagers who are looking to correct more mild, cosmetic bite concerns. It may not provide the results you’re looking for if you have neuromuscular bite issues, or if your teeth are severely crooked.
While it’s recommended you wear them for around 20 hours or more each day, they can easily be taken out so you can eat your favorite foods. Some patients will also slip them off if they know there’s going to be lots of pictures taken, or if they’re going to be participating in sports or an interview. Invisalign is great at helping your smile without disrupting your life.
Things to Consider
We love that you can take these clear aligners out, but that also necessitates good discipline when it comes to cleaning them. Invisalign can trap plaque and bacteria up against your teeth if you don’t stay on top of cleaning them, so it’s just as important to give your teeth and your aligners a good cleaning as it is to make sure any braces get cleaned.
Cleaning is done by briefly soaking your aligners, or by gently brushing them. We will give you the full instructions on how to care for your aligners so you can be confident they’re getting the clean they need.
FAQ About Braces
1. Is It Possible for Crooked Teeth to Straighten With Time?
Unfortunately, it’s more likely that the opposite will happen. Once your permanent molars come in, the available space in your mouth usually decreases, which can worsen issues with overcrowding.
While it’s ideal for crooked teeth to get corrected as a child, there are many reasons an adult may seek out braces. Whether you didn’t have access to braces as a child or didn’t want them, if you find yourself wanting to correct your smile now as an adult, we can find you the right solution. Many adults think it’s too late to fix their crooked teeth, but that isn’t true! Crooked teeth can be fixed regardless of age.
2. How Can I Take Care of My Teeth After Braces?
A lot of the care we recommend after receiving braces is the same as before you had braces. Being told to brush and floss may sound like white noise by now, but it really is that important. A toothpaste with fluoride may help prevent cavities. Try not to scrub your teeth too hard when you brush; that can actually damage your teeth. We recommend brushing gently for a longer period of time versus scrubbing for a short period of time.
Brushing after every meal is a good idea, and flossing should be done once or twice a day. Limit sugary foods. While sugar is often included in some of our favorite foods, sugar is also a favorite food for bacteria. An excess of sugar can lead to more plaque and tartar on the teeth. Keep up on your routine, professional dental cleanings as well.
What Changes After Braces?
You may have to be a little more careful with the texture of what you eat. Chewy and sticky foods may get stuck in and around braces and can be a pain to clean off.
This also applies to foods that aren’t necessarily sticky but are still prone to getting wedged into your braces. This can include things like corn on the cob. Crunching down on very hard food, like hard candy or some nuts, may also risk damaging your braces.
3. What Will Treatment Cost?
After your examination, we will be able to nail down what treatment options are available to you, as well as the cost and the timeline you can expect. Our goal is to find you a fit in every way, and that includes a good financial fit.
We offer multiple financing options that we can go over with you, and we would also be happy to help you file your claims and take a look at your insurance policy. This way you can be sure you’re getting every possible benefit out of it.
Set Up Your Consultation!
Our team has the experience needed to help you resolve your dental concerns. If you’d like some more information on any of the services we provide, reach out to Bowman DMD at Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, FL, today for a consultation.