Here at O’Loughlin Dental, we are dedicated to giving our patients the orthodontic care they need.

To do this, we offer two types of braces. We offer both fixed (tram track) and removable braces. Both of these options work well for children.

Fixed braces are cemented to the teeth and are worn day and night. They consist of brackets and wires. These are the most common type of braces.

Removable braces are very similar to the tram track braces. They work similarly, except that they can be removed when you eat and drink. Removable braces also make it very easy to regularly clean your teeth and gums.

Removable braces are worn on the front teeth and are held on by clips or wires that fit directly over your teeth. Just because they are removable does not mean that you shouldn’t wear them. They need to be worn all of the time except during meal times and when brushing and flossing.

After eating, you should brush your teeth and clean your braces before placing them back in.
Braces, whether you use the fixed or removable ones, work by moving your teeth back into the correct position. You need to continue to visit the orthodontist regularly to ensure that your braces are working the way they should. They will need to be adjusted when needed to continue to do their job.

After the braces have done their job, you will have to wear a retainer, which helps to keep your teeth in the right position. This could be temporary, though you may have to wear it for longer.

Invisalign

Invisalign® is a wonderful, modern, alternative treatment to braces. You can straighten your teeth without installing metal in your mouth. Instead, we use plastic trays (also known as aligners) to move your teeth back into place. Each aligner is custom made to fit your mouth so you don’t have to worry about mouth irritation or anything else that traditional braces can cause.

Since the aligners are removable, they are easier to keep clean. You can also continue to brush and floss your teeth without trying to avoid harming your braces.

Invisalign® is also popular because the aligners are clear, so most people don’t even know you are wearing anything unless you tell them.

If you have considered straightening your teeth but don’t want to bother with braces, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (660) 263-2002.