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Braces

Orthodontics

Orthodontics Santa Maria, CA

Orthodontic treatment is a wonderful way to get the smile of your dreams. It’s also one of the best ways to ensure good oral health. Orthodontic appliances move your teeth into proper alignment and can also correct jawbone issues, like overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites.

Your Santa Maria orthodontist will examine your teeth and determine which orthodontic services will serve your needs best.

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Why Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment from Santa Barbara Family Dentistry?

Some patients opt for orthodontic services because they have crowded or crooked teeth, while others want to close gaps between their teeth. Patients also may have teeth and jaw misalignment issues that can result in a condition called TMJ disorder.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • Chronic headaches and migraines

  • Jaw soreness

  • Earaches

  • Difficulty chewing

  • Lockjaw

  • Difficulty or pain opening or closing your mouth

 

Other dental issues caused by jaw misalignment include cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. Achieving proper alignment can help reduce or eliminate pain and reduce the risk of tooth damage.

What Orthodontic Treatment
Options Do I Have?

Depending on your needs, your orthodontist may recommend supplementary services to correct complex jawbone issues.

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If you decide to invest in orthodontics in Santa Maria, your orthodontist will recommend one of three main types of treatment:

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an excellent option for patients worried about aesthetics during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible. They’re also removable, making eating and caring for your teeth easier.

Invisalign® aligners need to be worn for 22 hours each day. Wearing them for less time can result in slowed progress, extending the length of your treatment.

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The Invisalign® system is just as effective as traditional braces in most cases. However, they’re not a good option for patients with complex orthodontic cases. Treatment time ranges from six to 18 months on average.

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Traditional Metal Braces

Your Santa Maria orthodontist may recommend metal braces if you have complex misalignment issues, such as a major crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite. Your Santa Barbara Family Dentistry orthodontist may also recommend headgear, palatal expanders, or other orthodontic appliances.

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Traditional braces are made of three components:

  • Brackets

  • An Archwire

  • Elastic Bands
     

The brackets are bonded onto your teeth. The archwire fits into the brackets, guiding the teeth into position, and the elastic bands hold the wire in place. Treatment time ranges from 12 to 24 months.

Porcelain Braces

Porcelain braces are made of the same components as traditional braces, except they’re tooth-colored. They work just as well as metal braces, but patients often find them more comfortable.
 

Average treatment time ranges from 12 to 24 months, though it is longer in some cases to prevent the brackets from cracking or breaking from too much force.

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How Much Do Orthodontic Services in Santa Maria Cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on how long you need treatment, which treatment option you choose, and if you need additional services (like headgear or palatal expanders). Our team will go over all your costs and payment options before you begin treatment.
 

Orthodontic treatment plan costs typically include one retainer. Additional retainers – either for backup or to replace a lost or broken retainer – will be an added charge.

Does Orthodontic Treatment Hurt?

Some patients experience gum and tooth soreness for a few days when they first get braces or clear aligners. They might experience some soreness again when they get an orthodontic adjustment or change their aligners. Some might experience a headache or jaw tenderness, too.
 

Sticking to a soft diet, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water a couple of times a day, and taking over-the-counter painkillers/anti-inflammatory medications can help.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

Before investing your time and money in orthodontic treatment, your Santa Barbara Family Dentistry team wants to evaluate your oral health. Treating dental decay, gum disease, and other urgent dental health matters is vital to the success of orthodontic treatment.
 

Once your teeth and gums are in good shape, your dentist will give you the green light to proceed with orthodontic services.

Orthodontic Care – A Key to Lasting Oral Health

With orthodontic care from your Santa Maria orthodontist, straightening your smile and correcting alignment issues has never been easier!

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Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of braces in Santa Maria or to find out if you’re a good candidate for orthodontic care.

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GET A BEAUTIFUL, STRAIGHT SMILE WITH ORTHODONTIC SERVICES IN SANTA MARIA.

Contact us for an orthodontic consultation today!

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