What’s Right For Me? – Bethel Park, PA

Finding the Right Solution for You

A young male wearing a hat and glasses smiles after completing his treatment with braces in Bethel Park

When it comes to wearing braces, there are so many options to choose from. From traditional metal to clear ceramic and even virtually invisible aligners, knowing which solution will help you achieve the smile of your dreams isn’t always easy. Fortunately, the team at Cartwright Orthodontics can use their knowledge, skill, and talents to identify the severity of your dental problem and recommend the best course of action for your teeth and bite. If you’re ready to learn more about which available options are waiting for you, contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

Traditional Metal Braces

An up-close view of a patient wearing traditional braces and having their fixtures checked by an orthodontist

Although viewed as the most common method of orthodontic treatment, there is a reason your orthodontist continues to recommend them. Why? They work! Yes, the metal brackets and wires are still able to move and shift teeth in the right direction, giving patients like yourself beautiful results. Versatile because of their ability to straighten crooked teeth, realign bites, and fix overcrowding and gaps, metal braces make it possible to enjoy better oral health and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Not to mention, they’re an ideal solution for children, teens, and adults! The process to receive them does take time, but it’s worth the effort. Your orthodontist will first cement the brackets to the front of your teeth before threading a metal arch wire through each bracket. This will ensure your teeth move as they should with the right amount of pressure.

Clear Ceramic Braces

An up-close look at a young female’s mouth who has clear ceramic braces and who is pointing to her smile

Similar to traditional metal braces, those that are made of clear ceramic are applied in the same way but instead use tooth-colored or clear materials to provide a more discreet look. Also, the brackets are less bulky, allowing them to lay flat against the front of your tooth, minimizing the chances of irritation to your soft oral tissues (i.e. lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks).

Clear Aligners

A young woman smiling as she prepares to insert a clear aligner into the top arch of her smile

If subtly and fast results are what you’re looking for then you can’t go wrong with clear aligners. This unique orthodontic system uses clear, plastic aligners that are virtually invisible, making it almost impossible for anyone to see.

Much like other aligner systems, clear aligners can easily fix crowded teeth, gaps, and various types of bite alignment issues. After capturing impressions of your teeth, our team will send them off to a dental lab where technicians will create customized trays for you to wear during treatment. After 3-4 weeks of wear, you will swap them out for the next set in the series, allowing your teeth to continue moving in the right direction.

You’re also expected to keep regular appointments with Dr. Cartwright or Dr. Palmer (every six weeks) to ensure everything is moving along smoothly with your treatment. Depending on the individual and severity of the initial case, the average length of treatment is anywhere from 3-5 months.

Clear aligners are not right for everyone, however, and should only be considered for individuals with minor orthodontic problems. Adults also benefit more greatly from these aligners, as it does require a high level of responsibility from remembering to swap out the trays to removing them prior to eating or drinking.