At Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., we understand the importance of well-aligned teeth and the positive impact they can have on your oral health and self-esteem. Dental braces have been a trusted and effective orthodontic treatment for decades, and our experienced team is here to guide you through your braces journey with personalized care and expertise. Whether you’re considering traditional metal braces or exploring more discreet options, we offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic solutions to meet your unique needs.
Metal Braces
Metal braces remain the most widely used orthodontic treatment due to their exceptional effectiveness. They have a proven track record of success and continue to deliver outstanding results. The metal braces available today have undergone significant advancements, making them smaller and more comfortable compared to their predecessors. This means that while benefiting from the reliability and efficiency of metal braces, patients can now enjoy a sleeker and more streamlined orthodontic experience.
At Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., we utilize metal braces composed of high-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and effectiveness. These braces consist of several components:
Brackets: The brackets are the main component of the braces and are securely attached to your teeth using a special bonding glue. These brackets serve as the foundation for the entire orthodontic system.
Archwire: The archwire is a thin metal wire that connects the brackets. It applies gentle pressure to guide your teeth into their desired positions. The archwire plays a crucial role in the movement and alignment of your teeth throughout the treatment process.
Ligature Ties: Also known as ligature elastics or O-ties, these small colored ties secure the archwire to the brackets. They come in various colors, allowing you to personalize your braces. Adults often prefer translucent ties to make them less noticeable.
Together, these components work in harmony to facilitate the gradual movement and alignment of your teeth, helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Our orthodontic team will guide you through the process and provide the necessary adjustments to ensure the success of your treatment.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces present a modern alternative to traditional metal braces, offering enhanced comfort and potentially shorter treatment durations. While they employ brackets and wires similar to traditional braces, self-ligating braces eliminate the need for ligature ties or O-rings. Instead, a specially designed door with an internal clip secures the archwires in place, reducing friction and providing a more comfortable experience. These braces are available in various materials, including metal, ceramic, or clear brackets, making them a versatile choice suitable for patients of all ages.
How Do They Work?
The mechanics of self-ligating braces differ from traditional metal braces as they eliminate the use of elastic ligatures or O-ties. Instead, these braces feature a door-clip mechanism that securely holds the archwire in place. This unique design reduces friction and pressure on the teeth, resulting in a more comfortable orthodontic experience without compromising reliability. Another advantage of self-ligating braces is that they may require fewer adjustment appointments compared to traditional braces since there are no ligature ties to replace. This translates to less time spent at our office and more freedom to enjoy your daily activities.
Self-ligating Bracket Types
PASSIVE – Passive self-ligating braces, feature a unique design. Within the brackets, there is a predetermined lumen size, and the door functions as an additional wall within this space. As treatment progresses, Dr. Azar utilizes a series of progressively larger wires that gradually fill the lumen. This process facilitates the movement of teeth to their desired positions. The passive self-ligating mechanism ensures a smooth and efficient orthodontic journey, promoting effective tooth alignment with the aid of the specialized wires.
ACTIVE – Active self-ligating braces employ a clip as the door mechanism, which actively exerts pressure on the wire, particularly when using larger wires. While the progression of the wires remains consistent, the active mechanism pushes the wire further into the bracket as the wire size increases. This continuous pressure facilitates the desired movement of teeth, ensuring effective alignment throughout the orthodontic treatment process. By utilizing active self-ligating braces, we can optimize the wire-bracket interaction, resulting in efficient tooth adjustments and improved treatment outcomes.
Clear Self-Ligating Braces
Experience the cutting-edge innovation of self-ligating braces, revolutionizing orthodontic treatment. With tie-less brackets and advanced archwires, these braces not only move teeth faster but also provide enhanced comfort. You can enjoy the reliability of metal braces combined with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness of the latest technology. At Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., we offer In-Ovation Clear Braces, which seamlessly blend the advantages of self-ligating braces with the discreetness of clear orthodontic treatment.
In-Ovation Clear Braces utilize a unique slide mechanism instead of the traditional bracket and tie system. This mechanism allows the archwires to move freely within the brackets, significantly reducing friction and binding. As a result, your teeth can move more swiftly and comfortably. With In-Ovation Clear Braces, you can embrace the transformative power of orthodontic treatment while enjoying a discreet appearance.
What Can In-Ovation Clear Do For You?
Better aesthetics – Say goodbye to a mouth full of metal with In-Ovation Clear braces. These clear braces are incredibly discreet, ensuring that no one will even realize you’re wearing braces. Their transparent appearance makes them blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Furthermore, In-Ovation Clear braces are highly resistant to staining and discoloration, as they do not utilize O-ties. You can enjoy the confidence of undergoing orthodontic treatment without the worry of noticeable braces or discoloration concerns.
Potentially faster treatment times – Experience the freedom of a metal-free smile transformation with In-Ovation Clear braces. These remarkable clear braces provide exceptional discretion, allowing you to undergo orthodontic treatment without drawing attention. Their transparent appearance seamlessly blends with your natural teeth, providing a nearly invisible solution. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, In-Ovation Clear braces are highly resistant to staining and discoloration, thanks to their O-tie-free design. With In-Ovation Clear, you can confidently embark on your orthodontic journey, knowing that your braces will remain inconspicuous and resistant to unsightly discoloration.
Increased comfort – Experience the comfort of In-Ovation Clear braces, featuring tie-less brackets that eliminate the need for frequent tightening. With tie-less brackets, these braces apply less friction on the teeth, resulting in a remarkably comfortable orthodontic experience. At Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., we prioritize your comfort, and In-Ovation Clear braces provide a gentle and smooth treatment process, allowing you to enjoy your journey to a beautiful smile with minimal discomfort.
ADDITIONAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BRACES
Do metal braces work better than clear aligners?
The effectiveness of metal braces versus clear aligners depends on your specific case. Some patients with complex malocclusions may benefit from the efficiency and predictability of metal braces, especially when it comes to movements like rotations or larger space closures. During your consultation at Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., Dr. Azar will carefully evaluate your situation and provide detailed information on the treatment options that will best achieve your ideal smile.
Do metal braces work faster than other types of braces?
Different types of braces, including metal braces (traditional), clear braces, self-ligating metal braces, and behind-the-teeth braces, have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Azar will offer personalized guidance on which type of braces will be most efficient for your specific situation during your consultation.
Do metal braces work faster than clear aligners?
The treatment time for metal braces compared to clear aligners depends on the complexity of your case. While metal braces may be more efficient for achieving complicated movements in some instances, both metal braces and clear aligners can deliver beautiful results within a similar timeframe for patients with minor malocclusions. Dr. Azar will assess your orthodontic needs and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you.
How much do metal braces cost?
The cost of metal braces can vary based on factors such as age at treatment, the type of metal braces (traditional or self-ligating), surgical options, and the severity of the malocclusion. On average, metal braces typically range between $3,000 and $7,000. At Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., we provide a complimentary consultation where we will discuss the cost and financial options available to you.
Does insurance cover metal braces?
Are In-Ovation Braces and In-OvationClear self-ligating braces as effective as traditional metal braces?
Yes, In-Ovation Braces and In-Ovation Clear self-ligating braces are just as efficient and effective as regular metal braces. In fact, these self-ligating braces often offer the advantage of shorter treatment times due to their reduced friction in the overall system. This can result in a faster and more efficient orthodontic treatment experience. At Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., we offer In-Ovation Braces and In-Ovation Clear self-ligating braces as excellent options for achieving optimal results in a timely manner.
Do In-Ovation Braces have a noticeable appearance compared to traditional metal braces?
In-Ovation Braces are designed to be smaller and less noticeable than other types of metal braces, providing a more aesthetically pleasing orthodontic experience. The sleek and compact design of In-Ovation Braces ensures a more subtle and discreet look while still delivering effective orthodontic treatment. At Arleen Azar-Mehr, D.D.S., M.S., we offer In-Ovation Braces as a great option for patients seeking a less noticeable braces option.
Is there an orthodontist near me in Northridge that offers braces?
Yes. At our Northridge orthodontic office we offers braces to patients from Northridge and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.