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Are Custom Braces Right For Me?

Introduction to Custom Braces 

When you make the decision to invest in orthodontic treatment to improve dental issues or fix your smile, you expect the best possible outcome and an approach tailored to your unique dental needs. At dobie revolution orthodontics, our team prioritizes your personalized care with our customized braces solution. While traditional braces are generic and the same for every patient, our custom braces are designed specifically for each patient and their unique circumstance. 3D technology and the KLOwen custom braces system allows us to give our patients a more specialized and efficient treatment plan. But, are custom braces right for you or your child? We’ll break down our process in this article and make it easy for you to decide for yourself!

Are you considering custom braces in the New Haven/Shoreline area?

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Steps to Getting Custom Braces at dobie revolution orthodontics

Our process follows a precise and patient-centric approach to orthodontic treatment. Here are the steps that you can expect to see as a patient of ours:

Step 1: 3D Scan

Your custom braces journey begins with a 3D scan of your teeth and jaw, using the latest iTero 5D scanner. This scan captures every detail of your dental structures, providing our team with a complete virtual model to work with. This scan eliminates the need for messy impressions and gives us a more accurate starting point for a personalized treatment plan.

itero scanner and results

Step 2: Customizing Your Brackets

Using the 3D scan data, we then utilize the KLOwent braces system to select each bracket to fit the unique angulation, thickness and shape of your teeth. This strategy differs from traditional braces, where all patients use the same standardized brackets. The precision of the KLOwen system ensures a better fit and enhances the treatment efficiency.

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Once we have selected your custom brackets, we create a personalized treatment plan for your orthodontic needs. The KLOwen system allows our team to predict how your teeth will move throughout the treatment, as best as possible, tailoring the approach and progression of your braces more accurately. This leaves you with fewer necessary adjustment appointments and often faster results.

Step 4: Application and Ongoing Adjustments

Once your custom brackets are ready, we carefully apply your braces with the precision of a 3D printed tray made specially for you. You can expect this part of the process to be 4 weeks after your initial appointment. Due to the precision of the bracket placement, and the custom prescription, you’ll notice that your teeth will move into ideal positions rather quickly. Over the course of your treatment, we make minor adjustments based on the progress to keep you on track for optimal results.

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Are Custom Braces Right for My Child, Pre-Teen, or Teen?

Custom braces offer the personalized nature of orthodontic treatment that traditional braces simply cannot provide. Treatment efficiency and a reduced number of orthodontic appointments is ideal for younger patients who have busy school schedules. Not only do you typically have fewer orthodontic appointments, but trying to be out of braces before highschool starts is always a winner with the kids! 

Reasons to Get Braces for a Child, Pre-Teen, or Teen

  • Correcting early misalignment: Recognizing and acting on orthodontic issues early helps to prevent more serious problems that may emerge or worsen in adulthood.
  • Preventing bite issues: Custom braces address overbites, underbites, and crossbites helping with proper jaw alignment and development as your child grows.
  • Improving confidence: The efficiency of custom braces allows your child or teen to get that straighter smile as soon as possible, boosting self-esteem during the developmental years.

Other Options

  • Invisalign Teen: Invisalign is a clear aligner system that’s an alternative to braces and is also designed using the same 3D scan of your teeth. A custom treatment plan is then created for you very similar to the way KLOwen custom braces are designed. This option can offer even more flexibility with busy school schedules, but it does require a very motivated and responsible patient. 
  • KLOwen Clear Braces: KLOwen custom braces also offer a clear bracket option that is designed in the same manner as their metal version. Patients that are trying to hide their orthodontic journey, but feel that they will not be responsible enough to wear Invisalign often find this to be a happy medium. We understand that some patients want braces that offer a bit more discretion! 
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Are Custom Braces Right for Me as an Adult?

Adults will typically have different needs than younger patients when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Custom braces are ideal for adults because of their efficiency, especially when it comes to having a busy work schedule. Less appointments tends to be a priority for adults, making custom braces a great option. 

Reasons to Get Braces as an Adult

  • Correcting long-standing issues: Adults usually seek out braces to address many dental problems that weren’t taken care of during their childhood or teenage years. These issues may have grown worse over time and are now affecting their bite. 
  • Improving oral health: Properly aligned teeth are much easier to clear and maintain, which reduces the risk of gum disease and/or tooth decay.
  • Aesthetics: One of the most frequent reasons that adults seek orthodontic treatment is to improve their smile! Straight teeth can help boost one’s appearance and self-confidence. Don’t forget, a person’s smile is one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. 

Other Options

  • Invisalign: Invisalign for adults is an alternate option from braces, using clear aligners to straighten the teeth instead. Similarly to the teen Invisalign mentioned above, adults must be strict and dedicated to wearing the aligners in order for the system to work correctly.
  • KLOwen Clear Braces: Just like we mentioned above for the younger patients, KLOwen clear braces are also available to adults who are looking for a more discreet option with the same amazing advantages as custom metal braces. 

Reasons to Consider Options Other Than Custom Braces

Custom braces are a great option for patients looking for a tailored and efficient solution. However, they may not be the best option for everyone. Here are a few reasons why some patients choose alternative options:

  • Cost considerations: Custom braces are typically more expensive than traditional braces or aligners, due to the planning and materials needed for a successful alignment. However, here at dobie revolution orthodontics, we believe that custom braces should be available to everyone so we offer them at no additional cost!
  • Mild orthodontic needs: Some patients looking for teeth alignment may only have minor issues that can be fixed without custom braces. These patients will typically benefit from a shorter-term solution such as aligners or very limited braces.
  • Lifestyle preferences: Having a removable option is a priority for some people, which would only be possible with a solution such as Invisalign.

Maintenance for Custom Braces

Careful hygiene and regular check-ups are always important during orthodontic treatment, whether they are custom or traditional braces. Here are a few items to take into consideration for a successful orthodontic journey:

  • Brushing and flossing regularly: This stands true for anyone, with or without braces, but is especially important in maintaining tooth and gum health during your orthodontic treatment.
  • Avoiding hard or sticky foods: Certain foods and gum can damage the custom brackets or wires during your braces treatment, which could result in needed replacements and delays in results.
  • Attending scheduled adjustments: Although custom braces tend to require less appointments, it’s still important to be mindful of your treatment schedule and ensure availability when you need adjustments to your braces.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

  • Ignoring discomfort: If something feels wrong with your custom braces, it’s best to call and set an appointment with the Orthodontist to get it checked out. Even if it seems small, any issue could possibly delay your treatment results.
  • Not going to your general dentist during treatment: Just because you’re under treatment with an Orthodontist, it’s still important to continue routine check-ups and teeth cleanings with your general dentist to keep your dental health in check.

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Average Timeline for Custom Braces

Timelines vary from children to adults, and for the complexity of your case. 

Kids

Kids and teens typically require a treatment duration that ranges from 18-24 months. This can sometimes change if growth is delayed or is asymmetric. However, the precision of custom braces can potentially reduce the duration of treatment comparatively to traditional methods.

Adults

Adult treatment tends to last between 12-18 months, but depends heavily on the severity of the misalignment. Often adults have had previous orthodontic treatment at an earlier age which can reduce the severity of the issue. The customization of the braces expedites the treatment time and adults will often experience shorter treatment times when compared to traditional metal braces. 

a picture that shows the difference between traditional braces and klowen custom braces.

Conclusion

Custom braces are a great option for children, teens, and adults with their personalized approach to each patient’s specific needs. We here at dobie revolution orthodontics are excited to help you start your custom orthodontic journey so that we can see your wonderful smile as soon as possible. Whether you’re considering braces for your kids or for yourself, custom braces will give you a modern approach to achieving the ideal and healthy smile that you so rightly deserve!

Choose Your Office

hamden

2600 Dixwell Ave, Ste 2A,
Hamden, CT 06514

guilford

405 Church St, Ste 2
Guilford, CT 06437

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