Orthodontistry is the art of using special appliances to straighten and align the teeth and bite. There are several types of orthodontic braces available, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth-colored" braces, and clear plastic braces.
We cover the basics at our practice. Ask us today about what we can do to help you get a straighter, more beautiful smile.
We offer high-quality orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.
Our services include traditional and ceramic braces as well as clear aligners. No matter how you are wanting to straighten your teeth, at Warren and Law Dental we can give you the beautiful smile and lasting results you are looking for.
TYPES OF BRACES
We offer a variety of orthodontic treatments to craft a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you have crooked and misaligned teeth or are in need of bite correction, our team will work carefully with you to plan and execute treatment that fits with your needs and budget. We will also provide all the information you need for proper post-care.
We offer complimentary consultations for orthodontic treatment because we know how important it is to have a full understanding of the process before beginning treatment. Schedule a consultation today to find out more about orthodontic treatment in Las Cruces and have all your questions answered!
Traditional Braces
Braces are the most popular treatment for misaligned teeth, and that’s because the results can be beautiful and long-lasting.
Metal braces, made of stainless steel or titanium, are known as “traditional braces” because the first orthodontic braces were made of metal. They still continue to be the most commonly-used type of braces today. Luckily, today’s braces are smaller, flatter and more comfortable than braces of the past.
Braces are skillfully tightened and adjusted in order to shift teeth into a straightened position. Rubber bands or other appliances are used in conjunction with braces for a thorough adjustment of the entire mouth.
Clear Braces
Not keen on the idea of how metal braces look? Advances in technology allow orthodontists to offer clear or tooth-colored braces made of ceramic or polycarbonate. It’s a much less noticeable alternative to the classic “metal mouth!”
Clear braces function just as traditional metal braces do. They also include brackets, arch wires and elastic ties. The ties are generally clear or white. Clear braces are not to be confused with popular clear aligner systems like Invisalign. Those systems fit into the mouth like a mouth guard, slipping over the teeth, and they are removable. Clear braces are cemented into the mouth just like metal braces are.
Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners are an attractive alternative to traditional metal braces. It is a series of clear, custom-fit removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth to slowly straighten them. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces but is virtually invisible. Because Clear Aligners trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
The Clear Aligner treatment begins with taking molds of the teeth to design your customized trays. Patients switch trays every two weeks to gradually shift the teeth. The system requires a visit to our office every six weeks so that treatment can be monitored. Once treatment is complete, you will likely be given a retainer to maintain your new smile.
Fastbraces
Fastbraces do exactly what their name implies — they align your teeth faster than traditional braces. The treatment utilizes a unique bracket design and special wiring to straighten teeth in as little as a few months.
Traditional braces typically work in two stages: straighten the crowns of the teeth first, then straighten the roots. Fastbraces’ bracket design enables us to straighten both the crown and root of each tooth simultaneously. Patients have also reported less sensitivity with Fastbraces. They are a safe and affordable straightening option with many benefits for you.
Drs. Warren and Law
When considering where to go for orthodontic treatment, it’s important to choose an expert in the field. Drs. Warren and Law have been successfully treating crooked teeth with beautiful, stunning results for more than 30 years,
and can handle both simple and complex alignment needs.
Benefits of braces from Warren & Law Dental
Our team members believe in providing their patients with a gentle, caring and comprehensive approach to oral health. They believe in conservative, preventive dentistry, and their goal is to increase the longevity of their patient's teeth. They take the time to provide you with the best care possible. You know that our doctors are there to serve your needs and provide quality dental care to patients in a comfortable, friendly and family-oriented atmosphere.
How long does it take? One of the most common questions we receive is, how long does treatment take? On average, orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from a few months up to 3 years to complete.
Clear aligner options are typically used on patients with less severe straightening problems and usually take less than 12 months to complete. For our more severe cases involving metal or clear braces, treatment can take as little as 12 months all the way up to 3 years before the desired results are reached. This may seem like an incredibly long time, but the most important thing to remember is that each individual has unique needs, and tooth alignment should not be rushed. The long-term benefits from proper orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime!
For optimized functionality
Braces and clear aligners aren’t the only treatment orthodontists use to fix gaps in teeth and problems with bites. Appliances like palatal expanders, W-arches and spacers, among many other options, are used before, after or in conjunction with aligners to correct very specific problems. Most appliances are made of metal. Some are permanent and some are removable. They are used to solve a variety of issues and restore optimal functionality to the mouth.
During your visit, Drs. Warren and Law will explain which appliance services we offer as they identify necessary treatment. If a specific appliance is needed, we will explain the purpose and expectations for that appliance as clearly as possible.
We treat you like family. As with any treatment you receive at our office, we will look after you from start to finish. Our caring team will remain attentive to your needs and work at a pace that is appropriate for you to ensure your comfort and confidence through each step of care. You will be treated like family.
A price you can afford
We don’t want the cost of orthodontics to keep you from receiving the treatment you need. Our team at Warren & Law Dental offers various financing options to make treatment more affordable, and we will work with you to create a payment plan that meets your needs and budget. If you have insurance, we will help determine your benefits and provide an estimate of coverage before treatment begins.
No matter your age, it’s important to address irregularities and problems with the teeth. Crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth have an obvious impact on appearance and can greatly reduce one’s confidence and self-esteem. More importantly, however, malocclusions can affect one’s overall health. The position of the teeth play a role in our ability to speak, drink and chew properly. When not set in their proper position, teeth can cause the following issues which are a good sign that orthodontic treatment is needed:
If you are self-conscious about your smile and tend to hide it when you eat, speak or smile, you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment. Schedule a consultation today, and we can discuss a plan for rebuilding your confidence and getting you the smile you’ve always wanted!
Improper care of your braces or aligners can lead to future dental problems. It is important to remember to take care of your them every day. How? Here are some tips:
Eating
If you have clear aligners, remember to remove them when eating and drinking to avoid damage and stains. If you have braces, there are certain foods that can cause damage to your braces and should be avoided:
Foods to avoid:
Soreness
Your mouth and teeth may feel a little sore when you first begin treatment but that is normal! This soreness is caused by the shifting of your teeth and will go away soon! Rinsing your mouth with salt water or taking a pain reliever can help ease the discomfort. If you continue to have severe pain, give our office a call so we can determine how to solve the problem.
Loose tooth
Because orthodontic appliances are constantly working to move your teeth into the proper position, there may be times when your teeth feel a little loose. Don’t be alarmed! This is normal. As your teeth settle into their proper spot, the loose feeling will go away.
Loose wires and bands (for those with braces)
If you notice that a wire or band becomes loose, contact us for an appointment to repair your braces. In the meantime, it may be possible to gently push the wire back into place. Wax or a wet cotton ball can also be applied to areas where a wire may be poking out of place and irritating your cheek or gums.
Sports (for those with braces)
It’s safe to play sports while wearing braces, although we do recommend you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Give us a call if you need help finding a mouth guard that provides comfortable protection.
Proper Care
The more careful you are about taking care of your aligners or braces, the faster your treatment will be. When damaged, orthodontic appliances are not able to function properly and the progress of your teeth movement may be delayed. Please contact us immediately to schedule an appointment if your appliance becomes damaged.
Our Consultation or Second Opinion Includes:
One-on-One Doctor-Patient Education — We will explain all the details of your oral health in an easy-to-understand manner and go over the entire treatment process. We will answer any questions you might have.
Customized Treatment Planning — Your treatment will be designed around your specific needs, timeline and budget. We will also review pricing and financial options, if needed.
Intraoral Exam — A thorough exam of your mouth will be performed prior to planning treatment. This will allow us to properly assess your oral condition.
