Braces in Bellevue, WA

TITANIUM Braces in Bellevue

We use titanium metal braces. We do not use stainless steel like most other orthodontist. TITANIUM ORTHOS® are the best on the market today because of their precise bracket system and the proven material benefits of titanium. They are small with a low profile and are flexible. Therefore, they are far more comfortable for our patients, you get more precise results without root absorption.

‍The metal braces we use are not stainless steel but titanium. Titanium Orthos® have the most precise bracket system and with the proven material benefits of titanium.

Titanium is a much superior material because of its flexibility. When you insert the wire into the slot, the titanium brace flexes and then returns to its passive position. In other words, the titanium brace absorbs some of the pressure of the wire for the first few days after an adjustment. This makes it much more comfortable for the patient and it is better for the roots of the teeth as well. It prevents resorption (root shortening), a common negative side effect of braces.

Technically, how this works is this. When the wire is engaged into the bracket, the root is moved in its socket. With stainless steel braces, the root can be "slammed" into the side of the socket and obliterate the connective tissue membrane between the root and the socket. This then can initiate root resorption.

With a flexible brace, the root is not "slammed" into the wall of the socket when the wire is engaged. Consequently, you don't get root resorption and the patient doesn't feel pain.

Titanium Orthos® are also more aesthetically appealing. First they have a superior color, shiny rich silver nor a blackish tint. Secondly, they have a lower profile thus enhanced patient comfort.

You are now probably wondering why all orthodontist do not use titanium braces. Well, the answer is cost and lack of knowledge. Most orthodontists know only the straight wire treatment. With extensive research and application, Dr. Seely is the leader in Titanium technology. Hence, the only orthodontist in the state of Washington to use this highly advanced system.

Others use stainless steel because the material cost less than that of titanium. Frankly this does not make any sense. It is the time of treatment that costs. Labor costs are much more that the cost of any set of braces, titanium or stainless steel. So why not use the best braces so that treatment time is shorter. Everyone benefits when treatment time is shorter and our patients are worth it! There is no additional cost for superior titanium that we use because treatment time is reduced. It is a WIN-WIN. Our patients do not have pain and look good during treatment. They do not get root resorption and their treatment is shorter and very precise.