METAL BRACES
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.
If you want to learn more about Titanium Othos® please click here.
CLEAR BRACES
Clear braces are made of a translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal. We use one of the industry's newest and highest quality clear bracket, Symetri Clear™ from Ormco corporation. Designed for aesthetics and strength this revolutionary system uses advanced polycrystalline-alumina ceramic material.
Symetri Clear™ brackets are designed for both patients and doctors. They are an aesthetic bracket designed for the patient's comfort with features that meet clinical demands. The smooth surfaces and low profile are designed to minimize occlusal interferences allowing for bonding of both upper and lower arches.
With Symetri's refined strength it performs similar to a metal bracket. Due to its design the doctor has full control and can achieve precise movements. Through advanced technology, Symeti brackets are resistant to breakage compared to other ceramic braces. The safe, easy, and non-destructive removal of the bracket is truly impressive.
This bracket design has more rounded surfaces, which diffuse light better that a flat surface. Therefore, these brackets virtually disappear and naturally blend with tooth enamel.
It is never too late to have the smile you always wanted. Now you can move teeth at any age to achieve a beautiful result that is youthful and dynamic. Symetri Clear™ brackets are discreet, so they won't interfere with your busy active lifestyle.
If you want to learn more about Symetri Clear™ click here.
INVISALIGN®
The Invisalign® System is a series of clear overlay templates-called aligner-that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is used on adults and teenagers with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign® system.
The INVISALIGN® system is a series of clear overlay templates, called aligners-that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. They are a series of customized clear polymer, removable devices that move the teeth in small increments from their original state to a more ideal treated state. This system is available to adult and teenagers patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask if you are a candidate for the INIVISALIGN® system. Everyone had different need that fit our time of life. Some need dictate ICE braces and some needs dictate INVISALIGN®. This is what needs to be discussed and decided upon as we work together.
If you want to learn more about INVISALIGN® please click here.