Traditional Orthodontics
Transforming Smiles with Ease
Braces are the backbone of orthodontic treatment, and they’ve been reliably straightening teeth and improving oral health in patients for countless years. This technique can be recommended for children and adults alike. It’s also the most effective method for correcting significant smile problems, such as extreme overcrowding. If you’d like to explore this option for yourself or your loved one, Dr. Anas Athar is here to help! You can find him at several practice locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including Plano, Garland, Murphy, and more.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Traditional braces have three major components to them. There are the brackets, which are the building blocks when it comes to shifting teeth towards a more ideal position. They are directly bonded to each tooth and all have unique characteristics depending on their position and Dr. Athar’s specific treatment plan.
If the brackets are the foundation, then the archwire is the catalyst! This component is bent at an angle and then attached to the brackets. Because it tries to return to its original shape, the archwire applies consistent pressure to the teeth and facilitates their gradual movement over time.
Finally, if certain teeth need additional pressure or direction, elastics will be tied to the brackets. Dr. Athar offers a wide variety of colored elastics, including bright options that will showcase your child’s vibrant personality and neutral options like white and silver for more professional, image-conscious patients.
How Long Will I Have to Wear My Braces?
The length of orthodontic treatment varies based on several factors, such as the patient’s age, Dr. Athar’s specific plan, and how minor or severe the issues we’re striving to correct are. For instance, children who receive early intervention in the form of Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics will be much more likely to require very little or even no traditional orthodontic treatment later down the road. The patient is also somewhat responsible for the speed of their treatment, as personal maintenance at home is an important factor!
In most cases, orthodontic patients can expect to wear their braces for one to three years. Dr. Athar will always be upfront with you about the projected timespan for your treatment so that you know what to expect and what you can hope to accomplish through the process.
In addition to metal braces, we offer other options for traditional treatment that may fit your personal circumstances and goals better:
Clear & Ceramic Braces
Of course, many patients shy away at the thought of wearing dark-colored, metallic braces for years at a time. If you’re in need of a subtler and more professional solution, consider clear and ceramic braces from Dr. Athar. This treatment has all of the same components as traditional braces, but they’re crafted from tooth-colored or translucent materials in order to help them blend in more effectively with your natural enamel. We want to see our patients smiling confidently throughout treatment!
Learn About Clear & Ceramic Braces
Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics
There are many orthodontic conditions that are easier to correct at a very young age, and Dr. Athar may even be able to prevent these problems altogether in your son or daughter through this approach. Early orthodontic intervention (also known as “Phase 1” treatment) helps smiles grow up healthy, strong, and ready to last a lifetime!
Learn About Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics
Sure Smile
Sure Smile is a new, computerized method for maximizing the effectiveness of traditional braces. Dr. Athar will complete a thorough, optical scan of the patient’s full smile and then translate it into a digital image. From the image, we will create special oral trays that will guide the placement of the braces and also wires that will be able to correct tooth alignment more efficiently. The result? Faster treatment, fewer appointments, and more saved time that can be spent doing what you want.