Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Braces in Boca Raton & Wellington, FL. | Santelli Orthodontics

Braces in Boca Raton & Wellington, FL.

At Santelli Orthodontics, we are the local experts in braces in Boca Raton and Wellington, FL. We have a variety of orthodontic treatments to brighten your smile and correct bite misalignments, and we are here to help you understand your options.

Here, you can learn more about how braces work, the differences between our braces treatments, and more, so you can see if braces may be the right choice for you. During your initial consultation, our orthodontists will take the time to understand your case and your needs and help you make an informed decision. Book a complimentary consultation with us today!

What Are Braces and How Do They Work?

Braces are orthodontic appliances that gradually move your teeth into their proper position using small brackets that are attached to your teeth and connected by an archwire. Throughout the process, your orthodontist will carefully control the amount of pressure put on your teeth to ensure that the movement is gradual and comfortable. To do this, you will periodically need to visit us to check on your treatment progress and ensure everything is on track.

Braces can treat anything from mild to severe bite malocclusions, like crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and more. Our experts at Santelli Orthodontics can help you understand if braces may be the right choice for you.

Types of Braces Available At Santelli Orthodontics

Forget the clunky braces of the past – modern braces have gotten a major upgrade! There are a variety of braces options available to fit your needs and your lifestyle. These include clear ceramic braces, traditional metal braces, and Damon self-ligating braces.

Read on to learn more about each of these options:

Ceramic braces are a great option for people who are looking to get the benefits of traditional braces, but may be feeling conscious about their appearance. Clear braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets and move teeth as efficiently as metal braces. Due to their cosmetic appeal, they are a very popular option for teenage and adult patients. The only drawbacks are that ceramic brackets may be more fragile than metal ones, and these braces are often slightly more expensive.

Clear Ceramic Braces Cost

The cost of clear braces ranges from around $2,000 to $8,500, depending on your needs.

Ceramic Braces Pros & Cons

The benefits of ceramic braces include:

  • They are less noticeable than traditional metal braces, because the braces are color matched to your teeth, which makes them visible but harder to notice.
  • According to people who have worn both metal and ceramic braces, ceramic braces are less painful on your gums and cheeks.
  • Ceramic braces are a little more expensive than metal braces, but they are still a cost-effective option when compared to other alternatives.
  • They can be a faster option than clear aligners.
  • They are a great alternative for for people with metal allergies and/or people who often need medical imaging tests.

Drawbacks for ceramic braces include:

  • The brackets used are bigger on ceramic braces, although they are tooth colored.
  • They are often expensive than metal braces.
  • They are more fragile and likely to break than traditional braces, especially when exposed to too much pressure over long periods of time.
  • Ceramic braces are more likely to discolor due to having clear or white elastic bands.

Metal braces today are nothing like the clunky, painful metal braces you may remember from the past. Today, metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive than ever before. They are made of high-quality, durable stainless steel, and they are the most common type of braces because they work. Although traditional metal braces are visible when you smile, they provide a good opportunity to get creative or show off your style: you can choose from a rainbow of colorful ligatures every time you come in!

Metal Braces Cost

The range of metal braces costs can vary depending on your specific orthodontic needs. The price usually ranges from around $3,000 to $7,500.

Metal Braces Pros & Cons

Advantages to Metal Braces

  • They are still considered the most effective type of braces and can be used for a wide range of orthodontic malocclusions.
  • They have been long known as one of the quickest ways to attain straight teeth.
  • Metal braces tend to be less expensive and are often covered by insurance.
  • They are durable. Metal braces are super strong and can hold up against daily wear from brushing and chewing.
  • They work around the clock, so you get consistent treatment until they are done shifting your teeth.
  • They are very beneficial for almost any case that needs orthodontic care. Metal braces are able to take on both the most complicated and the mildest of orthodontic cases.

Drawbacks Of Metal Braces

  • They are more visible than ceramic braces or clear aligners.
  • They can be uncomfortable when they are adjusted.

Damon Braces have an innovative bracket design that opens and closes like a door, holding the archwire in place. With this self-ligating technology, no elastic ties are necessary. This technology creates less friction, reduces treatment time, and demands fewer in-office visits!

Damon Braces Cost

Damon Braces cost anywhere between $2,000–$7,000, depending on your needs and the complexity of your case.

Damon Braces Pros & Cons

Advantages Of Damon Self-Ligating Braces

  • Reduced number of in-office visits
  • Potential for increased comfort compared to traditional braces
  • Availability of a less noticeable clear option
  • Simplified cleaning process
  • Enhanced hygiene benefits
  • Possibility of shorter treatment duration

Drawbacks Of Damon Self-Ligating Braces

  • Potential for bracket design to allow for less precise movements.
  • Higher costs associated with complex cases compared to traditional braces.
  • Risk of the locking mechanism breaking or getting stuck, necessitating repairs and potentially prolonging treatment.
  • Potential limitations of smaller brackets in effectively rotating larger teeth.

Looking for an alternative to braces treatment? Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable. They are actually a series of clear plastic “trays” that are custom-made to fit over your teeth. Each tray is part of a series of trays that move your teeth a little bit at a time until they are in the proper position. Your trays are designed with the help of specialized computer software that generates a virtual model of your bite.

Learn More About Clear Aligners

Santelli’s Braces Process

TIMELINE

Initial Consultation and Examination

The process of getting braces starts with a free consultation at Santelli Orthodontics. During your first appointment, we will introduce you to our incredible orthodontic care team. Then, Dr. Santelli will discuss your dental history and do a physical exam to get an idea of your needs. We will also take imaging of your teeth and jaw, so we can get a better understanding of what conditions need to be corrected. Once we have all of this information, we will recommend a treatment for you and discuss your options. We will happily answer every question you have, and help you find a treatment solution that fits your needs and your budget.

Braces Fitting

When we put dental braces on our patient’s teeth, we use a tool called a cheek retractor to keep the teeth dry and visible during the process. Before attaching the braces, we make sure the teeth are clean, dry, and prepared properly. We use special dental cement to hold the braces in the right position on each tooth. After that, we remove any extra cement and use a bright light to make the bond between the braces and the teeth stronger. Once the braces are in the right place, we take off the cheek retractor and put in thin wires to help straighten the teeth. The whole process is pretty quick, usually taking less than 20 minutes.

Braces Adjustments

At Santelli Orthodontics, regular visits are essential to adjust dental braces and ensure the continuous repositioning of the teeth. These appointments are necessary because the elastic ties that hold the wires in place gradually stretch and weaken over time, resulting in reduced pressure. During each adjustment visit, the movement of the teeth and the progress made with the dental braces are carefully evaluated. This evaluation helps in making informed decisions about the ongoing treatment. At these appointments, the old elastic ties and archwires are removed, and new ones are placed to maintain the desired alignment and continue the teeth-straightening process.

Braces Removal

When the desired repositioning of the teeth has been achieved, it’s time to remove dental braces at our practice. This is a relatively simple and painless process. Initially, the ties and wires are removed, similar to what happens during regular adjustment appointments. Next, the bond between the brackets and the teeth is gently broken by applying pressure to the base of the brackets. This releases the adhesive bonds without causing harm to the teeth or enamel.

Following your braces removal, we will make you a custom retainer to help maintain the new position of the teeth and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment over time. We will schedule some infrequent follow-up visits to make sure that your teeth are progressing well in their new positions.

Braces Treatment for the Whole Family

At Santelli Orthodontics, we offer braces treatment for kids, teens, and adults.
No matter what your family’s needs are, we have an option for them!

Face of a young woman with braces on her teeth

Braces for Adults

It’s not too late to improve your smile! Adult braces offer significant health and aesthetic benefits. They can correct misaligned teeth, improving oral health by reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, while also enhancing the appearance of the smile, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.

Braces for Teens

Your teen may not be thrilled about getting braces, but they’ll smile big once treatment is over! Teen braces can significantly improve dental alignment, oral health, and self-esteem, providing a foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles and optimal oral well-being.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

It’s not too late to improve your smile! Adult braces offer significant health and aesthetic benefits. They can correct misaligned teeth, improving oral health by reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, while also enhancing the appearance of the smile, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.

Contact Santelli Orthodontics For Florida’s Top Braces Treatment 

At Santelli Orthodontics, we are passionate about creating life-changing smiles for children, teens, and adults. Our dedicated team offers a range of braces treatment options, including ceramic braces, metal braces, Damon Braces, and more, utilizing advanced technology and top-quality materials for long-lasting results. With a commitment to honesty, integrity, and compassion, our goal is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care possible. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

The duration of braces treatment can vary depending on the severity of misalignment. While the average timeframe is around two years, some individuals may complete treatment in under 12 months, while others may require up to three years for optimal results.

If you or your child have any of the following conditions, it’s recommended to schedule a consultation for braces treatment:

  • Misaligned or crooked teeth
  • Open bite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth loss
  • Challenges with chewing or speech
  • Abnormal enamel
  • Jaw structure and alignment issues

During the consultation, an orthodontist can assess your specific concerns and discuss the appropriate treatment options to address these conditions.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it is advisable for children to have their first orthodontic visit by the age of 7. At this stage, there are sufficient permanent teeth for the orthodontist to assess the development of teeth and jaws. Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, focuses on addressing orthodontic concerns in children before all their permanent teeth have grown in. This proactive approach helps correct issues before they worsen, positively impacting speech development and boosting your child’s confidence.

It is common to feel some minor soreness or discomfort when you first get braces or during adjustments when the brackets and wires are tightened. This discomfort is typically a result of the necessary pressure applied to facilitate tooth movement and allow the braces to effectively do their job.

To protect your braces and minimize the need for repairs and extended treatment time, it’s advisable to steer clear of sticky, chewy foods such as caramel, as well as hard candies. Additionally, it’s best to avoid excessively crispy or crunchy foods like hard pretzels and tough pizza crust, as they can potentially cause damage to the braces and wires.

Absolutely! In fact, it is even more crucial for individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment to maintain regular visits to their dentist. Braces can create areas where food particles may become trapped, promoting bacterial growth and increasing the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

For musicians, singers, and athletes, there might be an adjustment period when wearing braces. However, braces will not hinder your participation in extracurricular activities. If you engage in contact sports, it’s wise to use a mouthguard to safeguard your braces from damage. Woodwind or brass instrumentalists may experience initial discomfort, but applying orthodontic wax can help minimize friction. Music teachers often have helpful advice for playing with braces. Singers may notice slight changes in diction initially, but this typically resolves on its own after a few days.

Properly cleaning and caring for braces is essential for successful braces treatment. Braces have many nooks and crannies where food particles and bacteria can hide, potentially causing issues like plaque buildup, bad breath, stained teeth, cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. To prevent these problems, it’s important for patients with braces to avoid foods that can harm their braces and maintain good oral hygiene practices.

Here are some recommended tools that can help you properly take care of your braces:

  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Opt for a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and brackets. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months.
  • Floss Threaders: These handy tools help thread floss under the wires, allowing you to clean between your teeth effectively.
  • Dental Picks: Dental picks are versatile for cleaning between teeth and under the wires, available in various shapes and configurations, with some even featuring a built-in flosser.
  • Proxabrush: This brush, with cone-shaped bristles, is ideal for reaching challenging spots in your braces.
  • Waterpik: While not a substitute for flossing, a Waterpik shoots a jet of water between teeth and around brackets, offering additional assistance for braces care.
  • Mouthwash: Completing your braces cleaning routine with a fluoride mouthwash provides extra protection against tooth decay.

Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces requires brushing your teeth at least three times a day to ensure the health and cleanliness of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Regular brushing helps eliminate any food particles that may get stuck in your braces. It is also crucial to floss daily, especially in the areas between your braces that are difficult to reach with a brush.

Wearing a retainer after braces is important because it helps to keep your teeth in their new, straight positions. It allows the gums and tissues around your teeth to adjust properly. If you don’t wear a retainer, there’s a chance your teeth could start moving back to how they were before, undoing all the work done with braces. So, wearing a retainer regularly is necessary to make sure your teeth stay straight and aligned in the long run.

Regularly causing damage to your braces or neglecting to wear your rubber bands as directed can greatly lengthen the time it takes to complete your treatment. Furthermore, frequent appointment absences or last-minute rescheduling can also result in delays. It is vital to closely follow your orthodontist’s instructions, attend all scheduled appointments, and adhere to the recommended treatment plan for the most efficient progress and timely completion of your orthodontic treatment.