Your Orthodontic Experts for Braces and Invisalign in Miami
By utilizing the latest technology in our practice, we give patients better results in faster time. Previously, traditional metal braces were the only option to straighten teeth, but today we have significantly more patients choosing clear braces and Invisalign to improve their smile. Below you will find several options for tooth movement that we offer in our office and all of these options can be explained in more detail at your visit.
Metal Braces
Today’s metal braces, also called brackets, are 30% smaller and are significantly more comfortable than the brackets of a decade ago. All metal braces used in our office are manufactured in the USA in Southern California and the manufacturing facilities are held to the highest quality control standards. Dr. Sanders was one of only a few orthodontists in the world to have the ability to visit the manufacturing facilities since it is extremely important to us to make sure the orthodontic products we use for our patients are safe.
Clear or Ceramic Braces
Clear braces are made of a clear material called Sapphire, and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, clear braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have esthetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as clear braces are larger than metal braces. Our clear brackets are made in Germany. Dr Sanders has personally visited the manufacturing facilities in Germany to ensure that we only use quality products for our patients.
Invisalign or Invisible Braces
Clear appliances such as Invisalign use a series of removable, comfortable aligner trays to straighten teeth. The aligners are nearly invisible and many patients can be successfully treated using this technology. Invisalign has recently improved it’s aligner material and we are now able to treat a wide range of malocclusions including open bites, deep bites and over bites. The aligners are traditionally worn for 22 hours a day and each aligner is used for a 2 week period of time. All aligners are fabricated using a CAD-CAM process and Dr. Sanders emails all patients a video of their simulated tooth movements before starting their treatment.
Dr. D and Dr. G are Invisalign Premier Preferred Providers and Dr. D was one of a few orthodontists in the world to have the chance to visit the Invisalign manufacturing facilities in San Jose, Costa Rica. Dr. Sanders met our practice’s head invisalign technician and he now has a great relationship in order to produce optimal results using this exciting new technology.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign is not just for adults. With the advent of Invisalign Teen, teenagers can also have the perfect smile without wires or brackets. Invisalign Teen has a few additional features such as a compliance indicator that will allow Dr. Sanders the ability to ensure the aligners are being worn for the appropriate period of time.
Orthopedic Appliances
Orthodontists not only have the ability to straighten teeth, but we can also modify the length and width of jaw bones in growing children. Dentofacial orthopedic appliances are used to enhance or restrict the growth of the jaw bones and are most commonly used in children and teens during active growth spurts. In order to determine the rate of craniofacial growth, Dr. D and Dr. G may contact your pediatrician in order to evaluate growth charts to determine the ideal timing for use of these appliances. The most commonly used orthopedic appliances used in growing patients are palatal expanders, headgears and Herbst appliances. The primary benefit of using an orthopedic appliance during childhood is to prevent more serious treatment in the future including orthognathic jaw surgery.