Vu Orthodontics - Orthodontist - Braces  & Invisalign

Braces and Invisalign 

Our office provides the following braces and braces for both children and adults:

• conventional metal braces (Fig. 1)
• self-ligation braces (Fig. 2)
• clear braces (Fig. 3)
• Invisalign (Fig. 4)

Fig. 1  Conventional metal braces

Unlike conventional metal braces, self-ligation braces are more efficient because of less friction whereas Invisalign (less visible aligners) are more esthetic. 

In our practice, at the beginning phase of braces, we employ NiTi Supercable.  This special archwire (uniquely designed by Strite Limited for SPEED braces) exerts the lightest force possible to minimize discomfort that some patients might experience.  If this discomfort is unavoidable, it would be minimized to the lowest level.  After that, the progression of the arch wires will be carefully selected to ensure the patient would experience no pain nor discomfort.   

                Fig. 2  Self-ligation braces: SPEED

For moderate crowding cases, self-ligation braces may reduce the treatment time in about six months.  Since self-ligation braces are with less friction, they are much more efficient than conventional braces.  Self-ligation braces are safe and effective.

                           Fig. 3  Clear braces

Some adults prefer "clear braces" to avoid being called "metal mouth."  These braces are porcelain/ceramic, so they have certain pro's and con's.

Fig. 4a  Invisalign: full-face smile

Fig. 4b  Invisalign: smile (showing the aligner)

Fig. 4c  Profile: Invisalign aligner vs. metal braces

Some people prefer to call Invisalign as "less-visible braces."  Similar to "clear braces", Invisalign has certain pro's and con's.

Basic types of treatment

• Phase I
• Phase II
• Full

Who needs Phase I?

Phase I is for children (typically around 8-10 years old) with mixed dentition, meaning with mixed "baby" teeth and permanent teeth.  Baby teeth or "milk" teeth are layman terms whereas primary teeth and deciduous teeth are the technical terms. Deciduous is considered a more correct term by many dentists.  Permanent teeth is alsc called adult teeth.

Typical indications for Phase I are

• cross-bites (either anterior or posterior or both)
• crooked front teeth
• upper front teeth stick out
• psychological reason (e.g., for better self esteem, more confidence, etc.)

Phase I may eliminate the need for Phase II or reduce the severity of the dental problem in Phase II (if Phase II becomes necessary).

Who needs Phase II?

Phase II is for children (typically around 12 years old, give and take) who have gone through Phase I previously, and it is best when only one or two deciduous molars remain.  If braces are started at this particular time, advantage of leeway spaces can be utilized such that crowding problem can be resolved easier or without harmful side effects.

There is often a break time between Phase I and Phase II.  How long is the break time?  If Phase I is delayed, then this break time becomes shorter. 

Ideally, the second molars must also be fixed if they are malaligned at the end of Phase II.

Who needs Full (phase)?

Full (phase) is either for people with all adult teeth or for those with one or two "baby" teeth left so that would be equivalent with combining Phase I and Phase II into a single phase.  The second molars must be fixed if they are malaligned.