Braces in Tukwila

At West Valley Dental, we offer a variety of cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. One of the best ways you can do this is through orthodontics. We offer both traditional and ceramic braces as orthodontic treatments that can improve your smile. Both treatments have their advantages and disadvantages, and we want to be completely transparent with you about your options, so you pick the best choice. If you are interested in either type of braces, please give us a call or come into our Tukwila, Washington, dental office today.  

Traditional braces are one of the most affordable orthodontic options. They consist of metal brackets and wires that push and pull your teeth into a straighter position. Metal braces also can correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overcrowding. With traditional braces, you will notice a difference in the alignment of your teeth right away. Traditional braces are a procedure that you can trust. 

The process for getting traditional braces can be complicated, but once you have them, the check-ups are quick and straightforward. Your teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned, and then your mouth needs to be completely dry. This cleaning is necessary so that the brackets cement well to the surface of your teeth and do not come off. Without drying out your mouth, it would be like sticking a sticker on a wet surface; it would not last long. The archwire runs along the center of each bracket and snaps into place. The wire will push and pull your teeth into the desired position. Throughout your treatment, you will need to visit our office to tighten the wires on your teeth to keep the process moving. 

Clear ceramic braces are very similar to traditional braces. They are made out of aluminum oxide. Ceramic is a safe material made to match your teeth’s color. The ceramic brackets are also directly cemented to the surface of your teeth and connected with an archwire. No one will tell you you have braces because of the lighter color they are made out of. They blend in seamlessly with your teeth. 

The process for ceramic braces is generally the same. Your teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned and your mouth dried to have the dental adhesive work with the brackets. When the frames are cemented, the archwire is attached and pulls your teeth into the desired position. While there are many similarities between ceramic and traditional braces, there are also many differences. Despite being invisible, the bracket is bulkier than the metal one. Ceramic braces are also more expensive than conventional braces. 

We understand that straight, healthy teeth are essential to many patients at West Valley Dental. If you are interested in traditional or ceramic braces, please call West Valley Dental today. We would love to have you in our office in Tukwila, Washington, for a consultation. We are excited to work with you and help you get the best smile possible for you.