BRACES

A Straight Smile For Long-Term Dental Health

Creating Healthy, Beautiful Smiles

Traditional Metal and Ceramic Braces In Williamsburg, VA

Misaligned and crooked teeth may be causing an overbite, crossbite or underbite and even make it difficult to clean the teeth properly. Fortunately, we have orthodontists like Dr. Joosse to align teeth and give you a straight, beautiful smile. A straight smile is more than just beautiful; it is also healthier because it is easier to clean and improves your long-term dental health. Further, a straight smile makes your jaw function properly, aiding in better speech, chewing and swallowing. If you are interested in straightening your smile in the Williamsburg, VA area, call Joosse Family Orthodontics at (757) 229-4181. We prescribe both metal and ceramic braces, as well as clear aligners.

Braces

Braces aren’t just for children anymore. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), adults are opting for orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth more often. People, in general, are showing an increased interest in maintaining healthy teeth from childhood into old age.

Choosing Your Orthodontist

Why It’s Important

Dr. Joosse explains why traditional orthodontic appliances and Invisalign are just a tool for straightening teeth, and why it’s important to have the right doctor using those tools.

The Importance Of Smile Arc

Smile Arc

Dr. Joosse describes the importance of a smile arc and how Joosse Family Orthodontics can correct a smile arc and create a beautiful smile.

Durable & High Quality

Traditional
Metal

Traditional metal braces are made from durable, high-quality stainless steel. They are sleeker and more comfortable than the braces 20 and even ten years ago.

Metal Braces, also called brackets, are the most common type of appliance in orthodontic treatment.

  • With advancements in materials and design, metal brackets are durable and more comfortable than ever before.
  • Metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and act as anchors holding the archwire in place.
  • Elastic ligatures are placed around each bracket to secure the archwire in place. Colorful elastic ligatures can be chosen at each appointment.

They use force to move your teeth gradually:

  • Metal brackets are bonded to the teeth with a special adhesive
  • Archwires will be placed through the brackets to apply pressure on the teeth, which moves them to the desired position
  • Adjustments are periodically made to ensure teeth are shifting correctly and leading to a healthy, straight smile

At Joosse Family Orthodontics, we emphasize the following tips to ensure the best possible outcome:

  • Brush teeth twice daily and floss every day
  • Supplement with a fluoride mouth rinse (Listerine Total Care or ACT mouth rinse are two good examples)
  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods/beverages
  • Keep your six-month checkups with your dentist for professional cleanings and check for decay
  • Take care of your appliances!
  • Follow instructions, especially with rubber bands!

The effort you put into taking good care of your teeth during orthodontic treatment will directly affect your smile results. Good oral hygiene habits will also last a lifetime.

Discreet & Effective

Clear
Ceramic

Clear braces are like traditional metal ones, except that the brackets are clear or tooth-colored to blend in with your smile and deliver less noticeable treatment.

Clear braces work the same way as metal options but offer a cosmetic alternative to metal.

  • Brackets and archwires mimic the color of the teeth or are clear.
  • Ceramic material is more brittle than metal and can discolor and break more easily than metal orthodontics.
  • Ceramic offers a more discreet way to align your smile!

Clear braces use the same method as traditional metal to straighten your teeth.

  • Ceramic, tooth-colored or clear brackets are bonded to the teeth with a special adhesive
  • Archwires will be placed through the brackets to apply pressure on the teeth, which moves them to the desired position
  • Adjustments are periodically made to ensure teeth are shifting correctly and leading to a healthy, straight smile

  • Hard to notice: Since ceramic can be color-matched to your natural teeth, they are difficult to notice at a distance.

Customized & Efficient

LightForce
Braces

LightForce braces are the latest technology in orthodontics. They are clear and are 3D printed, so they are 100% customized to the patient’s tooth size/shape.

Braces are no longer one-size-fits-all! LightForce braces are 100% customized to each patient’s tooth shape.

LightForce braces are clear and 3D printed. Like Invisalign, Dr. Joosse prescribes the tooth movements, and then the brackets are printed exactly to Dr. Joosse’s prescription. The end result is both faster and more accurate treatment! Not only is treatment faster, but the number of visits required to complete treatment is less, meaning less missed school or work!

  • More Efficient Treatment – Reduce treatment time by an average of 37%.
  • Fewer appointments – Customized to your teeth and your prescription, so fewer adjustments and fewer appointments at the office.
  • Patient comfort– Low profile with highly contoured edges and smooth tie-wings made with a polycrystalline material instead of metal.
  • Discreet– LightForce brackets are tooth-colored, providing you with a discreet treatment from start to finish

The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene

Incredible Remineralization Results Using ICON

See how Dr. Joosse can treat white spot lesions using a remineralization tactic called ICON. Good oral hygiene is important always, but make sure you’re extra mindful while wearing orthodontic appliances!

Braces Smile Transformations

Patient Success Stories

FAQs About Braces

Braces are a big step, and Dr. Joosse and our team at Joosse Family Orthodontics are here to help make your journey the best it can be. Read some of our frequently asked questions about braces below.

Braces may be uncomfortable at first, but taking over-the-counter pain medication and doing salt water rinses can ease any soreness while your mouth gets used to your new braces.

Absolutely! Patients of all ages are welcome to get braces. You’re never too old to achieve your dream smile.

Orthodontic treatment with braces usually takes between one and three years. Dr. Joosse will make sure to discuss your treatment timeline with you.