choose your look
At Austin Orthodontic Arts we offer four different options for treatment. You can choose the best look for you.
SPEED Braces
We offer SPEED braces at Austin Orthodontic Arts. SPEED braces are up to three times smaller than standard braces.
Not only are these braces more aesthetic, the small size also makes them more comfortable and hygienic. Treatment time is often reduced by SPEED braces. This is due to continuous light force provided by the SPEED brace's spring clip.
Hear Dr. Hime's comments regarding SPEED braces on the SPEED web site: http://www.speedsystem.com/HTML/testimonials/david_hime/test_hime.html.
In-Ovation C
For those who desire less noticeable braces, ceramic braces on the upper teeth are available. We use GAC In-Ovation braces. They are designed for comfort with an attractive, translucent appearance. More information about these braces can be found at www.gacinovation.com.
Incognito
"Invisible" braces? How can braces be invisible? The answer lies in the use of modern CAD/CAM technology to design and manufacture custom braces that are attached to the back side of the teeth. As opposed to clear aligners, Incognito braces are truly invisible. Also, there are very few limitations to the types of problems that can be corrected with Incognito braces. Once you get used to having them on your teeth, you'll practically forget that they are there. And no one will know that you are wearing braces at all unless you let them know!
What are Incognito braces?
Incognito braces are braces manufactured individually for each patient, and are molded to the exact shape of the back sides of your teeth. As opposed to more traditional "lingual" braces (braces worn on the insides of the teeth), Incognito braces are custom made and can be made much smaller. Smaller is better-easier to clean, more comfortable, less impact on speech, and less noticeable. Precise molds of your teeth are used to fabricate an ideal "setup". The setup is a modified model of your teeth in which your teeth are ideally positioned. This is the best that your teeth can be-and is our end point for treatment with Incognito braces. This setup is scanned into a powerful CAD computer, and the braces are custom made to fit the individual contours of the back sides of your teeth, and to position the teeth in the same position as was dictated by the setup. Once the braces are designed, they are cast in non-allergenic gold, and delivered to our office to be placed on your teeth. The wires that were designed using the CAD software are robotically bent with extremely high precision, and are used to position the teeth with the utmost of accuracy. Recent published research has confirmed that Incognito braces position the teeth with an extremely high degree of precision.
Who can wear Incognito braces?
Incognito braces are appropriate for patients with fully matured teeth and gums. In general, the youngest we use Incognito braces is about age 15. They can be used to treat any type of bad bite, no matter how complicated the treatment plan might be.
Are Incognito braces uncomfortable?
Since Incognito braces are customized to the individual contours of your teeth, they can be made much smaller than other types of hidden braces. In fact, they are approximately 1/3 the size of traditional lingual braces. Because they are small, and the wire lies close to the teeth, speech is minimally affected, and the braces are reasonably comfortable right from the start. Although all orthodontic appliances make the teeth temporarily sore, the Incognito braces reduce the soreness to the cheeks and gums, and only minimally affect the tongue. Incognito braces are perfect for all people who don't want their braces to show!
Invisalign®
Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted – without braces. A complimentary consultation can determine if Invisalign is right for you.
What Is It?
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.
How Does It Work?
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position. You will see Dr. Hime or Dr. Salome about once every 6- 8 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
