Everything You Need to Know About Our Orthodontic Treatments
Appliances, whether braces or aligners, allow Dr. Emerson to move each tooth to its proper place. As the teeth move, there is initial irritation surrounding each tooth. Because of this, many patients need a little extra care at the beginning of their treatment.
Use Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen to help with the discomfort and try to take it easy on your teeth. Think of it as caring for a sprained ankle. You wouldn’t jog with a sprained ankle so when you get your appliances, stay away from tough, chewy foods for a couple of days. Once the teeth are moving, it is a slow, 24-hour-a-day process and most discomfort will be gone within the first couple of days.
Yes, our office uses frictionless braces! There are many brands of frictionless braces such as the Damon System, Empower, and In-Ovation. In the last few years, Dr. Emerson has treated many patients using each of these systems of braces. The bottom line is that none of them are “magic”. All of these braces work similarly to align teeth without the use of colored ties on each brace.
Current research shows that these type of braces do not move teeth faster than traditional braces, but they are a great solution for patients who have issues keeping braces clean. Without a latex tie, frictionless braces are less likely to attract food and plaque than traditional braces. Remember, teeth are sore because they are moving, not because of a specific type of braces or aligners.

