Adult Braces in Arlington, VA
VCO Orthodontics offers two main type of braces for adults: clear Ceramic braces, and Lingual (Hidden) braces. Both are great aesthetic options for adults seeking a beautiful smile. We work with your lifestyle to determine which option is best for you. Some adults also choose to mix different types of braces on the top and bottom teeth. Others may be interested in clear aligners / Invisalign.
Ceramic braces are braces with clear brackets that allow you to confidently live your life while your teeth are being straightened. Great for adults and kids.
Hidden braces are placed behind the teeth, making them completely invisible. Get the speed of braces with the discreteness of invisalign.
Watch Dr. Markova and her patients describe why they chose to mix different braces or Invisalign!
Mix and Match Braces Types or Invisalign
One of the easiest ways to speed up movements is to do a combination treatment. Some adults who do a lot of public speaking, or who want a more discreet option for the more visible teeth, choose a combination of Invisalign or ceramic braces on the top teeth and regular metal braces on the bottom.
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The goal of the braces is to help speed up the overall time in treatment. The most common combination is aligners on the upper teeth (since those are the teeth we see when smiling or speaking) and braces on the lower teeth (since you don't see the bottom teeth).
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Not every patient case is a candidate for this. The best cases are those with lower incisor crowding or very rotated lower canines, both of which take a while to correct with Invisalign. In those cases, aligning the upper teeth with aligners and using regular braces on the lower teeth can save 6-12 months of treatment time! Regular braces generally work the fastest since the pressure levels are higher than those of aligners, and there is no manufacturing wait time, which means teeth move faster.
Invisalign on the top, ceramic braces on the bottom
This patient chose upper clear aligners and lower ceramic braces. Aesthetically, it looks great since there is almost nothing visible on the upper teeth when smiling and talking and you can barely see the lower ceramic braces! The patient will be finished with treatment in 6 months total.
Hidden Braces on top, ceramic braces on the bottom
This patient chose upper Hidden (Lingual) braces to close a space on the upper left side. These braces are invisible when you smile, and are a popular option for patients who do a lot of public speaking or who may need braces at their wedding.
She chose ceramic braces on the lower teeth since they are faster and but still very discrete. This is the progress, just after 5 months!! That is speedy treatment.
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Whether you have a wedding, exciting trip, or big move planned, we can accommodate your short timeline!