At Dr. Karasko’s office, we offer a full range of orthodontic services for children, teens and adults including straightening of the teeth and bite correction. To help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile, we offer a wide range of traditional and innovative treatment options to meet your personal preferences.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are made of high-quality, durable stainless steel. They are the most common type of braces. The brackets, which are bonded to the front of each tooth, are connected by the archwire, which helps guide the teeth into the correct positions. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so they are less noticeable. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces.While ceramic braces certainly offer a less conspicuous look, there is still another system that allows fixed braces to be truly invisible. In some situations, special appliances called lingual braces can be placed on the tongue side of the teeth. They work the same way other metal braces do — but even though they’re made of metal, they can’t be seen, because they’re hidden behind the teeth themselves!
Lingual braces aren’t the proper treatment for every orthodontic condition. Special training is required to install them, and they’re significantly more expensive than standard braces. They also generally require a bit more time for the wearer to get used to them, and they may slightly prolong treatment. But if you want the least visible type of fixed appliance — and if you’re a candidate for this treatment option — then lingual braces may be just what you’re looking for.
Invisalign
The Invisalign System is a series of clear overlay templates called aligners. These aligners have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system.
In-Ovation Mini
We are proud to offer the In-Ovation series of brackets, from GAC Dentsply. In-Ovation braces feature self-ligating brackets, which allow more control during treatment than more traditional brackets.
The difference is that they are smaller in size but also stronger and more efficient because they have a built-in clip that holds the archwires in place without the need for wire or elastic ties. This allows for greater overall attractiveness and a more reliable product.
The clip is also more comfortable than the standard wires because it does not gouge or stick to a patient’s cheek or gum line. Many patients report faster, more efficient results, which means less fuss and fewer treatment visits for you.
Clarity Braces
Clarity braces feature a comfortable design with a translucent appearance. Many patients enjoy the combination of ceramic and metal because it is simultaneously attractive and sturdy. In fact, these braces are so sturdy that many doctors will recommend them to their patients who play sports. Patients are allowed to engage in most everyday activities without fear of delaying or impeding their progress.
Because Clarity braces have a semi-transparent color that will not stain, patients can proceed with necessary orthodontic treatment without feeling self-conscious. In addition, Clarity braces’ smooth, rounded shape allows for greater patient comfort.
Mini-Twin
The Mini-Twin bracket needs fewer archwires over the course of treatment than standard brackets, which increases the overall comfort for the patient. Many patients enjoy its smaller, more compact size, which enables it to be less noticeable, but not less effective. While its profile is up to 30 percent smaller than its competition, it maintains the standard size for its bracket slots, which enable it to maintain the stability and control so important to the treatment process.
AcceleDent
The new AcceleDent System, created by OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc., was made to compliment any sort of orthodontic treatment – whether the patient is using traditional braces, clear aligners or any other orthodontic appliance.
The AcceleDent System creates microvibrations in a patient’s mouth in order to remodel the jawbone quicker. This remodeling, coupled with the force created by the patient’s braces/aligners/orthodontic appliances, allows teeth to move into their corrected positions faster, therefore reducing overall treatment time.