- Braces In New Orleans & Metairie, LA
- What Are Traditional Metal Braces?
- How Do Metal Braces Move My Teeth?
- Murphy Orthodontics Reviews
- Looking for Something Different? We Have Champagne Gold-Colored Braces
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Advantages of Metal Braces
- Clear Braces
- Ceramic Braces In New Orleans & Metairie, LA
- Advantages of Clear Braces
- What to Expect
- Get In Touch
- Related Treatments
Braces In New Orleans & Metairie, LA
At Murphy Orthodontics, we have a range of types of braces for our patients to choose from. Our selection includes affordable options for your child or yourself — you’re never too old to get the beautiful smile you always dreamed of having.
Murphy Orthodontics is your partner in orthodontic treatment, and we’re happy to help you sort through your choices and determine the best type of braces for your needs and lifestyle. We provide a range of braces, including traditional metal ones, to straighten your teeth and give you a healthy bite.
What Are Traditional Metal Braces?
Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces, as these devices have been around for decades. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with each bracket connected by an archwire. Metal braces were one of the first orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth, but they have undergone slight changes over the years.
The brackets are less intrusive now, and many orthodontists, including Murphy Orthodontics, provide fun colored rubber bands for holding the archwire in position.
You can get clear braces or metal braces with every color of the rainbow! With advances in technology, brackets are smaller and slimmer than ever, making braces comfortable. Metal braces can treat a range of conditions, including:
- Tooth gaps.
- Protruding or misaligned teeth.
- Under- and overbites.
- Crossbites.
- Overcrowding.
How Do Metal Braces Move My Teeth?
The teeth move based on the positioning and tightening of the archwire. At each monthly appointment, the orthodontist adjusts the archwire to move your teeth into place. Front teeth tend to be easier to move because they have a single root. The back teeth, which have multiple roots, act as the anchors for the archwire and are more difficult to shift.
The teeth move based on the positioning and tightening of the archwire. At each monthly appointment, the orthodontist adjusts the archwire to move your teeth into place. Front teeth tend to be easier to move because they have a single root. The back teeth, which have multiple roots, act as the anchors for the archwire and are more difficult to shift.
Murphy Orthodontics Reviews
Lovely staff, haven’t had a bad experience yet.
The consultation was seamless, and the staff was super helpful to guide to my decision for my orthodontic journey
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The experience was very good and the staff were very respectful and nice!! 100/10 recommend
From check in to evaluation to meeting the Dr. was top notch care. Everyone is pleasant, extremely helpful and thorough. Murphy Orthodontics came highly recommended and I can see why. Wonderful office all the way around! I will 100% recommend them to others.
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Looking for Something Different? We Have Champagne Gold-Colored Braces
Wearing metal braces may be a traditional choice, but it doesn’t have to mean traditional in every way. Murphy Orthodontics offers champagne gold-colored braces that make a statement and add some fun to your look.
Champagne gold-colored braces work the same as traditional metal braces. The process for moving your teeth is identical. They are just as effective and efficient as the other types of braces, but they look more elegant and tend to draw attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Braces?
Braces are dental devices that are used to move your teeth into their desired position gradually. While traditional metal braces are the most common, here at Murphy Orthodontists, we also offer plenty of other options to help straighten your smile, such as:
- Clear ceramic braces
- Invisalign® Aligners
- Gold-colored braces
How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist?
After you first get your braces installed, your orthodontist will schedule checkups so they can monitor the progress and readjust the tightness of your braces. Of course, you’ll also want to continue scheduling your regular dental cleanings during the time period that your braces are on.
At Murphy Orthodontics, we make checkups quick and easy. If you have a child over the age of seven, they can join our “7 and up club,” which includes free, complimentary annual exams.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work by applying pressure to your teeth and bone structure. The change is gradual. During your checkup appointments, your orthodontist will slowly tighten and replace the ligatures that hold the archwire securely in place. Depending on how the process is coming along, your orthodontists might switch out your archwire to either a thinner or thicker variety to help reposition your teeth.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist specializes in the field of orthodontics, or dentofacial orthopedics. They first graduate from dental school and then they must pursue around two to three years of extra training and experience to specialize in both the diagnosis and prevention of dental issues as well as how to treat issues ranging from crooked teeth to a misaligned jaw structure.
What’s the Best Age to Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that young children have their first checkups when they’re about 7 years old. This early care ensures they’ll form good dental habits and that their orthodontist will be able to catch any potential issues early on.
Here at Murphy Orthodontists, we can help anyone achieve a beautiful smile — from young kids to teens to adults.
What Do Braces Feel Like?
When you get braces, you’ll most likely feel a little bit of soreness in your mouth and teeth. This feeling is expected because your orthodontist has just tightened the wires and brackets around your teeth to start encouraging them to move into alignment.
This discomfort will soon wear away. In the meantime, you can apply the special wax your orthodontist gave you, consume cold liquids and foods and swish a saltwater solution around in your mouth to help relieve some of the pain.
Do Braces Hurt?
Braces shouldn’t hurt — they’ll usually just cause a little bit of discomfort for a few days after they’ve first been put in or readjusted. If the pain is not easily managed with simple remedies like cold liquids, you can try taking some over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?
The length of time you’ll have to wear your braces depends on how complex your realignment case is. Also, individual patients respond to treatment differently, making the length of time unique.
In general, though, people usually wear their braces for anywhere from one to three years.
Can I Still Play Sports or Instruments With Braces?
Yes! When you have braces on, you can still continue to play your favorite sports or instruments. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to take a few precautions, such as wearing a mouthguard, to ensure your mouth and braces stay protected.
If any accidents happen, or you think your braces have become damaged, be sure to let your orthodontist know.
How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist?
What Foods Do I Need to Avoid?
During your treatment, you want to avoid foods that could either get stuck in or damage your braces. Stay away from foods that are:
- Sugary, like caramels
- Starchy, like bagels
- Hard, like peanuts
- Crunchy, like ice cubes
- Chewy, like gum
With some types of braces, such as Invisalign, you won’t have to avoid as many foods.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces can vary depending on which type you get as well as how complex your realignment case is. Some dental insurance will cover orthodontic treatment, so be sure to check with your provider.
Murphy Orthodontics is dedicated to making the process of paying for your new smile as simple and stress-free as possible. Along with free consultations, we offer low down payments and free in-house financing options.
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth With Braces?
When you have braces, you need to pay special attention to your dental hygiene. Food particles can easily get stuck in between your braces and teeth.
To prevent staining and cavities, be sure to floss daily and brush three times a day after your meals. Don’t forget to regularly clean your retainer as well to prevent bacteria from building up.
Do I Still Need Dental Checkups Each Month?
Yes, routine dental checkups are very important. They allow your orthodontist to make any necessary adjustments and ensure your teeth are staying clean and healthy throughout your treatment.
What Happens After I Get My Braces Off?
While you might experience a bit of soreness or discomfort when you get your braces adjusted, the process of removing your braces is generally painless. You can expect them to come off easily. Then, your orthodontist will clean and polish your teeth.
At Murphy Orthodontics, we are here to help you achieve your dream smile. We’ll work with you to deliver the best treatment solution based on your lifestyle, budget, and dental needs.
The Advantages of Metal Braces
We believe you make the best decisions when you have all the information. Why are metal braces a good choice for you or your child? If cost is a factor in your decision, these braces may be the right choice, as they generally cost less than some other types of orthodontic treatment. The braces’ price includes appointments for adjustments and any additional consultations you need for the best orthodontic care.
By choosing Murphy Orthodontics, you also gain a flexible partner as you pursue a healthy smile. We offer low down payments as well as in-house financing, making our metal braces more affordable. Talk to us about your financial options, and you may find you can get your child the braces they need even sooner than you expected.
In addition to cost savings, other advantages of choosing metal braces include:
- Effective treatment to obtain a healthy smile: Metal braces can address any issues with your teeth and work quickly to create a smile you can display proudly for the rest of your life.
- Variety of colors: Your children can show off their unique personalities by picking their favorite colors.
- Exceptional durability: Metal braces are made to withstand the force of a chewing jaw. The brackets are bonded tightly, so you don’t have to worry that they will fall off during a rigorous soccer game or other high-impact activity.
- Constant treatment: Because traditional braces stay in your mouth, with no option for removal, you know they provide continual improvements. You can also gauge how long treatment will take since you won’t remove your braces for any reason.
Clear Braces
There are many ways to get a beautiful smile today. One of the options for many patients is ceramic braces, which are also known as tooth-colored braces or aesthetic braces. If you need to straighten your teeth or align your bite with orthodontic cases, ceramic braces might be a good option to explore.
Dr. Craig Murphy and the staff at Murphy Orthodontics have helped many patients enjoy bright, beautiful smiles with aesthetic braces in New Orleans. Our practice has the latest orthodontic treatments and our team treats every patient like family.
Ceramic Braces In New Orleans & Metairie, LA
Aesthetic braces work the same way as metal or traditional ones, but they are made from polycrystalline ceramic, which is made to match the color of your teeth. As a result, they are less noticeable than traditional braces. These braces also use tooth-colored elastics and wires, so everything blends in, especially in photos.
Unlike Invisalign, ceramic braces still have brackets — so they can still be seen. They also do not need to be removed the way Invisalign needs to be, and you don’t need to think about wear times. Your aesthetic braces simply keep working around the clock, beautifying your smile. Clear braces can also work faster than Invisalign.
Advantages of Clear Braces
Tooth-colored braces in New Orleans offer several benefits:
The appearance of ceramic braces is less noticeable. While they are still visible, especially up close, there is no contrast in color between the color of the braces and the color of your teeth. At a distance, and even in photos, your braces may not be visible very much or at all.
Aesthetic braces can boost confidence. Braces can correct a variety of common issues, such as crooked teeth, large gaps, overcrowded teeth, overjets, overbites, underbites and jaw misalignment. While you are wearing them, though, you don’t want your braces to be the first thing people see when they look at you. Since clear braces are tooth-colored, they let you smile with confidence.
Clear braces are great for older teens or adults. Teenagers can feel awkward about having traditional braces, which are highly visible, especially if they’re on social media or applying for their first job. Any adult who is in a customer-facing or public position may also feel self-conscious about braces that call attention to themselves. For anyone who doesn’t want noticeable braces, ceramic braces can be a great choice.
Ceramic braces can be stylish. While most patients who choose clear braces also choose clear elastics and wires, some people select colored ligature ties instead. The color can bounce off the brackets creating an unusual neon look. While tooth-colored brackets are most common, ceramic brackets do give you color choices.
Aesthetic braces are made of ceramic. Some patients just prefer ceramic. In some cases, clear braces also interfere with some imaging tests less because there is less metal involved.
When you come to Murphy Orthodontics, you receive the best care and friendliest service. Our welcoming environment can make a difference for kids who feel nervous about getting braces or adults with anxiety about dental offices. We welcome everyone with a smile and make you feel comfortable.
At Murphy Orthodontics, we offer SAME DAY braces for our patients who are ready to begin their journey!
What to Expect
Following your initial examination, a personalized treatment program will be developed by Dr. Murphy for your specific case. When you return to get your braces, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and prepped before applying your metal braces. Once we have painted the bonding agent to your teeth, your metal mounts will be put on. Once all the brackets are in place, Dr. Murphy will thread the archwire through them. Then you will have the ability to pick your desired elastic band color(s). The tiny bands keep the archwires attached to the mounts. The application process typically moves quite quickly and patients feel no pain. You can expect to come back to Murphy Orthodontics once a month to get adjustments and progress exams.
