If you object to the appearance of
metal braces but want the precise tooth alignment and bite
correction that only braces can give you, Dr. Randolph offers
some aesthetic options: Inspire Ice™ and D3.
What
is Inspire Ice™?
Inspire
Ice™ is the only completely transparent bracket
on the market today. It is a type of ceramic, made
from monocrystalline sapphire. We couple it with high-tech
archwires, as shown here, to keep the force placed
on your teeth as light as possible.
How does it work?
Clear "elastomeric" or thin metal
ties are required to secure the archwires in these
braces. However, the surface of the Inspire Ice bracket
is ultra-smooth and heat-polished to reduce friction.
How effective is it?
Inspire Ice™ is very effective at solving
orthodontic problems. Although its durability is much greater
than earlier ceramic braces, it is still not as durable
as a high-tech bracket.
How convenient is it?
Inspire Ice™ requires office visits
every 4-5 weeks
D3 is a new bracket. It
is a hybrid bracket with a tooth-colored base and
a small metal door. Dr. Randolph uses it with a high-tech
archwire, as shown here.
How does it work?
D3 uses the same technology
and offers all the advantages of high-tech
braces. It is fast, yet gentle, and shows less
metal than standard high-tech braces.
How effective it is?
D3 is as effective as the standard
high-tech braces, and it won't be as apparent that you're
wearing braces. It does cost more, so it's not as cost effective
as standard high-tech braces.
How convenient is it?
The hybrid design allows you to extend
the time between office visits to every 8-10 weeks. This
is the same as for standard high-tech braces and Invisalign®.
If whitening your teeth is important
to you, please let us know. We provide several alternatives:
Zoom: After a 1 to 1˝ hour appointment,
your teeth will be whiter than two weeks of using home bleaching
kits. This in-house bleaching also tends to cause less teeth
sensitivity.
Take-home bleaching kits with a
soft, flexible tray that can be used with braces. The bleach
penetrates the enamel behind the brackets.
Take-home bleaching kits that can
be used during Invisalign® treatment.
Take-home bleaching kits that can
be used in your retainers following treatment.
Carole S. Randolph, D.D.S., M.S.28212 Kelly Johnson Parkway, Suite 100Valencia,
CA 91355
28212 Kelly Johnson Parkway, Suite 100
