Braces Specialist

Braces services offered in MARTINEZ and Walnut Creek, CA

Braces offer a safe treatment to straighten crooked teeth and correct other orthodontic concerns. At Harper Orthodontics in Walnut Creek and Martinez, California, board-certified orthodontist Stephen Harper, DDS, uses advanced technology and state-of-the-art orthodontic equipment to improve your smile with braces. Call Harper Orthodontics today or schedule an appointment online to find the right treatment to straighten your teeth and improve your bite.

What are braces?

Braces are a system of brackets and wires that bond to the surface of your teeth. By applying gentle force to your teeth, braces shift them into an aligned position.

Dr. Harper offers several types of braces at Harper Orthodontics. After a complimentary orthodontic consultation, he can create your individualized treatment plan with braces.

What are the types of braces?

Popular types of braces include:

Traditional braces

Made with metal materials, traditional braces consist of brackets, archwires, and elastic ties. The brackets are affixed to your teeth, and the archwires run through them. Elastics tie around the brackets and archwire to apply gradual tension. Over time, the appliance pulls your teeth into alignment.

Traditional braces are a safe, predictable, and affordable way to straighten teeth in adults and children. However, they are noticeable and bulky. Metal braces can also irritate the inside of your lips and cheeks.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces include tooth-colored materials that are more aesthetically pleasing than their metal counterparts. While ceramic braces move teeth in exactly the same way as metal braces, they can take longer because they’re more fragile. The brackets are also larger and more prone to stains.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces are an advanced form of orthodontics that use a sliding mechanism to straighten your teeth. Dr. Harper offers SPEED and Damon™ self-ligating braces at his office. Self-ligating braces are lightweight and more comfortable than traditional and ceramic braces. They also have smaller brackets and thinner wires, so they’re more discreet.

Are braces my only option?

Along with a variety of braces options, Harper Orthodontics offers Invisalign® clear aligners. Invisalign is a system of custom-made clear aligners that you can remove to brush, floss, eat, and drink.

BPA-free plastic and iTero® intraoral scanner technology allow Invisalign to mold to the exact shape of your teeth. They’re also transparent enough that others won’t be able to tell when you’re wearing your aligners.

Invisalign is a popular option among teens and adults who aren’t interested in wearing braces. At your orthodontic consultation, Dr. Harper can perform a comprehensive exam to determine whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign.

To learn more about braces, call Harper Orthodontics today or schedule an appointment online.