Your Braces Journey, Made Better With OASECT
Forget what you thought you knew about braces! Today’s orthodontic treatments are more comfortable, efficient, and personalized than ever. At OASECT Orthodontics, we tailor your experience to fit your lifestyle, goals, and smile, using the latest technology like Damon® self-ligating braces to deliver powerful results with less hassle.
With offices in Waterford and Norwich, we’re proud to serve families across Southeastern Connecticut, with convenient and friendly care close to home. For over 65 years, the OASECT team, led by Dr. James O’Leary and Dr. Gregory Hack, has built a reputation for expert care and outstanding smiles. Custom treatment plans, a friendly team that treats you like family, and a commitment to making every visit fun and pressure-free sets us apart.
Ready for a better braces experience? Schedule your complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward a smile you’ll love.
Understanding Braces: What They Are and How They Work
Braces are a commonly-used orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. Small brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire to apply gentle, steady pressure to move the teeth into better alignment over time.
While braces are often thought of as something only kids or teens get, adults of all ages can benefit from them too. For younger kids, we might recommend early orthodontic intervention to help prevent future issues.
Whatever your age or smile goals, we’re here to help you feel confident every step of the way.
What Are the Pros of Getting Orthodontic Braces?
The obvious benefit of braces is a more confident smile with straighter teeth. Aside from appearance, braces offer a lot of great health benefits. From preventing gum disease to easier oral hygiene, braces are also a good health investment.
Easier to Brush and Floss
Straight teeth aren’t just a cosmetic win; they’re easier to clean, too. When your teeth are properly aligned, your toothbrush and floss can reach every surface area more effectively. This is especially great for promoting good oral hygiene habits early in life.
Prevents Gum Disease & Cavities
When you can brush and floss more thoroughly, this means there are fewer spots for plaque and food particles to hide, reducing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. This preventative measure could save you money on expensive treatments down the road.
Better Teeth and Bone Health
In addition to preventing gum and cavity issues, a straighter bite creates more even wear on your teeth, which is better for the enamel. Even wear also means less stress on individual teeth, which could minimize your chances of a fracture later on.
Reduces Headaches & Jaw Tension
An uneven bite can put extra stress on your jaw joints and muscles, sometimes contributing to TMJ disorders, headaches, or neck tension. By guiding your teeth into proper alignment, braces relieve this pressure and improve jaw movement.
Types of Braces at OASECT: Damon vs. Damon Clear
Thanks to advanced technology and years of orthodontic expertise, we can customize every treatment plan for comfort, efficiency, and results. At OASECT, we use Damon self-ligating braces, which are designed for better comfort and efficiency. You can choose from regular Damon braces or clear ceramic ones.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today and let us help you find the perfect braces fit.
Damon® Self-Ligating Braces: A Modern Take on Metal Braces
The obvious benefit of braces is a more confident smile with straighter teeth. Aside from appearance, braces offer a lot of great health benefits. From preventing gum disease to easier oral hygiene, braces are also a good health investment.
Damon® Clear Ceramic Braces: A Less Noticeable Look
Ceramic braces work like metal braces but feature clear or tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet look. They’re great for treating orthodontic issues and are a top choice for image-conscious teens and adults. While slightly more delicate and maintenance-heavy, they offer comfortable, effective treatment with a less noticeable appearance.
Looking for a Braces Alternative?
Try Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Custom-made for your smile, these smooth, removable trays gently move your teeth without brackets or wires. They’re virtually invisible and easy to remove for meals and brushing, making them a favorite for teens and adults alike.
Treatment times can be similar to braces, and many folks find the comfort and convenience well worth it. We offer both Invisalign® and Spark™ clear aligners for patients of all ages. Also, there’s no cost difference between braces and clear aligners at OASECT. This way, you and your doctor can determine the right course of treatment without price being a factor.
Here’s What You Can Expect During Your Braces Treatment
Getting braces at OASECT is a personalized journey built around your unique smile. With decades of experience and advanced tools like 3D imaging and the Damon® System, we make treatment more precise, efficient, and comfortable from the very first visit.
Our team proudly delivers expert care and a patient-first experience to families across Southeastern Connecticut. We’re here to support you every step of the way, because your comfort, confidence, and results matter. Here’s what your braces journey with OASECT will look like:
1. First Step: Your Personalized Consultation
Every confident smile starts with a plan. At your complimentary consultation, we take time to understand your goals and evaluate your smile using advanced tools like our 3D scanner. These detailed digital images help us create a fully customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
2. Bonding Your Braces
This is the exciting first step toward your new smile! After a gentle cleaning, we apply a bonding solution and carefully place the brackets on your teeth. Then, we thread the wire through, kickstarting the realignment process. Depending on your braces type, this step may vary slightly, but no matter what, our team will guide you through it with care.
3. Caring For Your Braces
Before you leave, we’ll provide a braces care kit and walk you through everything you need to know, including what to eat, how to brush and floss, and how to keep your smile on track. Our goal is a smooth, healthy treatment journey, and we’ll make sure you’re ready to succeed.
4. Routine Check-Ins With Your Orthodontist
Every 8-10 weeks, you’ll come in for a quick visit to make adjustments and ensure everything is moving as planned. These check-ins help us fine-tune your progress and keep you comfortable, so you can feel confident your smile is in good hands.
5. Protecting Your New Smile
Once your braces come off, we’ll gently remove the brackets, polish your teeth, and reveal your fresh, confident smile. To keep it looking its best, you’ll start wearing a custom retainer, available in clear or wire styles. Retainers help protect your results and maintain your beautiful new smile for years to come.
How To Know if You Should Get Braces
People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment, including both teens and adults. We also offer early evaluations for younger children to identify potential concerns before they become more complex.
Braces can help with a variety of dental concerns, including:
- Crooked teeth: Misaligned teeth can affect both appearance and how your bite functions.
- Crowding: Teeth that overlap or are too close together are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues.
- Gaps between teeth: Spaces can create bite issues or impact the look of your smile.
- Crossbites:When upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, it can lead to jaw discomfort or uneven wear.
- Overbites:Upper teeth that extend too far over the lower teeth can cause speech or chewing difficulties.
- Open bite:When front teeth don’t touch when biting down, eating and speaking can become more challenging.
- Underbites:A lower jaw that extends past the upper jaw can lead to jaw pain or wear on teeth
Not sure if braces are the right fit? We’re here to help. Whether your needs are minor or more complex, treatment can be fully customized to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile. Schedule your complimentary consultation today to get expert answers without any pressure.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Braces?
Certain factors can impact how much braces cost, including:
- Age (adult vs. child vs. phase I )
- Expected treatment length
- Orthodontic history
- Insurance coverage
We’re committed to making high-quality orthodontic care affordable. We offer flexible monthly payment plans, 0% interest financing, and family and military discounts. We’ll also work with your insurance to maximize benefits.
Schedule your complimentary consultation to learn more about your financial options for orthodontic care.
Experience the OASECT Difference | Start Your Braces Journey Today
With a reputation built on five-star care, advanced technology, and trusted expertise, we’ll guide you in choosing the right treatment, whether that’s metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign®. Your experience will always be tailored to your smile, your goals, and your lifestyle.
At OASECT, we’re committed to delivering personalized, high-quality orthodontic care to every patient we serve. Our team has been transforming smiles in Southeastern Connecticut for over 65 years, right here in the communities we live in and love.
Take the first step today by scheduling your complimentary consultation in Waterford or Norwich. We’ll answer your questions, explore your options, and help you feel confident about what comes next.
FAQ
Are Braces Painful?
You may feel some mild discomfort when your braces are first placed on or adjusted. However, the Damon braces we use are designed to reduce pressure and eliminate the need for elastic ties, making treatment more comfortable than traditional braces.
Which Age Is Best for Braces?
Braces can be effective at nearly any age. While many begin treatment during their early teens, adults can get them too, and children as young as seven may need an early evaluation. Ultimately, the right time depends on your smile and oral health needs.
How Long Do Braces Take To Work?
The average treatment time with Damon braces is 18 to 24 months, which, on average, is 4 to 6 months shorter than traditional braces.
Can I Visit the Dentist If I Have Braces?
Absolutely! Regular dental checkups, which are typically every six months, are essential during braces treatment. While your orthodontist focuses on aligning your smile, your dentist helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Together, we make sure your smile stays clean, strong, and on track for amazing results.
Can I Get Braces If I Have Crowns or Veneers?
Yes, braces can often be used with crowns, veneers, or fillings. As long as your dental work is in good shape, we use specialized bonding techniques to protect it during treatment. Don’t let past dental work hold you back; if you’re curious about getting braces, we’ll provide guidance on whether it’s safe to move forward, without pressure.