After months in braces, you want your teeth to be perfect when those braces come off. Sometimes, there are issues that braces alone can’t fix, such as broken, chipped, or cracked teeth — or even the tooth size itself. In the case of gaps due to tooth size, dental bonding after braces can be a great solution to give you that perfect smile.
Composite bonding teeth (also known as dental bonding or cosmetic bonding) can be a great way to repair a gap in your teeth after braces or Invisalign without getting veneers or crowns. Instead of those more expensive, invasive procedures, the tooth can be coated with a composite resin that is molded and shaped to give your tooth a fuller, more natural look.
Your dentist will match the bonding material color to your natural tooth color so it blends in perfectly with your natural teeth. Teeth composite bonding is pain-free. But don't be surprised if your teeth feel a little strange after bonding! With bonding, your tooth might feel wider or oddly shaped with the addition of bonding material. Just like you got used to your braces or Invisalign, over time, the resin added to your teeth will become less noticeable.
Dental bonding in orthodontics is sometimes recommended for patients with small lateral incisors. These are the teeth between your canines and two front teeth. When a patient with small lateral incisors finishes orthodontic treatment, and their teeth are right where they should be, there can be a small space to the left and right of the front teeth.
In cases like these, we sometimes suggest seeing a cosmetic dentist for teeth bonding after braces to reshape the teeth to be wider and larger. Bonding can close the gap in teeth after braces for patients whose lateral incisors may be smaller than average in size.
Dental bonding has a lot of benefits when compared to other possible solutions, like crowns and veneers.
Compared to veneers or crowns, the primary disadvantage of dental bonding is that it is not a permanent solution. It’s important to remember that the bonding material on your tooth is not stain-resistant and does not respond to teeth whitening treatments. Remember to practice great oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy and strong!
Here are some of our patients who followed their orthodontic treatment with dental bonding!
How long does dental bonding last after braces?
Dental bonding typically lasts between 5 and 10 years depending on where it's placed and how well it's maintained. Bonding on teeth that experience heavy biting pressure may wear faster. Good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like nail biting or chewing on hard objects will help it last longer.
Does dental bonding stain over time?
It can, yes. Unlike natural tooth enamel, composite resin is not stain-resistant. Coffee, tea, red wine, and highly pigmented foods can gradually discolor the bonding material. It's also worth knowing that bonding won't respond to teeth whitening treatments, so if you plan to whiten, it's best to do that before the bonding is placed so the color can be matched to your whitened teeth.
Is dental bonding covered by insurance?
Dental bonding for cosmetic reasons, such as closing small gaps after braces, is typically not covered by dental insurance. However, if it's being used to repair a chipped or broken tooth, partial coverage may apply. Your dentist can help clarify what your plan covers before you proceed.
Is bonding a better option than veneers after braces?
For small gaps resulting from naturally narrow lateral incisors, bonding is usually the more conservative and cost-effective option. It requires less removal of natural tooth structure than veneers and can often be completed in a single visit. Veneers may be a better fit for patients who want to address multiple cosmetic concerns at once, but for targeted gap closure after braces, bonding is often all that's needed.
Who does the dental bonding — the orthodontist or the dentist?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, so it's performed by your dentist, not your orthodontist. At Zombek Orthodontics, if we think bonding would complete your smile after treatment, we'll let you know and coordinate with your dentist so the timing and outcome work together seamlessly.
Braces and Invisalign can do a lot, but for some patients, finishing the smile means working with a cosmetic dentist for dental bonding after braces. If Dr. Zombek thinks bonding might be right for you, we'll let you know at the end of your treatment and help point you in the right direction. If you're ready to get started or want to find out what your treatment plan might look like, schedule an appointment</a> with us in Weston or Hollywood, FL.
How long do you have to wear braces? It may be one of the most common questions we hear at Zombek Orthodontics. The average treatment time for people with traditional braces is 12 months to 24 months or longer. Through LightForce technology and open communication with our clients, we’re often able to shorten that time by 30-40%.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we use LightForce braces for faster treatment, fewer visits, and less discomfort while still achieving excellent results. But we know that the length of treatment also depends on you, the patient. That’s why we explain your dental problems and treatment plan in a way that you can easily understand.
We will assist you in understanding how to shorten the duration of wearing braces. Additionally, we will provide guidance on staying motivated to make healthy lifestyle choices while undergoing treatment.
Every patient is unique, and the complexity of dental problems like misaligned teeth and jaw affects the duration of treatment. We also find that treatment time can be different for adults with braces than it is for children with braces. Patient lifestyle is another big factor in treatment time. Can you follow your orthodontist's directions at home? These factors can all influence how long you wear braces.
LightForce technology helps us do our best work for every patient. It ensures that your braces are placed in the optimal position on each tooth. This helps to expedite your treatment.
It also helps us keep you motivated at home! LightForce's smile design technology allows us to show you how your smile will look after your braces are removed. This can be done on the same day that the braces are put on. When you can picture your goal, it’s easier to chase.
Your first appointment marks the first step in figuring out how long you’ll wear braces.
First, we perform a thorough examination to determine whether you need braces at all. Dr. Zombek does this with cutting-edge technology that makes our patients’ treatment as quick and efficient as possible.
During your initial examination, we make sure you start treatment with healthy teeth and gums. If you have cavities, gum disease, or need teeth extracted for any reason, we’ll refer you to dentists who can get your mouth ready for orthodontic treatment.
The next step is to figure out why you need braces. Our iTero scanner provides a detailed, 3D image of your teeth and jaws. Dr. Zombek reviews those scans to find what type of issues you may have with misaligned teeth. These can include:
Orthodontic issues differ in severity among individuals, impacting the required treatment and its duration. For some people, we recommend pre-treatment appliances such as a palate expander or tongue crib to correct structural issues in the mouth and jaw. While this preparation adds to your overall treatment time, it helps your new smile last a lifetime.
During your first appointment, we’ll also ask you questions about your health, particularly about chewing and sleeping. Can you hear your jaw pop often, especially when chewing? Does your jaw get tired when you chew? Do you have sleep issues, such as snoring or sleep apnea?
Your answers help us determine how orthodontic treatment can help you not only look your best but also feel your best! Excellent orthodontic care can help you to eat and sleep without discomfort.
Every person’s orthodontic needs are different, so each treatment plan is different.
This is a major development in orthodontics.
“Braces used to be a one-size-fits-all with the same treatment for every patient. Technologies like LightForce have revolutionized my practice.”
Dr. Zombek
Age is also a factor in determining how long you will wear braces.
Children’s bones are still developing, so they’re softer and can be reshaped more easily. This makes it easier to move teeth with braces. Adults’ bones have fully developed and have hardened. As a result, it may take slightly longer to move adult teeth.
Does this mean adults can’t wear braces? Absolutely not! Advanced technology (and the maturity to follow our recommendations at home) means that our adult patients get incredible results with braces treatment. It’s never too late to get your dream smile.
The type of braces can be just as important as age or bite to the amount of time you’ll wear braces. Traditional metal braces are an option for most patients, but can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. They need tightening every six weeks, which means lots of appointments and regular spikes in discomfort. That’s why Dr. Zombek recommends LightForce braces to straighten your teeth.
LightForce braces are custom-created for each patient and applied precisely, making them far more efficient and far more comfortable than traditional braces.
LightForce treatment begins with a digital smile design. This 3-D imaging takes the guesswork out of bracket placement, showing Dr. Zombek the ideal spot on each tooth to achieve the best results quickly.
You’ll get to see your digital smile design the day you get your braces. And at Zombek Orthodontics, we see the powerful impact this can have.
“Getting to see the digital smile is incredibly motivating to patients because they get really excited by what the outcome will look like"
Dr. Zombek
We love seeing patients as excited about what’s to come for them as we are! Seeing your future smile helps you take great care of yourself at home throughout the treatment process.
How long will you wear LightForce braces? The average time for traditional braces is 12-24 months, and sometimes longer. LightForce braces have a shorter estimated treatment time, but Dr. Zombek has even better news for patients concerned about how long they’ll have braces.
“While we generally estimate 18 months for LightForce, many of our patients are actually finishing in 12-15 months! Treatment is, on average, 30-40% quicker than traditional braces.”
Dr. Zombek
You don’t have to worry about getting to the orthodontist every six weeks with LightForce, either.
“Treatment is completed in many cases with only 7-10 office visits. We see our patients every ten weeks.”
Dr. Zombek
After several months of wearing braces, you may look at your teeth and think, “They’re straight enough. Why do I need to keep wearing braces?”
We get it. You’re ready to see that gorgeous new smile! However, treatment is not necessarily over just because your teeth look straight in the front. We also want to be sure your jaw is aligned correctly and all of your teeth are where they should be.
Dr. Zombek knows exactly what it will take to create your perfect smile, and our whole team is here to help motivate and support you. We know you want your braces off as quickly as possible, and we’ll let you know the minute you’re ready!
Here are a few things you can do to keep your treatment time as short as possible:
If you have any concerns, even small ones, let us know. We are here for you throughout your treatment and beyond.
The team at Zombek Orthodontics can help you create routines at home that make caring for your teeth and braces during treatment easier. We’ve talked with lots of patients over the years about small challenges that can get in the way of taking great care of braces at home, like not wanting to brush when your mouth is tender, having trouble finding fun foods you can still eat during your treatment (Halloween, anyone?), or maintaining good habits when you’re traveling. Talk to us about the challenges you’re facing! We have lots of tips and tricks that can make it all feel more manageable.
Call us right away if a problem arises, such as a loose bracket or broken wire. Accidents can happen, and the sooner we address them, the faster we can get your treatment back on track.
If you’re experiencing pain, we want to hear from you. LightForce braces are more comfortable than traditional braces, but you still may have some discomfort after an adjustment. That’s okay, but if the pain gets too severe or you have pain between adjustments, let us know! There may be a problem we need to address, such as the adjustment being too tight or a cavity forming.
A key to good health is eating nutritious foods. For braces patients, it’s also about keeping an eye on the texture of what you eat. Eating sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods can damage your braces.
The last thing you want is to delay your treatment while your braces are fixed, right? That’s why we recommend avoiding certain foods while you have braces. The good news is once you’re done with treatment, you can go back to enjoying those foods. Better still, you can do it with teeth ready to bite and chew properly!
Trust us, your diet won’t be as limited as you think. If you need suggestions, though, ask the team at Zombek Orthodontics. They’re sure to have snack and restaurant recommendations for you! We love our community, so we’ll tell you all the great places to eat.
You may have fewer office visits with LightForce braces, but it’s still important to keep your appointments. We’ll need to check your progress and make adjustments. We’ll work with you to make your visits fit your schedule as seamlessly as possible.
It’s also important to see your dentist regularly. Just because you have braces doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your semi-annual cleanings. In fact, those cleanings are even more important when you have braces because brushing and flossing can be more challenging. Staying ahead of tooth decay and gum disease allows your treatment to proceed uninterrupted.
Your dentist will help you — and us — keep your oral health in top shape. Do you need a dentist? We’re happy to offer a few recommendations!
We know a lot of our patients enjoy sports. We also enjoy sports! What we don’t love is seeing sports injuries in our patients.
That’s why we recommend you wear a mouthguard while playing sports. Feel free to ask us if you need help choosing the right mouthguard!
Always practice good oral hygiene to take care of your braces throughout treatment. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, though brushing after every meal is best during your treatment. Be sure to floss before brushing at least once a day. If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth to remove food debris from your braces.
Let us know if you have a cavity or think you might be getting one. We’re happy to check. We’ll send you to the dentist if you have a cavity. However, we may need to remove a bracket or wire first.
The sooner that cavity is treated, the sooner we can get your braces treatment back on track.
It’s so important to follow our instructions during your treatment. Following this one after your braces treatment is important, too: wear your retainer!
Once you see yourself with the smile you’ve always wanted, it’s easy to believe that treatment is over. Remember, though: orthodontic pre-treatments and braces have loosened your teeth in order to move them into alignment. Your retainer helps your teeth stabilize again.
When patients skip this final step, they often don’t notice that their teeth are moving out of alignment again until it’s too late. Wearing your retainer keeps your smile in its perfect state and keeps you from having to redo treatment you’ve already finished.
Most patients start by wearing a retainer 22 hours a day. Eventually, we’ll reduce that to a few hours a day (most people choose overnight). Wearing your retainers means keeping that smile you’ve worked so hard to get!
At Zombek Orthodontics, cutting-edge LightForce technology, individualized treatment plans, and a team that’s here to encourage and support you means you spend as little time as possible in braces. We also make sure that the time you invest in treatment is worth it!
Braces and other orthodontic treatments can make you look and feel better. It can relieve everything from headaches and jaw fatigue to breathing problems and digestive issues. Improving your confidence and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
How long will you have to wear dental braces? Schedule an appointment in our Weston, FL, or Hollywood, FL, office!
We’ll walk you through your treatment options and timeline and show you your future smile. We’re also here to guide you through the financing process.
With Zombek Orthodontics and LightForce braces, you can have the smile of your dreams sooner than you think!
If you're considering braces, one of the first questions patients ask us is whether there's a less noticeable option. The answer is yes — and there are several of them. Cosmetic braces are a broad term that covers everything from ceramic braces and lingual braces to clear aligners like Invisalign. Here's how each one works and what to consider when choosing.
Zombek Orthodontics is here to help you learn about the different kinds of braces and what is right for you. Do you want that braces look, or are you looking for something nearly invisible? Let’s explore your options.
What are cosmetic braces, and why do people prefer them? Cosmetic braces is a broad term that refers to the aesthetic aspects of braces and orthodontic treatment. Ceramic braces, lingual braces, and even clear aligners are typical components of a conversation about cosmetic braces. Some people also consider fashion braces or fake braces to be cosmetic braces.
There are several things that can be classified as cosmetic braces. We have patients who ask us about the different types and want to know, “Can cosmetic braces fix my teeth?” That all depends on the type of cosmetic braces you use.
Are braces considered cosmetic? Some can be. Cosmetic braces can include clear braces. These braces are usually made of a ceramic material designed to more closely match the natural color of teeth. Otherwise, clear braces are nearly identical to metal ones. They still include a metal archwire, in most cases, that gently presses the teeth to move into their proper positions.
Patients consider these braces cosmetic because, as with Invisalign, they take the braces' appearance into account. Cosmetic braces are harder to see than metal ones.
Lingual braces can also be considered cosmetic because they’re nearly invisible. That’s because they are placed on the back sides of the teeth rather than across the front. Lingual braces use pressure to pull the teeth into place. They're nearly hidden from view because they’re on the backside.
Lingual braces have a few disadvantages, however. It can be harder to clean teeth properly with lingual braces. They also tend to be much more costly than traditional braces or even Invisalign. They also can’t be used in every orthodontic case. That’s why we prefer self-ligating braces and Invisalign for treatment.
Some of the most popular cosmetic braces aren’t really braces, but they do the same work. Clear aligners offer the same movement power as braces but totally different looks. Zombek Orthodontics is a Platinum Provider of Invisalign, one of the most popular clear aligner systems.
Invisalign uses a special clear material to apply gentle pressure to your teeth and move them to their correct positions. They do this without wires or brackets. The clear material is custom-molded to your teeth, making Invisalign virtually invisible. Bottom line: Invisalign can fix teeth without looking like there is anything fixing them.
There is another type of braces making the rounds on TikTok and other social media platforms. That’s “fashion braces,” which are actually fake braces. Some are simply mouthguard-like devices that slip over your teeth and give them the look of braces as a gag. But others have brackets attached to a wire that slips over the teeth. Some believe they work just like braces.
Fake braces for teeth aren’t anything like real braces, and they can do more harm than good. Real braces require detailed planning to apply the right pressure to each tooth and move it into the proper position. They also need a certain amount of pressure. Anything over that can cause the teeth to become too loose, leading to tooth loss. Bottom line, if you need braces, see a professional. Do-it-yourself braces can cause much more harm than good.
Cosmetic Dentistry sounds like something that includes cosmetic braces. It’s actually different, but cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics go hand in hand. Cosmetic dentistry can include everything from veneers and dental implants to teeth whitening and teeth caps. These services are usually done by a dentist. Sometimes, however, they can’t be done well without orthodontic treatment.
A good example of this would be veneers. These are thin acrylic or ceramic shells placed on the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. People get veneers to improve the look of a tooth that’s chipped, cracked, discolored, or otherwise damaged. But if their teeth are crooked, it’s difficult to apply veneers.
That’s where orthodontics comes in. The dentist may recommend treatment with Invisalign or braces to straighten the teeth enough to apply veneers. Once the teeth are straight, it’s easy for the dentist to finish the job with the veneers.
Patients who want their smile to look great often use both cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics to achieve that goal. Treatment with braces or Invisalign can close gaps between teeth, align them properly, and space out crowded teeth. Let’s face it: Your teeth look better when they’re straight, and it gives you more confidence. That’s why we do what we do.
Braces or clear aligners may be how to get perfect teeth, but how long does the process take? The answer is, “it depends.” Several factors determine how long it will take, including the number and severity of dental issues. It also depends on the patient. There are certain things you must do to keep your treatment on track. In general, treatment with Invisalign can be anywhere from 6-15 months. Treatment with regular braces averages 12-24 months. However, we use LightForce braces at Zombek Orthodontics, which shortens treatment times.
One patient finished braces treatment in as little as 9 months with only a few office visits, thanks in part to LightForce braces. LightForce braces are custom-made for you to provide the absolute best treatment in the shortest time possible.
Unlike regular braces, which use the same brackets for everyone, LightForce brackets are custom-made, 3D-printed to fit each of your teeth perfectly and in just the right spot. That way, the pressure is applied exactly where it needs to be, moving the tooth more quickly and comfortably than with traditional braces. This means LightForce braces work faster. Patients can sometimes complete treatment in 9-18 months!
Yes. Ceramic braces work exactly the same way as metal braces — the difference is cosmetic, not functional. The brackets are made from a tooth-colored or clear ceramic material that blends in with your teeth, but the mechanics of how they move teeth are identical. They are a great option for patients who want the effectiveness of traditional braces with a less noticeable look.
They can. The ceramic brackets themselves are stain-resistant, but the elastic ties that hold the archwire to the brackets can pick up color from coffee, tea, red wine, and highly pigmented foods. Patients who choose ceramic braces should be mindful of this, especially in the first day or two after a new set of ties is placed. The ties are changed at each adjustment appointment, so any discoloration is temporary.
For patients who want truly invisible braces, lingual braces are a strong option since they're placed on the back of the teeth and completely hidden from view. The tradeoffs are cost — lingual braces tend to be significantly more expensive than other options — and adjustment, since some patients find them more uncomfortable initially and notice a temporary effect on speech. They're also not suitable for every case. We'll let you know at your consultation whether they're a good fit.
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case, not the type of braces you choose. Clear aligners like Invisalign average 9 to 15 months. Ceramic braces are in the same range as metal braces, typically 12 to 24 months. LightForce custom braces, which we offer at Zombek Orthodontics, are 3D-printed to fit each tooth precisely, allowing for more efficient tooth movement and potentially shortening treatment time to 9 to 18 months.
In most cases, yes. Ceramic braces can treat the same range of bite and alignment issues as metal braces. Invisalign has expanded significantly and now handles many complex cases including overbites, underbites, and crowding. Lingual braces can treat most issues but aren't suitable for every patient. The right choice depends on your specific clinical needs, which we'll assess at your first visit.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we offer self-ligating metal braces, LightForce custom clear braces, and Invisalign — so whatever your preference on visibility, there's an option that works. If you're in the Hollywood or Weston, FL area and want to find out which type of cosmetic braces is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zombek.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we never want to rush you into making a decision about your orthodontic care. Consultations for children are absolutely free and no obligation to start on the same day. However, many patients or parents are ready to get started as soon as they see what we can do for them. That's why we dedicate enough time with each consultation to start their braces journey on the very same day.
Thanks to advances in technology, Dr. Zombek can design a personalized treatment plan for you or your child in just a few hours! He also leaves plenty of time for you to ask questions. Dr. Zombek is adamant that the more his patients know about their treatment, the easier it is for them to participate and succeed.
In many offices, it takes several weeks and a series of orthodontic appointments to start traditional braces. The first step is a consultation during which your orthodontist examines your teeth and offers treatment suggestions. This is also when you may talk about any questions or worries you have. Next, you schedule a visit with your dentist. You should have a professional cleaning and examination before getting braces. If you have gum disease or a cavity, your dentist may recommend that you fix it now rather than proceeding with orthodontic treatment. If everything goes according to plan, your dentist will clear you of oral health concerns and send you back to your orthodontist for your braces application. This procedure generally takes several hours and includes your orthodontist bonding your brackets to your teeth and setting your archwires.
At Zombek Orthodontics, all our braces go on digitally. Each individual bracket is custom-built by LightForce using some of the world’s most sophisticated 3D Printing technology. It starts with a detailed, 3D scan of your teeth that shows not only the location of each tooth but also the surface contours. We’re talking SERIOUS detail!
The way LightForce braces go on your teeth is totally different from traditional metal braces. LightForce uses a much cooler method — one that will keep you in the chair for a lot less time. With traditional braces, Dr. Zombek has to place each bracket one at a time and maneuver it into its proper spot. It’s a time-consuming process that can take a couple of hours.
It’s different with LifeForce. The brackets come in six trays that are also custom-printed to fit your teeth precisely. Each tray places several brackets at the same time and does so with incredible precision. The result is a lot less time in the chair getting your braces put on. In fact, it may take only an hour or less to get you into braces and out of the orthodontist’s chair! That means you can get your braces on quickly and back to living your life! This saves you time, reduces delays in treatment, and allows you to focus on work and school.
Nope! The ability to produce custom-fit clear aligners using 3D printing has revolutionized orthodontics. Now, that same technology is changing everything you thought you knew about braces! LightForce braces provide a whole new level of efficiency, individualization, and convenience. At Zombek Orthodontics, we are dedicated to maximizing the efficiency of treatment and minimizing time-consuming adjustments. It's why we love LightForce braces!
Like clear aligners, LightForce technology allows Dr. Zombek to personalize an orthodontic treatment plan for each patient with 3D scanning and printing. Patients adore LightForce because of the quicker treatments, fewer visits, and more comfortable and efficient treatment!
We don't want to pressure you into making a decision about braces. But for busy parents and students, a same-day braces start is a quick and easy orthodontic treatment option.
If your busy schedule has prevented you from getting orthodontic treatment, you now have the option of same-day start. Dr. Zombek, DMD, MS at Zombek Orthodontics in Hollywood and Weston, Florida, provides same-day braces to both teens and adults. To find out more about the advantages of this state-of-the-art treatment technique, please contact Zombek Orthodontics by phone or try a free Virtual Consult.
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