LIGHTFORCE BRACES
Custom, 3D-Printed Orthodontic Appliances
WHAT ARE LIGHTFORCE BRACES?
Grosso Orthodontics is pleased to offer LightForce braces! These unique orthodontic appliances are 100% customized to fit each patient’s smile. Unlike traditional, metal braces, which are one-size-fits-all, LightForce braces are 3D-printed and use cloud-based technology to create appliances that fit the exact shape and size of your teeth and bite. Appliances are made from tooth-colored polycrystalline material rather than metal. The result? Orthodontic treatment is more efficient, comfortable and discreet.
HOW DO LIGHTFORCE BRACES DIFFER FROM METAL BRACES?
Traditional braces utilize metal brackets that are adhered to the front surface of the teeth. These brackets are then linked by a metal archwire, which puts gentle pressure on the teeth, moving them into their desired positions. Metal braces are typically one-size-fits-all with a fixed bracket and wire sizes. Once adhered to the teeth, Dr. Grosso and the Grosso Orthodontics team then bend and trim the archwire to best fit your smile and arch.
On the other hand, LightForce braces are 100% customized to fit your smile. Once Dr. Grosso has taken digital impressions of your teeth, she can use these impressions to prescribe tooth movement and design your custom appliances using cloud-based software. Appliances are then created using 3D-printing technology and are made from polycrystalline material rather than metal.
BENEFITS OF LIGHTFORCE BRACES
These revolutionary appliances offer many benefits compared to traditional braces. Benefits include:
CARING FOR LIGHTFORCE BRACES
- Brush your teeth thoroughly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth and appliances in the morning, at night and after eating. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth—the front, back, chewing surfaces and gum line—as well as around the brackets and archwires.
- Floss meticulously: Be sure to floss not only between your teeth and into the gum line, but behind the wire to dislodge trapped food and bacteria.
- Use mouthwash: Rinse your mouth daily with fluoride mouthwash to protect yourself from gum disease and tooth decay.
- Enjoy foods that can stain your appliances in moderation: Be careful of foods and beverages that can stain your ceramic appliances such as coffee, tea, wine, tomato-based foods, dark soda and more.
- Avoid sticky, chewy or hard foods: Foods that are particularly chewy, sticky, crunchy or hard can damage your appliances.
- Cut foods into bite-sized pieces: Rather than bite directly into food, which can damage your brackets, cut your food into smaller pieces before enjoying them.
- Attend check-up appointments as directed by Dr. Grosso: While these appliances require fewer in-office appointments, you should still attend check-up appointments as directed by Dr. Grosso to ensure treatment is running smoothly.
