If you’re looking for a faster braces system, you’ve probably discovered that modern braces are quicker than orthodontic treatment options were 20 or more years ago — even 10 or so years ago. One of the latest advancements in orthodontic care is Pitts 21 braces. We offer these as a type of self-ligating braces in Santa Rosa that are comfortable and have a less bulky appearance than braces of the past. These are only some of the reasons we offer this treatment at Bernstein Orthodontics.
Pitts 21 Braces Explained
Pitts 21 braces are a type of self-ligating braces, meaning they have sliding doors or built-in clips that hold the wire in place instead of rubber bands (ligatures). Standard braces consist of an orthodontist adjusting — or possibly replacing — the wire during adjustments to continuously change the pressure and shift the teeth into the desired positions.
With Pitts 21 braces, the orthodontist opens the sliding doors or clips and tightens the wire. The orthodontist then closes the door or clip to hold the wire in place.
The brackets of these braces tend to be smaller, rounder, and smoother than traditional braces and even other self-ligating systems.
These officially launched in 2021, but the system was in the making since 2015 when Dr. Tom Pitts first developed H4 brackets, which are smaller than those on traditional braces.
Reasons Bernstein Orthodontics Offers Pitts 21 Braces
Ultimately, after a thorough comparison of different types of metal braces, including other self-ligating braces available to orthodontists in Santa Rosa, such as Damon braces, Dr. Bernstein and the team found that this system offers the most benefits to patients and gives them more “bang for their buck,” so to speak.
Reasonable Price
On average, traditional metal braces run about $3,000 to $8,000, with the exact price largely depending on the severity of your case and how long treatment takes. The price of Pitts 21 is slightly higher, but the difference is that this particular system is designed to make life easier and treatment better for the patient. With these, the additional cost isn’t astronomical.
Created with Aesthetics in Mind
Dr. Pitts created the concept of these braces with the goal of giving patients a more appealing smile while they undergo treatment. That’s why the brackets are smaller, so they aren’t as noticeable.
Several specifics about these braces allow you to show more of your teeth when you smile, including the following:
- Shows more teeth
- Sits lower on teeth
- Doesn’t require colored bands
- Can provide results more quickly, in some cases, before the braces are taken off
Even after treatment, the aesthetics of your smile differ from after traditional braces, in a good way. These are some of the main ways:
- Promotes wider arches
- Reduces dark spaces in the corners of your mouth
- Creates a more rounded, fuller smile
- Doesn’t cause colorful staining
Smoother Tooth Movement
Because these are self-ligating braces, they cause low friction. The teeth can ultimately move more freely in a continuous fashion to their final destinations. There’s less start and stop with these compared to standard metal braces. Overall, the movement is more controlled and predictable.
Faster
For some people, this is a faster braces system because of the ease of tooth movement during treatment. The movement is consistent, especially when you work with an orthodontist who is experienced with this system and understands how to use it strategically
More Comfortable
For patients in Santa Rosa looking for a more comfortable braces experience, Pitts 21 is worth considering. The force is less than with standard braces, especially because they don’t require elastic bands. As a result, you don’t have as much soreness or a tight feeling.
Movements tend to be smoother since they don’t have as much resistance. Without the elastic bands, you have fewer pressure points. Even the brackets’ design considers comfort, with their rounded edges and low-profile shape.
You may not have as much cheek irritation, lip rubbing, or soft-tissue soreness with Pitts 21 as you would with traditional metal braces.
Fewer Appointments
Patients who have a quicker-than-average treatment using this method won’t need as many visits as they would if the treatment time were extended. You won’t have to come into the office to replace the ligatures when they’re stretched out or no longer have adequate tension.
The Pitts 21 system will require visits to tighten the wire, but that’s generally less frequent than you’d need to replace the bands. The force from Pitts 21 is more consistent from one visit to the next than if you had standard metal braces.
In many cases, Pitts 21 is a faster braces system; for the most part, they’re more comfortable than other metal braces. The orthodontists at our office chose this system over others and also looked at it from a cost standpoint and how convenient it is in terms of appointments.
Book an appointment with Bernstein Orthodontics to figure out if self-ligating braces are the right option for you or your child. Call us at 707-575-0600.
FAQs
We went over many of the benefits associated with the Pitts 21 system, but if you have other questions or would like to know more, these FAQs may help.
1. Are Pitts 21 or Damon braces better?
Pitts 21 and Damon are similar in the fact that they’re self-ligating braces, meaning they don’t use bands. However, Pitts 21 is newer and specifically designed to have better control, improve smile aesthetics during and after treatment, and enhance the speed of treatment.
2. What are Pitts 21 braces?
Pitts 21 braces are self-ligating and are designed to be more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and quicker than standard braces. They were created by Dr. Tom Pitts and are relatively new.
3. What is the Pitts protocol in orthodontics?
Though the brackets and configuration of the braces are slightly different than usual metal ones, the treatment protocol differs from standard braces accordingly. The goal of treatment centers on creating an ideal smile shape and balance rather than teeth straightening alone. Ensuring the bite becomes functional is also part of the equation.
4. Which is better: Invisalign or Pitts 21?
There isn’t a correct answer to this. Both Invisalign and Pitts 21 have benefits. For instance, Invisalign is more discreet and allows you to eat what you want, but Pitts 21 uses the tried-and-true approach of metal braces with an upgrade.
5. Will my teeth move back once I take Pitts 21 braces off?
While it’s possible, we fit patients with retainers so they can keep their teeth in their new positions.