Doctors David and Ethan Drake, respected providers of orthodontic care in our community, are located in Chambersburg, Greencastle, and Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Our practices top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comforable environment.
We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as ceramic braces, clear aligner therapy, and are the only orthodontic practice in the community offering intraoral scanning and 3D printing technology. This allows us to reduce total treatment time and offer comfortable, impression-free treatment.
We recognize that every patient has different needs and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors. Whether youre an adult, adolescent, or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve a healthy, beautiful one!
Ceramic braces are exactly the same as the traditional metal braces but the difference they offer is a more esthetic appearance than traditional braces (i.e. there are not quite as noticeable). Patients may still have a metal band around the molar teeth and metal wires connecting the teeth, but the brackets on the front teeth are made out of ceramic, which is white in color. Ceramic brackets have come a long way since their introduction into orthodontics. They do not stain or discolor as easily as before, and they have become much harder than the original ceramic brackets however, ceramic brackets can break more easily than metal brackets due to their physical properties of strength and hardness. This is especially true near the end of treatment due to the larger wires used at the end of orthodontic treatment. The other downside of ceramic brackets is that the removal of these brackets can be a little more challenging sometimes even though it takes about the same amount of time to complete as with the removal of traditional brackets.
Lingual braces have been used in orthodontics for approximately 30 years. However, many people are unaware that lingual braces are available to them. Lingual is a dental term that means the surface of the tooth closest to the tongue. Lingual braces do not usually use a metal band around the molars but still utilize the metal wire to connect the teeth. Additionally, each lingual bracket is usually custom made to fit each individuals own unique tooth shape. They are usually smaller and smoother than the brackets that go on the front surface of the tooth (i.e. traditional or ceramic braces) and are just as effective as traditional braces while offering an almost invisible treatment option for the patient who does not want others to see any braces on the fronts of their teeth. The treatment time for lingual braces is about the same as traditional braces (18-30 months).
Invisible Braces have become very popular recently in the United States. The advantage to invisible braces is that the patient does not have any metal in their mouth, making invisible braces the most esthetic and comfortable option for patients. Invisible braces are a series of clear plastic-like retainers that must be worn 22-24 hours a day to be effective. The disadvantage of clear braces is that the teeth can only be tipped into position and not moved completely into position as in traditional orthodontic treatment. Consequently, the relapse of the teeth (the movement of teeth back to their original position) is potentially greater. Also, invisible braces are only meant for minor tooth movements and are not really meant more difficult cases. Only a small portion of patients truly qualify for invisible braces even though more and more people are inquiring about this option. Invisible braces are most ideal for someone who has had braces in the past and their teeth have moved slightly out of alignment due to not wearing their retainer. If worn correctly the treatment time is usually 6-30 months with the variation in treatment time being due to the nature of the case being treated and the amount of compliance given by the patient (i.e. if you dont wear them correctly teeth dont move).