Traditional Braces Can Help You Achieve a Straighter, Healthier Smile

Traditional Orthodontics

Dental braces consist of wires and brackets that are applied to crooked or crowded teeth. The goal of dental braces is to align the teeth and jaws to produce an even bite and attractive smile.

Braces are traditionally made of metal, but advancements in materials and technology have given patients more options for comfort and convenience in recent years. A popular alternative to metal braces are porcelain braces. Commonly called “clear braces,” the porcelain brackets of these braces are tooth-colored, making them less noticeable than traditional metal brackets, and particularly popular among adults.

The Benefits of Braces

Most people know that orthodontics can give you a straight smile, but braces also offer many practical oral health benefits. Dental braces can correct overcrowded and overlapping teeth, underbite, overbite, and other bite alignment issues.

Orthodontics can treat current oral health problems and prevent future issues. Crowded and crooked teeth can be hard to clean, which can make them more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and infection. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to heart disease. Crooked teeth can also contribute to a misaligned bite. Over time, misalignment of your bite, and the strain it places on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), can produce chronic headaches, face or neck pain, and other symptoms of TMJ Disorder.

Candidates for Braces

Anyone with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite might be a candidate for braces. Children more commonly undergo treatment with traditional braces than adults, but adults can enjoy the benefits of traditional braces too. Adults tend to need to wear braces longer than children, since adults’ facial structures are no longer developing. If you are interested in a more discreet alternative, we can help determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign®. This popular treatment straightens teeth with removable, virtually invisible corrective aligners.

The Procedure

To prepare for traditional braces, first we will perform a full oral exam. We will take some x-rays and plaster models of your teeth to help plan your treatment. Braces will be attached to the outside surfaces of the premolars and front teeth. Ring-like bands will encircle the molars. A flexible metal wire will then be attached to all of the brackets to connect them. This will control the movement of the teeth. In some cases, rubber bands may be attached to the brackets and wires.

After the braces are placed on your teeth, we will periodically tighten or bend the wires. These adjustments will ensure that your teeth are aligning safely and effectively. After your adjustments, your teeth and jaws may feel a little sore.

When your teeth are in proper position, the braces will be removed. You will have to wear a retainer for a period of time to stabilize your teeth and prevent them from shifting out of proper alignment.

Caring for Braces

With a little common sense and regular oral hygiene, caring for your braces can be easy.

When you first have your braces applied, your teeth and jaw might feel tight. During this adjustment period, be sure to eat softer foods, and stay away from crunchy foods, or foods that require a lot of chewing. After you get used to your braces, it is a best to avoid foods that might break or damage your braces. Hard foods should be avoided, such as suckers, pretzels, or crunchy chips. You should also avoid sticky foods like caramel or gummy bears.

Good oral hygiene is very important for everyone, especially people with braces. We will demonstrate how to floss and brush with your braces. With a little practice, you will get used to caring for your teeth as easily as if your braces were not there at all.

Contact Us Today

We want you to have the confidence to share your smile with the world. Contact us today to learn how traditional braces can give you a healthy, beautiful smile.