Traditional braces are well-known for being an effective, reliable orthodontic treatment. They are highly recommended for correcting both simple and complex cases of misaligned teeth and jaws. The treatment is normally recommended for children, but adults can benefit from wearing them too, and they are highly recommended for anyone that is having difficulty speaking or eating due to the alignment of their teeth. Our in-house orthodontist at Grand Dental – Sycamore uses metal braces to address many different kinds of orthodontic issues; call today to learn more about how the treatment works.
Braces consist of a number of metal brackets and wires. The brackets are attached to the teeth, and the wires (held in place by elastics) connect them. The pressure exerted on the teeth by the wire will gradually push them to a new position. To make sure that the braces continue to apply the right amount of force to the teeth, we will schedule an appointment every 4 to 6 weeks to tighten them.
The timeline for wearing braces can look drastically different from patient to patient, but the average is between 18 months and three years. The complexity of the case at hand is a major factor in how long the treatment takes. Our office is fully prepared to handle complicated orthodontic cases, and we will always be transparent about how long we expect the treatment to last.
When an orthodontic issue is too severe to be fixed with clear aligners, braces generally remain a viable option. The following are common examples of issues that traditional orthodontics tend to be effective in fixing.
Overbite, underbite, and crossbite can all lead to numerous oral health issues, such as causing the enamel protecting the teeth to wear down unusually fast. Braces can be used to resolve many different bite alignment issues.
Crowded teeth can detract from your appearance, and they are difficult to clean properly. They can be straightened and properly spaced with traditional braces.
A gap between teeth near the front of the mouth can be embarrassing. The empty space can often be closed with traditional braces.
When wearing braces, you will need to adjust your brushing and flossing technique to account for the constant presence of brackets and wires for your mouth. Our in-house orthodontist can explain the best methods for keeping your braces and your teeth clean throughout your treatment. Do not eat hard, sticky, or crunchy foods while wearing braces, as they could potentially cause your brackets and wires to break. Always wear a mouthguard to keep your braces safe while playing any kind of sport.