Discover The Benefits Of A Beautifully Aligned Smile
Traditional Braces have been a popular orthodontic treatment for many decades, helping people of all ages achieve straighter, healthier teeth, and improved oral function. With advancements in technology, braces have become more comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.
These personalized orthodontic treatments from River Birch Dental can help straighten your smile and improve your oral health. Dr. Georgie Vargas, one of the best dentists in Centuria, WI, is proud to offer braces for patients of any age so they can enjoy the beautiful smile they deserve.
Braces for Every Age Group
Braces offer oral health benefits and a positive impact on your appearance. Even if you had braces as a child, it’s common for teeth to shift back over time, causing misalignment in adulthood.
Traditional braces involve attaching metal brackets to the front or back of the teeth, connected by a wire. Each month, Dr. Vargas will adjust the wire to increase pressure and guide the teeth into their new positions. The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary, but on average, it lasts around 24 months.
Benefits of Braces
Braces offer a range of benefits for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. Here are some advantages of braces:
- Improved Teeth Alignment: Braces effectively straighten misaligned or crooked teeth, helping to achieve a more symmetrical and harmonious smile.
- Enhanced Bite and Chewing: Braces can correct these bite issues, improving the overall functionality of the teeth and making eating more comfortable and efficient.
- Improved Oral Health: Braces can alleviate overcrowding, gaps, and overlapping, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Speech Improvement: Braces can enhance speech and improve communication abilities.
- Self-Confidence and Aesthetics: Braces can enhance the appearance of the smile, boosting self-confidence and overall facial aesthetics.
What Conditions Can Braces Correct?
Braces are a versatile orthodontic treatment that can correct various dental conditions. Some of the common conditions that braces can address include:
- Malocclusions
- Teeth crowding
- Spacing issues
- Crossbites, overbites, open bites, etc.
- Overjet
- Dental midline misalignment
- Jaw misalignment
How Do Braces Work?
Orthodontic Evaluation
During an initial consultation with an orthodontist like Dr. Vargas at River Birch Dental in Centuria, WI, your teeth, jaws, and facial structure will be assessed. X-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth may be taken to create a personalized treatment plan.
Brackets and Archwires
After Dr. Vargas establishes your treatment plan, she’ll bond small brackets made of metal, ceramic, or other materials to the front surfaces of the teeth using dental adhesive. These brackets act as anchors for the archwires, which are placed across the brackets.
Adjustments and Pressure
The archwires exert gentle pressure on the teeth, gradually guiding them into their desired positions. Periodic adjustments are necessary to tighten or change the archwires, increasing the pressure and encouraging tooth movement. Additional components such as rubber bands, springs, or orthodontic elastics may be attached to the braces to help with specific tooth movements or jaw alignment.
Bone Remodeling and Retention
As the teeth move, the pressure applied by the braces stimulates bone remodeling. Once the desired tooth alignment is achieved, the active phase of braces treatment is complete. To maintain the results, you’ll wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal age for braces can vary depending on the individual’s orthodontic needs. In general, it’s best to have an orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven. Some individuals may start orthodontic treatment in their early teens, while others may begin as adults.
The duration of wearing braces can also vary based on the complexity of the case and the treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment with braces typically lasts between one to three years. This timeline can be influenced by factors such as the severity of the misalignment, the patient’s age, and their commitment to following the orthodontist’s instructions.
It may take time to adjust to wearing your braces. Braces can cause discomfort or soreness, especially during the initial adjustment period after the braces are placed or after subsequent adjustments. This discomfort is temporary, and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or by using orthodontic wax to cushion irritating areas.
When wearing braces, certain foods should be avoided or consumed with caution to prevent damage to the braces or any oral appliances. Some foods to avoid include sticky or chewy foods like chewing gum, caramel, or taffy, as they can get stuck to the braces. Your orthodontist will provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid and offer guidance on maintaining a braces-friendly diet.