Braces are one of the most effective orthodontic dental treatments for aligning crooked or crowded teeth and improving your bite. Using constant, gentle pressure, braces gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Your braces are working every moment throughout your orthodontic treatment to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
The two main components of your braces are the brackets, which are attached to each tooth, and the arch wire that connects them. The wire is designed to reflect your “ideal” bite—essentially the way we want your teeth to look after treatment.
As the arch wire attempts to return to its original shape, it applies gentle pressure that guides each tooth into proper alignment. Imagine your tooth sitting within your jawbone: pressure from one side encourages bone remodeling on the other, allowing the tooth to move while new bone forms to support it.
To enhance movement, elastics (rubber bands) are often attached to your braces. These elastics help create the precise amount of force needed to move teeth efficiently. For best results, elastics should be worn consistently and replaced daily.
There are several types of braces available to suit different aesthetic and functional needs:
Metal Braces: These are the most common among children and teens. Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever, and patients often enjoy choosing colorful ligature ties to personalize their look.
Gold Braces: Made from stainless steel coated with 24-karat gold, these braces offer strength with a more natural appearance, complementing the natural yellow tint of many teeth. Some patients choose ceramic braces on the upper teeth and gold braces on the lower teeth for a balanced, aesthetic smile.
Clear Ceramic Braces: A popular choice for adults, ceramic braces are translucent and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. While they’re more discreet, they are also slightly more delicate than metal braces.
For patients seeking alternatives, clear aligners, veneers, or Porcelain Veneers may also be considered as part of a cosmetic dentistry plan, depending on your needs.
Proper care ensures your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly:
Inspect your braces weekly for loose or bent parts.
If a bracket or wire breaks, or if you experience a dental emergency like a broken tooth or cracked tooth, call our office immediately.
Be as specific as possible when explaining the issue so we can schedule enough time for repair.
If you run out of rubber bands, contact us—we can mail replacements or have them ready for pickup.
Maintaining regular dental cleaning and periodontal maintenance appointments is also essential. These visits help prevent gum disease, plaque buildup, and ensure your gums remain healthy during orthodontic treatment.
It’s normal for teeth to feel sore for a few days after braces are applied or adjusted. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help alleviate discomfort. Mild irritation of the cheeks or tongue is also common. However, if sharp wires or brackets cause persistent soreness, or if sores begin to develop, please contact our office so we can make necessary adjustments.
In addition to orthodontic treatments like braces, our office offers a full range of dental treatments and cosmetic dentistry services, including:
Dental Implants and Porcelain Crowns to restore damaged or missing teeth.
Bonding and veneers to repair cracked teeth or enhance appearance.
Apicoectomy and Endodontic care for advanced root canal treatments.
Gum Grafting, Osseous Surgery, and Crown Lengthening for patients with gum disease or aesthetic gum concerns.
Orthognathic Surgery for correcting jaw alignment issues and TMJ disorder.
Emergency services for Dental Emergencies such as broken teeth, cracked teeth, or severe pain.
Whether you’re visiting for braces, teeth cleaning, or cosmetic dentistry, our team is dedicated to providing gentle, comprehensive care for your healthiest smile.
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