Braces

We can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence! As braces have become less bulky and visible in recent years, more and more adults are wearing them, for a variety of reasons.

Made from high-grade stainless steel, today’s metal braces look small, jewel-like and sleek. In addition, they feel far more comfortable than the braces you might remember from childhood. We will choose the right type of braces based on your specific dental challenges. Traditional orthodontic treatment may take up to two years to complete. Luckily, there are several options from which to choose to make braces uniquely yours, such as choosing clear bands so they’re less noticeable or letting kids pick out bright, fun colors. You can select from bands in a wide variety of colors, from teal to tangerine, even clear to make the brackets less noticeable.

There are typically three types of braces, all of which utilize wires and elastic bands to attach the braces together and align teeth:

• Brackets that are bonded to the front of the teeth
• Brackets that are bonded to the back of the teeth
• Metal bands that wrap around the teeth

How do I know if braces are right for me?

If you think you might benefit from braces, ask your dentist to recommend an orthodontist — someone specially trained to fix problems with teeth that are not aligned properly. While braces are a popular option for fixing misaligned teeth, an orthodontist can tell you whether you may benefit more from other types of orthodontics like removable retainers, headgear or aligners.

What discomfort should I expect?

You can expect some mild discomfort as you head home. Your teeth might be sensitive, and the new braces can cause sores in your mouth. Try eating soft foods (such as soup, pasta, and bananas) in the few days following the application, and take an over-the-counter pain medication as needed. However, if you experience high levels of discomfort that won’t go away with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, call your orthodontist for a second opinion. Your sensitivity should go away after a few days.

Talk to your orthodontist about proper care of your braces. You’ll need to brush regularly and use a Waterpik to flush out the food particles that can get caught between braces and teeth; you should also avoid sticky foods. With proper care and by seeing your orthodontist regularly for checkups, you can keep your teeth healthy while your braces are in place.

It’s extremely important to keep your braces clean if you want to achieve the best results:

• Talk to your orthodontist about proper care of your braces
• Brush regularly
• Use a Waterpik to flush out the food particles that can get caught between braces and teeth
• Avoid sticky foods