Traditional braces are a time-tested orthodontic solution designed to align mispositioned teeth and correct complex jaw misalignments. Utilizing a system of metal brackets, archwires, and customizable elastics, braces provide the necessary pressure to guide teeth into their ideal positions. At Storts Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive orthodontic care in our Ardmore and Madill dental offices to help patients achieve functional, healthy smiles.
While we offer modern alternatives like Invisalign, traditional braces remain the most versatile tool for treating severe malocclusions. We also provide essential post-treatment support through retainers and protective mouthguards to ensure your results last a lifetime.
How Traditional Braces Work
The mechanics of braces involve a biological process called bone remodeling. By applying constant, gentle pressure, braces allow the bone in the jaw to change shape, enabling the tooth roots to move. The process of getting braces involves two primary steps:
- Bracket Bonding: Your dentist bonds small orthodontic brackets to the front of each tooth. These act as anchors for the treatment.
- Archwire Placement: A specialized wire is threaded through the brackets. This archwire is the engine of the treatment, exerting the pressure required to move the teeth.
Regular appointments are essential for “adjustments,” where your dentist tightens or replaces the archwire to reflect the next phase of your tooth movement.
Factors Influencing Your Treatment Timeline
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies significantly between patients. On average, patients wear braces for 18 to 24 months, though the following factors can influence your specific “roadmap”:
| Factor | Impact on Treatment |
|---|---|
| Case Complexity | Severe overcrowding or jaw misalignments require more time to correct. |
| Patient Age | Younger tissues are more pliable, often leading to faster biological responses. |
| Compliance | Skipping appointments or failing to wear elastics can extend treatment by months. |
| Oral Hygiene | Poor hygiene can lead to gum issues that pause orthodontic progress. |
Benefits of Choosing Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces have a proven track record of success. They offer several unique advantages over removable aligners:
- Effective for Severe Cases: Braces can handle rotations and vertical movements that other treatments may struggle to achieve.
- Durability: Because they are fixed to the teeth, you don’t have to worry about losing your appliance or forgetting to wear it.
- Predictability: As a “24/7” treatment, the pressure is constant, often leading to more predictable results in complex cases.
- Affordability: Traditional braces are often one of the most cost-effective orthodontic options available.
Maintaining Your Smile with Braces
Cleaning around brackets and wires requires extra diligence to prevent plaque buildup and white spot lesions (decalcification). To keep your smile healthy during treatment:
- Brush After Every Meal: Trapped food particles can quickly lead to decay around the brackets.
- Use Specialized Tools: Interdental brushes and water flossers are excellent for reaching areas traditional floss cannot.
- Avoid Damaging Foods: Hard nuts, ice, and sticky candies (caramel, taffy) can bend wires or pop brackets off the teeth.
Emergency Tip: If a wire breaks and pokes your cheek, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end and call Storts Family Dentistry immediately for a repair. Do not attempt to cut the wire yourself.
The Importance of Retainers
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance designed to maintain the position of your teeth after braces are removed. Without a retainer, teeth have a natural tendency to “relapse” or shift back toward their original positions. Wearing your retainer as directed—typically every night—is the only way to safeguard your investment and keep your smile straight forever.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Can I play sports with braces?
Yes. However, you must wear an orthodontic mouthguard. These are designed to fit over your brackets and protect both your teeth and your soft tissues (lips and cheeks) from injury during impact.
Will I have to wear a retainer forever?
To ensure your teeth stay in their new position, long-term nighttime wear is recommended. Teeth move throughout our lives, and a retainer is the only way to prevent age-related shifting.
Will braces affect my speech?
You may experience a minor lisp for a few days as your tongue adjusts to the brackets. Reading aloud and practicing speaking can help you adapt within a week or two.
Does it hurt to get braces removed?
Removal is usually quick and painless. You will feel some pressure as the brackets are popped off, but any sensitivity typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours.
Schedule a Consultation for Braces in Southern Oklahoma
Do you or your child need orthodontic care?
Contact us for a braces consultation online or call our Ardmore or Madill offices, serving patients and families in Southern Oklahoma. Our dentists are open to serving patients with their orthodontic expertise in many cities in the Southern Oklahoma area, including Ardmore, Marietta, Madill, Thackerville, Springer, Wilson, Mannsville, Kingston, and countless other areas!
If you have teeth out of place, come in to talk to one of our dentists about solutions for creating a smile that will last a lifetime and boost your confidence!