Storts Family Dentistry’s orthodontic services provide long-term corrective services to help align mispositioned teeth and jaws. Traditional braces typically include metal brackets and wires with colorful or clear rubber bands.
We also have three main ways in which we correct crooked teeth and protect newly straightened teeth: Invisalign, retainers, and mouthguards. Discover more about what traditional braces in Southern Oklahoma can do for your smile in our Ardmore and Madill dental offices.
Traditional Braces in Southern Oklahoma
Traditional braces are a great option for patients who require treatment for tooth gaps, malocclusion, overcrowding, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Unlike Invisalign, traditional metal braces are recommended for patients who have a variety of orthodontic problems. Patients with mild, moderate, or severe orthodontic issues benefit from traditional braces.
Getting Braces Put on Your Teeth
Traditional braces use a combination of brackets, wires, and, occasionally, additional appliances. These components work together to straighten crooked teeth and fix jaw misalignment. Your dentist will place these components on your teeth in a specific order so your treatment will work properly.
The first thing your dentist will do is bond the orthodontic brackets to the front of each tooth. These are small squares that hold the archwire in place.
The next step is to insert the archwires through each bracket. The archwires are the main wires that connect all the brackets and apply pressure to the teeth. Your dentist will use small elastic ties or clips to hold the archwires to the brackets. They can be clear, metal, or colored, based on personal preference.
How Do Braces Work?
The shape your dentist makes the archwire will reflect the path of your tooth’s movement. Regular appointments are vital for adjustments where your dentist will tighten the archwire and/or replace the bands. The combination of brackets and archwire exerts pressure on the teeth. This pressure causes the bone in the jaw to change shape, allowing the teeth and their roots to move.
Some patients may require additional orthodontic appliances. This includes spacers, bands, or palatal expanders. These appliances help to create space, correct jaw alignment, or address other dental issues.
The Length of Treatment with Traditional Brace
Your treatment timeline will be different from other patients. Many factors determine how long a patient will need to wear their braces. It can range from about 18 months to several years, with the average time being around 18 to 24 months.
Before each orthodontic treatment, your Storts Family Dentistry dentist will conduct a thorough exam and consultation. Once they examine your teeth and jaw, they can determine the length of your treatment. Each patient is unique, and their treatment length is determined by:
- Complexity of the Case: Patients with more complex dental issues will endure longer treatment times. Complex orthodontic cases typically include severe overcrowding, significant bite problems, and jaw misalignments.
- Age: Braces are effective at any age. However, younger patients tend to experience quicker results due to the pliability of their bones and tissues.
- Patient Compliance: Following your dentist’s instructions can influence the duration of treatment. If you skip your appointments, fail to take care of your oral hygiene, and do not follow your dentist’s advice, you can extend the length of your treatment.
- Treatment Goal: Personal goals can also affect how long you need to wear braces. If you are aiming for a high level of aesthetic perfection, then expect a longer treatment time.
- Biological Response: Individual variation in how quickly your teeth and jaw respond to the treatment can also impact the duration.
What Should I Do If A Wire Breaks On My Braces?
If you have broken wires on your braces, it’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid injury to your mouth and prevent delays in your orthodontic treatment. First, if the broken wire is causing irritation, gently push it into a more comfortable position. Cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax to prevent it from poking your cheeks, lips, or gums. Do not cut the wire, as you could accidentally swallow a piece. Contact your Storts Family Dentistry dentist right away to schedule a repair appointment. Your dentist can safely fix or replace the broken wires and adjust your braces if necessary.
Wearing a Retainer Following Braces
Once your braces come off, it is important to protect your investment. Orthodontic treatment is expensive. Wearing a retainer will prevent orthodontic relapse and save you thousands of dollars in additional treatment.
When your Storts Family Dentistry dentist removes your braces, they can shift back into their original position. A retainer will help maintain the new alignment of your teeth achieved with braces. Also, the bone and soft tissues around the teeth are still adjusting to the new position of your teeth. A retainer will help to stabilize your bite during this adjustment period.
Wearing a retainer is a long-term commitment. However, it is an easy commitment. You should continue to wear it every night while you sleep. This will ensure that your teeth never move out of position. Be sure to follow any special instructions that your dentist gives regarding your specific case.
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!