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.
The Benefits of Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces have been a popular choice for straightening teeth for decades. They offer several benefits that make them an effective and reliable option. While newer treatments like Invisalign have become popular, metal braces continue to be an excellent choice for many people looking to improve their smile and dental health.
1. Effective for Complex Cases
One of the biggest advantages of traditional metal braces is their ability to treat complex dental issues. Metal braces are very effective at correcting severe bite problems, crooked teeth, and alignment issues that may not be easily fixed with other treatments like Invisalign. Braces use brackets and wires that can be adjusted over time to gradually move the teeth into their correct positions, which makes them a powerful solution for challenging cases.
2. Durability and Strength
Metal braces are extremely durable and can handle significant force. This is especially important for people with severe misalignment or bite issues. Unlike clear aligners, which can be damaged if not handled carefully, metal braces are fixed to your teeth and are much less likely to break or become misplaced. This means you don’t have to worry about losing your treatment device or accidentally damaging it while eating or during other daily activities.
3. Affordable Option
While metal braces may seem more expensive initially, they are often more affordable than newer alternatives like Invisalign. Since they are a tried-and-true method used for many years, the cost of metal braces is often lower, especially for people without insurance coverage for orthodontic treatments. For those on a budget, metal braces can provide a cost-effective solution for straightening teeth and improving dental health.
4. Fewer Maintenance Issues
With traditional metal braces, you don’t have to worry about removing or cleaning them like with clear aligners. The braces are attached to your teeth and stay in place 24/7. This makes it easier to follow your treatment plan without needing to remember to put your aligners back in after eating or drinking. You also won’t have to worry about wearing your braces for a certain number of hours each day, like Invisalign, as they are always working to move your teeth.
5. Proven Track Record
Metal braces have been used for decades and have a proven track record of delivering successful results. Orthodontists have a lot of experience with them, and the technology behind them is well-tested. This gives people the confidence to choose a reliable treatment to improve their smile and dental health.
Maintaining Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health with metal braces can be a little more challenging than with other dental treatments, but it’s very possible with the right care. Metal braces are great for straightening teeth, but they also create extra places where food can get stuck and plaque can build up. Following these tips can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy during your treatment.
1. Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal
When you have metal braces, food can get trapped around the brackets and wires, making it easier for plaque to build up. To prevent this, brushing your teeth after every meal is important. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to carefully clean around the braces, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. Brushing regularly will help keep plaque from forming, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease if left untreated.
2. Use Special Tools for Cleaning Around Braces
Regular toothbrushes might not be enough to clean thoroughly around metal braces. Special dental tools like an interdental brush (small brushes designed to fit between the braces and teeth) can help remove food particles and plaque that your regular toothbrush may miss. You can also use floss threaders to help get the floss between the wires and brackets or even invest in a water flosser to flush out debris and bacteria.
3. Floss Daily
Flossing is especially important when you have braces because food and plaque can get stuck between your teeth and under the brackets. Even though it may seem tricky with the wires, using a floss threader or a floss designed for braces will help you clean these hard-to-reach areas. Daily flossing is key to preventing cavities and gum problems during orthodontic treatment.
4. Rinse with Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a great way to keep your mouth fresh and kill bacteria that may lead to plaque build-up. Choose an antimicrobial mouthwash that helps reduce plaque and fight gum disease. Mouthwash can also help to rinse away food particles that your toothbrush and floss may not be able to reach. This extra step in your routine can boost your oral health while wearing braces.
5. Avoid Foods that Can Damage Braces
When wearing metal braces, avoiding certain foods that could break or damage your braces is important. Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and ice can break brackets or bend wires, while sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel, or taffy can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to clean. These foods can also increase your risk of cavities, so it’s a good idea to stick to softer, less sugary options to protect your braces and teeth.
6. Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Even though you see your dentist regularly for adjustments, it’s still important to visit your general dentist every six months for professional cleanings and exams. Your dentist can check for early signs of gum disease or tooth decay and provide a deeper clean than you can at home. Keeping these appointments ensures that your teeth stay healthy while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
7. Watch for Signs of Gum Disease
Braces can sometimes make it harder to spot gum issues, but it’s important to watch for signs of gum disease, like swelling, bleeding when you brush, or bad breath. If you notice any of these symptoms, consulting with your orthodontist or dentist is a good idea. Gum disease can be prevented with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, but early detection is key to stopping it before it becomes a more serious problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will answer some of the most pressing frequently asked questions about traditional braces.
Can I play sports with braces?
You can play sports with braces, but taking some precautions is important. Wearing a mouthguard is necessary to protect your teeth, braces, and mouth from injury. There are special mouthguards for braces that provide extra space and protection.
Will I have to wear a retainer forever?
Yes, you will need to wear a retainer for as long as you want your teeth to stay in their new position. Initially, you’ll wear it full-time, then gradually reduce to wearing it only at night. Teeth can shift back over time, so wearing a retainer helps maintain your orthodontic results. Your orthodontist will give you specific guidelines based on your treatment.
Will braces affect my speech?
Braces might slightly affect your speech initially. You could notice a minor lisp or difficulty with certain sounds as your mouth adjusts. This adjustment period is usually brief, lasting a few days to a couple of weeks. Practicing speaking and reading aloud can help you adapt more quickly. If you have concerns, your orthodontist can offer advice and support.
Does it hurt to get braces off?
Getting braces off usually doesn’t hurt. You might feel some pressure as the orthodontist removes the brackets and cleans off the adhesive. Any discomfort is generally minimal and brief. Afterward, your teeth may feel a little sensitive. However, this should subside within a few days. If you have concerns about the process, discuss them with your orthodontist to know what to expect.
Will a retainer close a gap after braces?
A retainer alone generally won’t close a gap after braces. Orthodontists design retainers to maintain the position of your teeth, not move them. If a gap develops, you might need additional orthodontic treatment to close it. For small gaps, modified retainers might help, but significant gaps usually require additional orthodontic intervention.
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!