dental

Traditional Braces

Traditional Braces at Dento Smile

Our family dentists bring over 20 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, including orthodontics. If you or your child needs braces, we provide convenient services with a trusted oral health team you already know.

Traditional braces are a proven and effective way to correct various malocclusions (misaligned bites) in children, teens, and adults. Almost everyone qualifies for conventional orthodontics due to their effective design.

Do I Need Braces?

During your orthodontic evaluation, we’ll take a series of photos and a full-mouth X-ray to assess eruption patterns and tooth spacing. We may recommend braces or another interceptive appliance if conditions such as the following are present:

How Conventional Braces Work

Traditional braces follow a straightforward process. Initially, we affix a small bracket to each tooth at a precise position. Then, we thread a specialized wire through these brackets, securing it with either a small rubber band or wire ligature. The gently curved archwire applies moderate pressure to guide the teeth into alignment according to its shape. Our younger patients often enjoy choosing from a variety of band colors to add a personal touch.

Approximately every six weeks, the wire is adjusted or replaced to maintain the progression of tooth movement.The gently curved archwire applies moderate pressure to guide the teeth into alignment according to its shape. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, treatment with traditional braces typically lasts between 12 to 18 months.

How to Clean Around Braces

Proper home care is crucial for maintaining oral health while wearing fixed orthodontic appliances like braces. It’s essential to brush thoroughly around each bracket, especially near the gumline. Using an electric toothbrush can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, using a floss threader or water flosser to clean between teeth at least once a day is recommended.

Accumulation of plaque around braces can lead to tooth demineralization, a precursor to tooth decay, visible as white lesions and circular patterns near the brackets. These issues are often most noticeable after braces are removed. Taking time to maintain clean teeth and considering intermittent fluoride supplementation are effective ways to prevent this process.

* All surgical or invasive procedures come with risks. It’s advisable to get a second opinion from a qualified health professional before moving forward.