When it came time for braces, Sarah was excited and nervous all at the same time. She had heard that they could be uncomfortable, but she was willing to endure a little pain if it meant her teeth would look great when she was done.
Sarah’s mom took her to Glenwood Dental Care, where she met Dr. Yuchen. After a quick consultation, Sarah was fitted for her braces and started the process of having straighter teeth.
The next few months were an adjustment as her mouth got used to the braces, but soon enough, she got used to them and even forgot that they were there.
Before she knew it, her braces were coming off, and she could finally get a glimpse of her beautiful new smile.
At Glenwood Dentist, we thrive for that lost smile that braces can bring back.
We understand that getting braces can be a big decision, so we take the time to explain how they are put on and taken off and what kind of care they need during their duration.
We also answer any questions regarding cost and insurance coverage.
The different types of braces that are available
There are four main types of braces used in orthodontic treatment. Each type of brace has unique features and benefits that vary depending on the patient’s specific needs.
- Metal Braces: The most common traditional braces used to correct many dental issues, including overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and misaligned bites. They consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth with an archwire running between them, which helps guide teeth into the correct positions. Some advantages of metal braces include being strong enough to withstand greater forces, being a relatively short-term treatment, and being cost-effective.
- Ceramic Braces: Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces also use brackets to straighten teeth and achieve desired results; however, they have clear ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural colour of your teeth for a more subtle look. The elastic ties used typically match the colour of your teeth for further discretion. The main advantage of ceramic braces is their cosmetic appeal since they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Additionally, they require fewer adjustments since the archwire does not need frequent tightening like in metal braces due to its advanced technology that allows it to re-shape itself when pressure is applied over time without manual adjustment from an orthodontist.
- Lingual Braces: They are similar to traditional metal brackets, except they are positioned behind the teeth instead of on the front surface, so they remain hidden from view while you smile or talk. This type of brace works just as well as other types but has some additional requirements since custom-made appliances are necessary during installation, and adjustments must be made more frequently due to their location at the backside of your mouth, making them harder for doctors to access and monitor progress easily compared to other types mentioned prior. One advantage lingual braces have over other types is that they provide an invisible yet effective way for individuals who prefer not having visible signs of wearing corrective equipment on their front teeth but still want a straighter smile!
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a revolutionary system designed using highly advanced computer technology that uses a series of individually made clear plastic aligners. Invisible braces that fit snugly over your teeth, similar to retainers or night guards used by many people as part of dental hygiene routines at home every night before bedtime. Unlike traditional methods such as metal or ceramic braces, which can cause discomfort due to their rigid components, Invisalign aligners do not contain sharp edges or rough surfaces, making them comfortable and barely noticeable when worn, unlike many other corrective appliances for crooked teeth that are available today! Also, because these aligners can be removed when eating food or brushing/flossing your teeth, you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck between components as you would with traditional ones!
Why do we need braces, and What are the benefits of getting braces?
Braces are used to correct misaligned teeth and jaw issues and can improve your dental health and the look of your smile. Properly aligned teeth are easier to care for, promote good oral hygiene habits, and can help prevent more severe issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders in the future. Straight teeth can undoubtedly boost self-confidence, help create a better smile, and even make eating and speaking more comfortable.
At our Crestwood Dental Clinic, our team of experienced Orthodontists is dedicated to providing any person(young, older teenagers or adult) with the best possible care throughout your braces process. Our goal is to ensure you have a comfortable and successful experience while achieving a beautiful smile for life!
How are braces put on and taken off? How long do braces need to be worn?
The length of time that braces need to be worn depends on the individual, but most orthodontic treatment plans take anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, some cases may require a longer or shorter duration. It is important to note that the amount of time required for treatment can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as age, oral hygiene habits and the complexity of the misalignment. Patients must also commit to regular visits with their orthodontist to ensure that their braces are adequately adjusted throughout their treatment.
Braces are usually put on through an appointment with an orthodontist, fitted onto teeth, followed by occasional follow-up visits where they will be tightened and adjusted. The process typically involves bonding brackets onto teeth which are then connected by wires. Once bonded, these brackets can be adjusted over time by tightening or loosening wires to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. To take them off, an orthodontist will use special tools to remove brackets and bands before filing down any residue from adhesive and polishing teeth. If it’s Invisalign Braces, the process is different and more straightforward.
Ultimately, it is best to consult Glenwood’s Orthodontics to determine how long braces should be worn in any given case. However, it is safe to assume that most braces are typically worn for between 18 and 24 months for an orthodontic treatment plan to succeed. Furthermore, one’s active participation during this period is crucial for producing desired results, which includes brushing teeth after meals and attending regular appointments with your orthodontist throughout your entire course of treatment.
By choosing Glenwood Dentist for your treatment, you can be sure that the process will be as comfortable and successful as possible. Our team of experienced Orthodontists is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care and achieving a beautiful new smile for life!
What to expect when you get braces, Crestwood
At Glenwood Dental Care, we understand that getting braces can be a scary and daunting experience. That’s why our team of experienced orthodontists is dedicated to ensuring that you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your entire treatment process. We want to give you the best possible care and ensure you get the most out of your braces.
When you first visit us for an orthodontic consultation, we’ll do various things to evaluate your teeth and create a custom treatment plan specifically designed for your individual needs and goals. This includes taking impressions of your teeth, measuring their alignment and position, evaluating the size and shape of your jawline, and taking photographs to document any changes over time. We will also use modern technology such as x-rays or 3D imaging scans to gain an even clearer picture of what is going on with your teeth.
Once we have all the necessary information, our orthodontists will discuss the various braces available, such as traditional metal brackets, clear ceramic brackets or even Invisalign aligners, depending on your best choice. They will also explain any unique challenges associated with each option so that you can make an informed decision about which to choose.
What happens next is that our orthodontists will apply the type of braces chosen onto your teeth using dentistry adhesives and wires. Most braces may need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure proper placement and progress toward achieving desired results. During these visits, our professional staff can make adjustments quickly and painlessly.
Throughout your entire treatment process at Glenwood Dental Care, we are committed to providing excellent customer service with every step of the way by offering personalized advice based on years of experience in orthodontic care combined with modern technology such as digital x-rays or 3D imaging scans that help keep track of progress made so far. We also offer complimentary checkups after the completion of treatment to ensure long-term satisfaction with your new smile!
