Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? The Dentists of Newtown offer traditional braces to children and adults in Newtown, PA. Braces offer an innovative way for patients to address orthodontic problems. Patients with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or misaligned teeth can create a uniform smile with braces.
Braces can offer orthodontic and cosmetic dental treatment to improve the alignment and health of the smile. Patients with crooked teeth are more likely to deal with bite problems, tooth decay, and gum disease. This is because it can be difficult to clean between misaligned teeth.
Straightening the smile makes maintaining a good oral hygiene routine easier and supports a comfortable, balanced bite.
The Benefits of Metal Braces
Some children and adults may be hesitant about braces. We encourage our patients to schedule a consultation in our office so they can explore their treatment options with our specialists and discuss their concerns. In many cases, braces can be the best option to realign your smile and improve your long-term dental health.
Today’s patients enjoy more options and improved technology for orthodontic care. We can achieve exceptional results for those with orthodontic problems and create a beautiful new healthy smile that will support a lifetime of optimal dental health.
Braces can address bite problems and severe tooth misalignment. We often recommend traditional braces over clear aligners for patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Traditional braces often deliver the best results for patients with these specific needs. Metal braces are better for patients with bruxism or teeth clenching and grinding. Clear aligners can become easily damaged by bruxism. Finally, braces may be the better option for teens and preteens who may find it difficult to comply with the use and care of clear aligners.
Treatment with Metal Braces
Many adults seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons, but braces also improve oral health. To begin orthodontic treatment, we thoroughly examine the smile to determine your orthodontic needs. We apply metal brackets to each tooth, connected by metal wires. We tighten the brackets at routine appointments to help the teeth realign into a straighter position.
It may take longer for some patients to straighten their smiles than others. Patients who require jaw surgery, tooth extractions, or periodontal therapy before their orthodontic treatment will have a longer treatment time overall. Additionally, patients with teeth that erupt in different directions or severe bite misalignment may require more time for their teeth to realign comfortably.
Although braces may seem like a much longer treatment than Invisalign, some patients will find better results with metal braces.
Caring for Metal Braces
Proper maintenance ensures the braces do their job and helps prevent common problems like plaque buildup, cavities, and gum irritation. Following a few simple steps, you can keep your braces and smile in excellent shape.
Brushing with Braces
When you wear braces, brushing your teeth becomes even more important. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. To clean effectively, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it above and below the brackets. Brush in small, circular motions to clean every surface of your teeth and braces.
Consider using an orthodontic or electric toothbrush with a small head for better access to hard-to-reach areas. Brushing after every meal is also a good idea to remove debris and prevent stains from forming around the brackets.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces may seem challenging, but it’s crucial for removing food and plaque between your teeth and along the gumline. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate around the wires. These tools make it easier to guide the floss under the braces and into tight spaces.
Interdental brushes or water flossers are excellent alternatives if traditional flossing is too difficult. These tools can clean your teeth and braces without the hassle of threading floss. Make flossing part of your daily routine to keep your gums healthy and avoid cavities between your teeth.
Avoid Certain Foods
Watching what you eat is one of the most important aspects of caring for metal braces. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage the brackets and wires, potentially lengthening your treatment time. Avoid popcorn, caramel, chewing gum, and hard candies, as they can get stuck or break your braces.
Cut crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, into small pieces before eating. Softer foods like yogurt, pasta, and steamed vegetables are easier to manage and less likely to harm your braces. Being mindful of your diet can prevent unnecessary trips to the orthodontist for repairs.
Use Orthodontic Wax for Comfort
It’s common for braces to cause some discomfort, especially when you first get them or after adjustments. Brackets and wires can irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips. Orthodontic wax is a simple and effective solution to reduce this irritation.
To use it, roll a small piece of wax into a ball and press it over any bracket or wire causing discomfort. The wax creates a smooth barrier between your braces and soft tissues, making them more comfortable. Replace the wax as needed, especially after eating or brushing.
Protect Your Braces During Activities
If you play contact sports or other high-impact activities, protecting your braces and teeth is essential. Wearing a mouthguard designed for braces helps prevent injuries to your mouth and damage to your braces. These mouthguards fit over your braces comfortably and provide extra cushioning during physical activities. Talk to your orthodontist about getting a custom mouthguard for the best fit and protection.
Keep Regular Orthodontic Appointments
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are critical to the success of your braces treatment. During these appointments, your orthodontist will adjust the wires, check your progress, and address any issues. Skipping appointments can delay your treatment and increase the risk of complications. Contact your orthodontist immediately if you experience problems like a broken bracket or a loose wire. Prompt repairs help keep your treatment on track.
Clean Retainers and Other Appliances
If your orthodontist provides additional appliances like retainers or rubber bands, it’s important to care for them properly. Clean retainers daily with a soft brush and lukewarm water to remove plaque and bacteria. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and maintaining these appliances to ensure they work effectively.
Stay Committed to Oral Hygiene
Wearing braces requires a higher level of commitment to oral hygiene. Skipping brushing or flossing can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and discoloration around the brackets. By prioritizing oral care, you can avoid these issues and maintain a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Traditional metal braces are one of the most popular and functional ways to straighten crooked teeth. Learn more about metal braces by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How often do you need to adjust metal braces?
Each patient is different, and the tooth-straightening process is unique to everyone. You usually need to come in so we can adjust your braces every 4-10 weeks. We uniquely tailor the treatment process to you, and you’ll learn the specifications of your treatment plan.
How long does treatment with traditional braces take?
Everything depends on how badly your teeth are misaligned. Metal braces usually take on more complex alignment problems than those of Invisalign. On average, it takes about 16-18 months to complete treatment. For extremely complicated problems, treatment can take 24 months or more.
What can’t I eat with traditional metal braces?
One of the downsides of traditional braces is that you will have a limited diet. Sticky foods like gum and taffy can get stuck in the brackets and wires and cannot get them out. Hard, crunchy foods like popcorn and hard candy can break the wires of the braces. Biting into corn on the cob or apples can also break the mechanisms of the braces.
Are traditional braces painful?
Braces move your teeth, so you’ll occasionally experience soreness and discomfort. This usually occurs for a few days after tightening your braces. Tightening them moves the teeth further into place. Since it’s when the teeth are originally shifting, you will have some discomfort as they adjust.
What’s the hardest part about getting braces?
Patients say the hardest part is the first week of getting your braces. You must adjust to the brackets and wires, completely foreign objects in your mouth. You’ll also still feel sore from starting to shift your teeth. Once you adjust to the braces in your mouth, you’ll hardly notice you even have the brackets on.
Am I a good candidate for braces?
Many people with crooked teeth can get braces to straighten their teeth. They’re especially useful for patients who have more severe bite issues and aren’t eligible for alternatives like Invisalign. However, patients who have gum disease or bad oral hygiene aren’t great candidates for braces. You have to be dedicated to proper oral healthcare and ensure that you’re brushing and flossing regularly.
Straighten Crooked Teeth Today
Do you or your child require orthodontic care? Call the Dentists of Newtown at 267-692-2394. You can also request a dental appointment with our professional dental team on our website. Please let us know if you have any questions about your orthodontic options. We will be happy to help.