Orthodontic Treatment in East China & New Baltimore, MI
At Brieden Orthodontics, we truly believe that every patient deserves a beautiful, healthy smile they feel proud to show off. Dr. Brieden and our world-class team of orthodontic specialists work hard to customize treatment to fit the unique needs of our patients, and we're proud to offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatment options. While we offer many exciting treatment alternatives like our clear aligners, the most popular treatment we offer is still the oldest and most reliable in orthodontics: traditional metal braces.
ABOUT METAL BRACES
Traditional metal braces are the oldest, most reliable treatment in the field of orthodontics. They can be used to treat almost any orthodontic condition, are sturdy and cost-effective, and thanks to the advances in orthodontic technology, modern braces are thinner, more comfortable, and more attractive than ever.
So what exactly are metal braces? Metal braces use stainless steel brackets, wires, and bands to straighten teeth. Each tooth gets a metal bracket cemented to the front of the tooth, then a thin, springy archwire is precisely shaped, threaded into each bracket, and secured with an elastic tie. The wire is then anchored to metal bands wrapped around the rear molar, providing a solid anchor against which to move teeth. Over time, the archwire places a subtle pressure on the teeth, influencing them to move to new positions and realign your smile!
THE PROCEDURE FOR METAL BRACES
Braces are a highly routine procedure, and we fit patients with braces countless times every day. After confirming your diagnosis and creating a detailed treatment plan, Dr. Brieden will start the procedure by carefully cleaning and sterilizing your teeth to prepare them for braces.
After that, Dr. Brieden will carefully attach a bracket to the front of each of your teeth using a special dental cement. We use a specialized light source to cure the cement and ensure a strong bond between the tooth and the bracket. With brackets in place, Dr. Brieden will place tooth-colored metal bands around the rear molars – these serve as anchor points, giving the archwire something to push off. Finally, Dr. Brieden will attach the archwire to the bands, then carefully thread it through each bracket and secure it with an elastic tie. Once the ties are all in place, your braces begin straightening your smile immediately!
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR NEW BRACES
While wearing your braces, it's important that you carefully follow a strict oral hygiene regimen and take great care of your teeth and braces. With braces, it is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal.In addition to brushing, you'll need to floss every day with a floss threader. We also recommend that our patients carry an interdental toothbrush, as this is a useful tool for dislodging bits of food on the go.
Watching your diet is also key when wearing braces. You'll need to avoid any foods that are hard, crunchy, gooey, sticky, or full of sugar. Foods to avoid include:
- Taffy
- Caramel
- Raw carrots
- Pizza crust
- Tootsie rolls
- Whole apples
- Hard candies
In general, anything that's too hard or sticky can damage your brackets – so steer clear during treatment!
HOW LONG DO BRACES TAKE?
Ultimately, there is no one answer to this question: every patient is different, and your treatment time will depend on your orthodontic situation and the extent of treatment required. With that being said, most patients wear braces between 12 and 24 months. In some cases, patients requiring very light treatment may need only 6 months, while other patients may need several years of treatment. It all depends on the specifics of your orthodontic condition.
Schedule a Consultation with Your New Baltimore & East China, MI Orthodontist
Despite the alternatives on the market, metal braces are still one of the most efficient, cost-effective, and reliable treatment options available – and if you want to find out how metal braces can help you, we'd love to help. Contact us today to learn more about orthodontic treatment with braces, and don't be afraid to request an appointment online at one of our orthodontic offices. Working together, we look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams through braces!