Traditional Braces | Roseville Orthodontist
Braces can correct crooked and crowded teeth, a misaligned bite, and jaw problems. Braces also eliminate problems you may have with eating, speaking properly, or with keeping your teeth clean. With advancements in dental technology, traditional braces are now sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable.
Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are placed on your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening every 4-6 weeks so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw. While metal braces brackets are still the most common orthodontic option, there are various other treatment options available. Read below to learn more about traditional braces and how you can customize them to fit your lifestyle.
Your Waikiki Dental orthodontist, Dr. Narodovich, will discuss whether traditional braces or Invisalign® will work best for you. Though Invisalign treatment is more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces, the material the trays are made of is a bit more fragile. Because of this, your orthodontist may make more gradual adjustments and you may need to wear them longer. Ceramic braces require meticulous oral hygiene habits to remove any stains that may accumulate from coffee, tea, dark wines, or smoking. They can also cost more than traditional metal braces.
How Long Does a Person Wear Braces?
How long you need to wear braces depends on your individual case, but the average length of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 12 to 24 months. After that, you’ll wear a retainer to ensure your teeth don’t shift after treatment.
How to Care for Braces
Throughout the course of wearing braces, you’ll need to take care of them. That means eating well and avoiding foods that are hard, crunchy and sugary. Eating too many sugary foods with braces can lead to plaque build-up around your brackets, and that could permanently stain or damage your teeth.
Contact Waikiki Dental for an Orthodontic consultation today!