Straighten Your Smile with Conventional Braces

A confident smile is a part of feeling self-assured. It's surprising to learn that a significant number of people in the United States have considered improving their appearance. Even a study involving winners of a known beauty competition revealed that an astonishing 80% of participants expressed a desire to enhance their teeth' look. This finding emphasizes how much social dynamics can be influenced by having a smile.

To address this, Conventional braces have become increasingly popular as a preferred treatment for people of all ages. Braces are designed to correct issues such as misaligned and crooked teeth, TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) problems, and aesthetic concerns. They not only help with tooth alignment but also alleviates associated symptoms like speech difficulties and discomfort while eating.

Young little girl with bang holding invisible aligner orthodontic and braces sticking tongue out happy with funny expression.

Understanding Conventional Braces

 Conventional braces consist of metal wires, brackets, and bands that are attached to the surface of the teeth in order to guide them toward alignment. These brackets apply controlled pressure on the teeth, gradually and gently repositioning them. The archwire is placed within the brackets and secured using elastic bands termed Ligatures.

In addition to metal braces, there are alternatives such as ceramic (tooth-colored) braces and lingual braces. These options offer improved aesthetics while maintaining the effectiveness of braces.However, they might be a little costly compared to the traditional metal ones.

What to expect at the dental clinic?

Prior to the orthodontic treatment, a thorough assessment will be conducted at the dental office.  Your dentist will take various imaging tests like OPG (Orthopantomograph) and Lateral cephalogram to gather records to formulate a personalized treatment strategy as per your individual circumstances. It's advisable to discuss your treatment objectives and expectations with your dentist openly before commencing the treatment.

After finalizing the treatment plan, the dentist will place metal brackets onto your thoroughly cleaned and dried teeth using a bonding agent. Following this step, a metal wire will be carefully positioned and secured using ligatures. Additionally, the option to select colored ligatures of your preference is available.

Upon completing the procedure,  your dentist will give you detailed instructions regarding the maintenance of oral hygiene and the precautions you should be taking during the treatment. This generally includes brushing twice a day along with flossing in between your teeth to remove any debris. Moreover, it is advisable to avoid hard and sticky foods.

During subsequent appointments, the wire will be adjusted as necessary to facilitate the desired tooth movements.

How long will the treatment take?

The time it takes for braces to start working differs from person to person, depending on individual factors. The full course of orthodontic treatment normally lasts two years on average. This timeframe, however, depends on multiple factors like the extent of malocclusion, the patient's age, and periodontal conditions. Some patients can see the end of their treatment in less than a year, indicating a quicker progression, while others may take two to three years.

Retention after treatment

After you finish your braces treatment, it's time to introduce a new member to your dental team: the teeth retainer. Retainer is a dental appliance that plays a crucial role in ensuring that your teeth don't decide to wander back to their old, misaligned position.

Retainers are available in different shapes and materials. Commonly used retainers include Hawleys retaier, clear plastic retainers, and lingual retainers. Your orthodontist will help you find the perfect one that is best for your case.

To sum it up, Conventional braces are a great and comparatively affordable way to enhance your smile while also promoting oral health and functionality. There are numerous orthodontic options accessible nowadays. Your dentist or orthodontist might decide the one that works best for you. An investment in braces can guarantee you a long-lasting, attractive smile.