Traditional Braces – Canfield, OH
Setting Your Smile Straight
Metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands are what come to mind when most people think about braces in Canfield. While this traditional orthodontic treatment method still offers reliable care using a tried-and-true technique, there have been numerous innovations in the materials and procedures that make traditional braces anything but old-fashioned. Whatever your smile alignment needs, Dr. Mikolich and her team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us to schedule your orthodontic consultation today.
Why Should the Teeth Be Straightened?
Despite what you may think, crooked teeth are not a strictly cosmetic problem that you can afford to wait for your children to grow out of. First of all, when the teeth don’t line up correctly, they are harder to brush and floss, meaning there’s much more of a risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Also, crooked teeth can very easily throw off the alignment of your bite, making chewing and speaking more difficult than they should be. In some cases, it can also put more pressure on the teeth and cause them to wear down unnaturally quickly, meaning they could weaken and break. Getting braces at a young age can help your child avoid these issues. Older patients can also protect their long-term oral health by wearing braces to correct alignment issues.
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
For centuries, doctors have used braces to move teeth into their ideal positions, giving patients perfectly straight, functional, beautiful smiles. Metal and ceramic braces are composed of a series of brackets and wires. The brackets are attached to the front surfaces of teeth and a wire runs between each bracket. Each wire is secured with a rubber or metal ligature Braces slowly move teeth to the proper position by applying a constant, gentle force via orthodontic wires to the teeth. The length of treatment time with braces varies between one to three years and is dependent upon the severity of your case, age, and patient compliance.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?
Braces are capable of addressing many of the most minor and complex dental issues. This is why the traditional bracket-and-wire system is so often recommended.
Bite Misalignment
Worn tooth enamel and chronic jaw pain are just two of the possible problems that can develop when it comes to a misaligned bite. Fortunately, with regular braces, your teeth can move into better alignment, creating a more functional and comfortable bite. Instead of experiencing pain when biting down, you will be able to eat without discomfort and smile with greater confidence.
Crowded & Crooked Teeth
Your smile’s aesthetics will not be the only thing that is negatively impacted by crooked and crowded teeth. Your inability to maintain good oral health will be affected as well. When teeth are positioned incorrectly or lack the necessary space for proper brushing and flossing, bacteria and harmful particles can burrow into the crevices and cause tooth decay. By wearing traditional orthodontics, your braces can create necessary space, generate a beautiful smile, and allow for optimal oral hygiene in the future.
Gapped Teeth
Gapped teeth can be embarrassing for some patients, but the real issue is the potential for cavities. Because of the excess space between teeth, bacteria can become trapped and wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. With regular metal braces, however, we can close the gap and give your smile the chance to thrive.
Caring for Your Braces
No matter the type of orthodontic treatment recommended, there are specific instructions regarding how to properly care for your braces. Whether you have traditional metal braces or clear/ceramic ones, your orthodontist in Canfield is here to provide a few helpful tips:
- Brush and floss regularly. You’ll need to brush twice a day for two minutes and use a floss threader or water irrigator to get between teeth and underneath wires.
- Use an interdental brush if necessary to clean areas underneath wires and between brackets.
- Stay away from hard, crunchy foods to prevent accidental breakage of your oral appliances.
- Wear protective mouth gear when playing sports or an instrument. It can also be helpful should you be prone to grinding or clenching your teeth at night.
- Keep your follow-up appointments with your orthodontist and dentist to ensure a healthier smile throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Clear/Ceramic Braces
You might think that braces are necessarily made out of highly noticeable metal, but that doesn’t need to be the case. It’s possible to make orthodontic brackets out of clear ceramic and then attach them with clear or tooth-colored wires and elastics. The big advantage of clear/ceramic braces is that they can make many of the same corrections as traditional braces just as reliably but without having to compromise your appearance.
Phase 1 Orthodontics
If your child still has some of their baby teeth and none of their permanent teeth, it’s probably too early for them to get traditional braces. However, they could still benefit from a Phase 1 Orthodontic treatment, which can be used to straighten the baby teeth, ensure the proper development of the jaw, and help the permanent teeth come in properly.