Traditional Metal Braces
Why do I need braces?
Even though tooth enamel is the hardest material in your body, your teeth can wear down prematurely when they don’t bite together properly. Significant tooth misalignment can contribute to TMJ disorder, broken dental work, or early tooth loss. Misaligned teeth also increase the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. For crooked or crowded teeth and misaligned jaws, braces are the standard treatment performed for most patients. You deserve the self-confidence that comes with a radiant smile and the associated health benefits of properly aligned teeth and bite.
What happens at a consultation?
After going over your medical history, you will receive an oral exam. We will examine your mouth, note any abnormalities, and create a timeline for your braces treatment. We will take a panoramic and cephalometric X-ray to see the position and form of your teeth and jaw. Dr. Xu will review all your records to determine what orthodontic problems you have. Then he will review the treatment options for you and creates a personalized treatment plan for you. We will go over treatment cost, payment options and come to a financial agreement. The next appointment you will get your appliances placed on your teeth and start your treatment!
What can I expect during my adjustment visit?
Traditional braces have brackets cemented to the teeth, attached with an archwire and held in place by colored ties. During your visit we will :
- Check for any broken brackets/ attachments, remove the color ties, and take the wires out.
- Examine the patient, check oral hygiene, evaluate progress, and plan what the next step will be (new wires, new ties, power chain, rubber bands, etc.)
- The wires will be tightened/ changed and clipped or bent to assure nothing is poking.
- Patients will choose their new tie color.
- Your next adjustment appointment will be scheduled for 6-8 weeks.
Your braces adjustments appointments should not cause you pain, but you may feel a bit of discomfort after you leave. This will be from the new archwires placing the needed pressure on your teeth. It can take a few hours or up to a couple of days for the discomfort to subside. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed and we recommend sticking to soft foods.
Life with braces
If you choose traditional bracket and wire braces, you will have to make a few adjustments in what you eat. But don’t worry, you’ll be back to snacking on popcorn and taffy in no time!
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Chewy foods— bagels, licorice, starbursts
- Crunchy foods— popcorn, hard chips, ice
- Sticky foods— caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods— nuts, hard candies, hard pizza crusts
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, raw carrots
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
- Dairy— soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads— soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts, soft pizza crusts
- Grains— pasta, soft cooked rice, noodles
- Meats/poultry— soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood— tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables— mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits— applesauce, bananas, fruit juice, strawberries
- Treats— ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cakes, pies
What do I DO with a broken bracket?
Don’t panic, broken brackets happen to the best of us. Call our office to get in as soon as you can. Here’s what you can do in the meantime until you’re back in the ortho chair.
- You should only remove the bracket if it is extremely loose. Keep it safe until you can bring it with you to your next ortho appointment
- If the bracket is still attached to your wire, leave it where it is: trying to move it yourself can cause more damage
- Applying wax over the loose bracket keeps it from irritating your lips and causing sores
- If a loose wire is poking the inside of your mouth, put some wax over the sharp end
Remember to call soon, if the bracket is left off for too long it can alter the course of your treatment.
Embrace Your Smile at Any Age
Many people often see braces as a symbol of adolescence, but they are not just for young people. Orthodontic treatment has no age limit!
Our teeth can naturally shift as we age, and that can be detrimental to our oral health and affect our confidence. But orthodontic treatment is not just for improved cosmetics. Misaligned teeth can cause many dental issues and even challenges in everyday tasks like chewing. It’s never too late to have a beautiful and healthy smile.