TRADITIONAL BRACES
Effective Treatment For All Patients
Traditional braces remain the leader in teeth straightening because they are reliable in correcting simple and complex misalignments.
Braces are so effective that people have been using them for centuries, with modern braces dating back to the 1800s. Fortunately, orthodontic technology has come a long way since then. With all of the advancements in orthodontic treatment, patients also have more options than ever, but traditional braces are still the most popular. The orthodontists at Steel City Orthodontics have extensive experience and expertise in using traditional braces to give patients straighter, healthier smiles.
Metal Braces
Advancements in orthodontic technology and materials have made metal braces sleeker and more comfortable than ever before. Traditional braces have key components that work together to gradually move your teeth into their proper alignment.
Metal braces include low profile brackets, an archwire that applies the pressure needed to move the teeth, elastic ties and metal bands that provide an anchor point for the archwire on the back teeth.
Clear Braces
Clear braces, also called ceramic braces, are similar to traditional braces while providing a more aesthetic option for teen patients looking to straighten their smiles. Clear braces and metal braces use a similar design to achieve straight teeth and a healthy smile, but the major difference is the material of the brackets. Clear braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets made of polycrystalline alumina that blend in with the teeth, making them subtler and less noticeable than metal braces.
Ceramic clear braces perform just like traditional metal braces but have clear brackets and no elastic ties. These braces tend to blend in with the teeth and are almost invisible to the untrained eye. Some options even include tooth-colored wires that help hide your braces even more. Clear brackets are slightly less durable and may not be an option for severe orthodontic cases. Steel City Orthodontics is happy to determine if clear braces are an option for you after your initial consultation.
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Underneath your gums is a membrane that holds your teeth to your jaw. This membrane controls the position of your teeth, and it responds to pressure put on your teeth by braces. Both metal and clear, traditional braces use two simple components to induce highly complex teeth movements: brackets and wires. Orthodontists bond the brackets to the front of each tooth, then connect them with an archwire.
By tightening the archwire, gentle, consistent pressure is placed on your teeth and gums. Over time this pressure slowly shifts the teeth to their new locations. The teeth will generally move about 1 mm per month as long as the pressure on the tooth is continuous. Whenever the pressure stops, the tooth will stop moving. Every few weeks, you will visit the orthodontist, so your archwire can be adjusted to ensure your teeth continue to move as necessary. Each time your braces are adjusted, your mouth may be sore for a few days.
What Conditions Do Traditional Braces Treat?
Traditional braces are capable of correcting a wide variety of misalignments and bite issues. Given their versatility, braces are typically a good fit for anyone with a case of malocclusion or teeth misalignment, including issues like overbite, crossbite, overjet and underbite. In these severe cases, your orthodontists will have you use supplemental attachments, like elastics or springs, to facilitate the transformation.
Advantages Of Traditional Braces
People with crooked or gapped teeth are affected by the lack of functionality and a loss of confidence. Braces work well to help straighten teeth for improved functionality and aesthetics. Traditional braces are still the ideal choice for many reasons.
If your child has any of the above conditions, Steel City Orthodontics recommends consultation with one of our orthodontists. Please call us at (724) 941-9600 for more information.
Caring For Your Mouth With Traditional Braces
When wearing traditional braces, there are certain restrictions and best practices you should follow to care for your braces and your teeth. It is essential to develop a healthy oral hygiene routine along with consuming the proper diet. When you aren’t taking proper care of your teeth, you can damage your metal braces, leading to a disruption of your orthodontic treatment plan.
Any food that is especially sticky, chewy, or crunchy can potentially damage metal braces. While you’re wearing braces, you should avoid foods like caramel, gum, hard candy, bagels, pizza crust, pretzels, and apples, which can dislodge or break your brackets and wires.
Foods To Avoid With Braces:
Also, avoid biting foods with your front teeth. Instead, cut them up into smaller pieces when possible. These foods include:
Cleaning Your Teeth and Braces
Oral hygiene is always important, but it is even more critical when you’re wearing braces. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, and be sure to keep up with your six-month checkups to the dentist. Your daily routine should include:
Special Tools To For Cleaning
Here are a few special tools that can help make keeping your braces clean a lot easier:
