Traditional Metal Braces

With metal braces we can straighten any smile, no matter how complex. Traditional metal braces can sometimes be the most efficient and effective form of orthodontics.

Find out more about how we can make your smile better with braces and our orthodontic services.

Contact our offices for more information on your traditional metal braces.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

One of the most important things for an orthodontic patient to remember is that proper tooth brushing is an absolute requirement for successful treatment. Food particles and plaque can accumulate on and around the teeth more quickly when braces are on the teeth. Improper brushing can lead to disastrous consequences such as swollen gums, bleeding gums, permanent loss of gum tissue, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, cavities and permanent staining & discoloration of the teeth.

Prolonged neglect of the teeth while in braces can quickly lead to the need for costly dental procedures such as fillings, root canal therapy, and gum surgery. The cleanliness of your teeth will be evaluated at each appointment.

Eating with Braces

Certain types of food must be avoided while in braces. Some other foods should be eaten carefully while in braces. Eating foods that are not compatible with braces can damage or dislodge them and lead to a longer treatment time. Some hard foods can be eaten if sliced into smaller pieces and chewed with your back teeth. These foods include fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots. Soft foods that must be stripped with the front teeth should be eaten differently.

Emergencies

If a bracket or any part of your braces becomes dislodged or breaks, first, call our office. WE ALWAYS RESERVE TIME IN OUR SCHEDULE FOR DENTAL EMERGENCIES TO FIX BROKEN BRACKETS AND TRIM POKING WIRES. To treat any discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover it or move it back in to place. If your bracket or band does come off, bring it with you to your next appointment.

Colors to Style Your Treatment

There are many ways to stylize your braces. For those looking for a little more color, there is a wide variety to choose from. The colors can be changed at each regular visit, and there is no additional charge to add color.

​Retainers

The importance of wearing retainers cannot be over emphasized. The reason that retainers are so important is because without them, your teeth will have a tendency to move back to the position they were in before your braces were placed. When braces are removed the tissues that surround your teeth (gums and bone) need to “remodel” to accommodate the new position of your teeth. This remodeling process can take a long time so it is extremely important to wear the retainers as directed. The retainers maintain your teeth in their ideal alignment.

The doctor will prescribe a specific schedule for wearing your retainers for the first few months after the braces are removed. After a few months have passed most patients will be asked to wear retainers during sleep, most nights of the week, for life.

Elastics

As part of orthodontic treatment, many patients will need to wear elastics. Braces and wires can do much of the work required to straighten the teeth, but sometimes a little extra help is needed to make the upper and lower teeth fit together just right. Think of elastics as an engine that drives your braces. If you have been asked to wear elastics, your braces are not working unless you do so. In fact, if you are not wearing your elastics, your teeth may be moving in the opposite direction needed to correct your bite. The length of time that you will need to wear elastics will depend on how much tooth movement is needed and how well you wear them. Elastics are easily attached and removed.

Expanders

Expansion of the upper jaw is sometimes required as part of orthodontic treatment to improve the way that the teeth fit together. When maxillary expansion is necessary, an expansion appliance will be attached to the teeth for a period of a few months.

Usually, the expander will be attached to the upper molars and cannot be removed by the patient. An expander is an orthopedic appliance which means that it will produce changes to bone tissue. Specifically, expanders used in the mouth will stimulate the body to produce more bone tissue in the roof of the mouth, or palate. A narrow palate can be widened in this way. Since all bones in the body change with age, expanders are usually only used in children and teenagers.

Insurance and Financing

Our office accepts reimbursement from most insurance plans . We also provide convenient strategies for you to make payments throughout the duration of your treatment.

​This allows you (and your family) to achieve a beautiful, straight smile at an affordable monthly rate.