Traditional Braces
Braces can correct crooked and crowded teeth, a misaligned bite, and jaw problems. Braces also eliminate problems you may have with eating, speaking properly, or with keeping your teeth clean. With advancements in dental technology, traditional braces are now sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable.
Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are placed on your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening every 4-6 weeks so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw. While metal braces brackets are still the most common orthodontic option, there are various other treatment options available. Read below to learn more about traditional braces and how you can customize them to fit your lifestyle.
Clear and Hidden Braces
Dental Associates offers several clear braces options that are less noticeable than traditional metal braces but will still straighten your teeth. Clear and ceramic braces differ from metal braces because of the material they are made with.
Clear/ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are made of composite materials. They come in varying levels of transparency and will mimic the color of your natural teeth. Learn more about clear braces.
Lingual braces: Lingual braces are metal braces that attach to the back of your teeth versus the front and are much less noticeable. Please note: Not every Dental Associates location offers lingual braces. If you’re interested in lingual braces, please contact your local clinic before requesting a consultation to assure they provide this treatment option.
Invisalign® clear aligners: Invisible braces, more commonly referred to as Invisalign, are a set of clear, removable trays that are custom-fitted to your teeth. You wear them for 20-22 hours a day and change your set as your teeth shift. Your orthodontist will evaluate your specific case to see if Invisalign is right for you. Some, but not all, bite discrepancies can be treated with Invisalign. Learn more about Invisalign clear aligners.
Your Dental Associates orthodontist will discuss whether traditional braces or Invisalign will work best for you. Though Invisalign treatment is more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces, the material the trays are made of is a bit more fragile. Because of this, your orthodontist may make more gradual adjustments and you may need to wear them longer. Ceramic braces require meticulous oral hygiene habits to remove any stains that may accumulate from coffee, tea, dark wines, or smoking. They can also cost more than traditional metal braces.
Braces for Adults
Braces aren’t just for kids! As long as your oral health is in good shape overall, you can straighten your smile no matter your age. Learn more about braces for adults.
Braces with Colored Bands
Straighten your teeth in style by adding colored bands to your traditional metal braces! You can show team spirit or celebrate a holiday with colored bands of your choosing. Learn more about braces with colored bands.
How Long Does a Person Wear Braces?
How long you need to wear braces depends on your individual case, but the average length of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 12 to 24 months. After that, you’ll wear a retainer to ensure your teeth don’t shift after treatment.
How to Care for Braces
Throughout the course of wearing braces, you’ll need to take care of them. That means eating well and avoiding foods that are hard, crunchy and sugary. Eating too many sugary foods with braces can lead to plaque build-up around your brackets, and that could permanently stain or damage your teeth. Learn more about caring for braces:
Foods to Avoid with Braces
How to Brush Teeth with Braces
Braces & Oral Hygiene
Emergency Care for Braces
When a wire, bracket, or band gets loose or comes off, most of the time it’s not an orthodontic emergency. Though it may be uncomfortable, it can most likely be taken care of with a follow up visit to your Dental Associates orthodontist. Learn more about orthodontic emergency care.
How to Pay for Braces Treatment
We have several options that help you reduce the cost of braces. For example, in addition to dental insurance, did you know you can pay for braces with your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Read How to Pay for Braces to learn how we can help you!
