While braces are incredibly common in people of all ages, knowledge about them isn’t necessarily as common! Today, One Love Orthodontics is going to give you a crash course on how they work and answer one of the most common questions we get, “What are the main elements of braces?”
The Components of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of several key components that collaborate to align teeth according to an individual’s custom treatment plan:
- Brackets: These small attachments are bonded to each tooth using specialized adhesive, serving as anchors for other components.
- Archwires: Typically made from stainless steel or nickel-titanium, these wires connect the brackets and play a crucial role in the alignment process. They apply pressure to the brackets and teeth, gradually shifting them as directed by our orthodontists.
- Elastic Bands: Also called O-rings, these bands secure the archwire to the brackets. Available in various colors, they are popular among younger patients.
- Springs: In some cases, springs are utilized to provide additional force for tooth movement, customized to the patient’s requirements. Positioned on the archwire between brackets, they apply pressure to facilitate desired shifts in teeth.
Are Braces The Right Choice For Me?
During a consultation with Dr. Dayan regarding braces, your individual circumstances will be carefully evaluated, and a specialized treatment plan will be developed to meet your specific needs, whether you’re a child, adolescent, or adult (with age-specific variations in treatment). Here are several reasons why braces may be recommended for you or your child:
- Crowded Teeth: When there isn’t enough space in the jaws, teeth can become crowded, overlapping, or crooked, making it challenging to maintain oral hygiene.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Braces aren’t merely used to address orthodontic issues; they can also enhance a person’s appearance and confidence.
- Spacing Issues: Natural gaps or spaces between teeth can be closed using braces, resulting in a more uniform and attractive smile.
- Malocclusion: Malocclusion refers to an incorrect alignment of teeth or mismatched upper and lower jaws, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, can cause functional and aesthetic difficulties.
- Jaw Problems: Orthodontic treatment can address jaw misalignment, potentially alleviating conditions like TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder.
- Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, braces play a preventive role in maintaining optimal oral health.
Committing to Braces
At our office, regular appointments with Dr. Dayan will be scheduled to adjust your braces and keep them in optimal condition, playing a crucial role in your treatment journey. During these visits, we may replace the archwire, adjust or replace elastic bands, or perform any necessary repairs. It’s important to be punctual for these check-ups.
Remember, the duration of treatment varies for each patient, so patience and consistency in your at-home maintenance routine are essential. Excellent oral hygiene is paramount for successful alignment. Our team will provide comprehensive care instructions, including dietary guidelines, to prevent damage to your braces along the way.
Selecting Your Appliance
Now that we’ve covered the basics of traditional braces let’s explore the range of options available at our office! In addition to traditional braces, we also offer alternative means of alignment. There are advantages to each of these types of treatment, which we will talk to you about ahead of time.
- Metal braces are often our primary choice for young children, but they are equally reliable for adult patients, with treatment durations averaging around 18-22 months. This is a time-tested, classic treatment option that always bears beautiful results. Another strength that can be a factor in choosing them is their higher durability compared to alternative methods.
- Clear braces fulfill the same purpose as metal braces but feature brackets that blend in better with your natural teeth, given their polycrystalline ceramic material.
- We proudly offer bespoke clear aligners in our office, a popular type of removable appliance typically recommended for adults and teenagers. These aligners are the most discreet option for straightening teeth, with treatment durations typically ranging from 8 to 20 months. A new, slightly different set of aligners is worn every one to two weeks to guide teeth into their new positions.
- Retainers typically serve as the final step in any type of orthodontic treatment involving alignment, ensuring your new smile remains unchanged for years to come.
Taking Your Next Steps
Your braces represent a unique partnership between you and One Love Orthodontics! We’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout your journey, ensuring you achieve a stunning new smile at the finish line. To learn more, feel free to contact our amazing Brooklyn office today.