THE GIFT OF A
CONFIDENT SMILE
Traditional metal braces remain the most popular choice of orthodontic treatment today. The goal of braces is to move the teeth into their proper alignment to improve the function of the jaw and bite and to create an attractive smile. The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime. Did you know having properly aligned teeth can have a direct impact on your dental health? Straight teeth are easier to clean which reduces the risk of future decay.
ARE BRACES COMFORTABLE?
Metal brackets are crafted from high-quality stainless steel with smooth, rounded edges. The low-profile construction of the bracket is designed for maximum patient comfort. The nickel-titanium archwires are performed to deliver a uniform force across the upper and lower arches which enhances patient comfort as well. And finally, the elastic ties, which hold the archwire in place on the bracket, are made of rubber for an additional level of comfort reducing sores on the inside of the cheeks. And that’s not all, they come in every color of the rainbow so you can customize your look at each visit. Traditional metal braces are a great choice for straightening your smile!
THE PARTS OF BRACES
As you begin your orthodontic journey, you will learn a new vocabulary associated with braces. On the day you get your braces, Dr. Ashley and the team at Ashley Orthodontics will show you the different parts of your braces and explain how each part works to give you the ultimate smile results. Here are a few of the most common parts of braces and their corresponding function:
WHY DO I NEED BRACES?
Most parents choose orthodontic treatment for their children to straighten their smile as they transition from childhood into adulthood. Orthodontics offers the opportunity to improve the future of your dental health as well as enhance your appearance.
Braces provide so much more than just straight teeth. A malocclusion, or a misalignment of the teeth and bite, may cause your teeth to wear prematurely. There are many types of malocclusion that can be fixed by orthodontic treatment, such as:
- Overcrowding
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Missing teeth
- Excess space between teeth
Teeth that are not in their proper position often experience greater forces during biting and chewing which can cause chips, cracks and excessive wear. For example, children with an overbite have a greater risk of injury to the front teeth as they protrude from the lips and face.
Through orthodontic treatment, a patient can achieve the optimal alignment between the top teeth and the bottom teeth, or an “ideal bite.” Once the teeth are brought into alignment, the jaw can function in the proper manner. The chewing and biting forces are equalized throughout the lower and upper arch and the teeth and gums will remain healthy.
CLARITY® CERAMIC BRACES
Ashley Orthodontics is pleased to offer ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, as a treatment option for teen and adult patients looking for a more aesthetic way to straighten their smile. Clear braces are smooth and comfortable and work exactly the same as metal braces. The composition of clear brackets tends to be slightly more brittle than metal brackets which is why they are usually reserved for the 6 upper front teeth. Ashley Orthodontics now offers tooth-colored wires and elastic ties for an unparalleled cosmetic braces experience.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR BRACES
As you get your new braces, you might wonder how to take care of them. At Ashley Orthodontics of Staunton and Crozet, VA, we will show you how to care for your teeth during orthodontic treatment. We will also provide you with a list of foods to eat with caution.
Dr. Ashley emphasizes the importance of regular brushing and flossing during orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. We recommend that you brush your teeth after each meal; however, we know that you may not have the tools or access you need to do so. If you are unable to brush your teeth, we encourage our patients to rinse the teeth and mouth with water to dislodge any remaining food debris and neutralize any sugars. Once home, you can resume the good oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing every day. Another important oral hygiene tip is to keep your regularly scheduled appointments with your general dentist.
*If young patients find it difficult to thread floss between the brackets, Dr. Ashley recommends trying a floss threader to help guide the floss under the archwire. Interdental cleaners with a small, thin, flexible brush can also be helpful in cleaning between teeth and removing food debris.
FOODS TO AVOID WHILE WEARING BRACES
At Ashley Orthodontics, we never like to say “Don’t Eat That!” but we do like to warn our patients of the foods that can be a little tricky to eat with braces. The following foods should be eaten with caution as they can stick to your orthodontic appliance and even damage it by loosening the brackets or wires.
- Sticky foods (i.e taffy, skittles, caramel)
- Hard and crunchy foods (i.e. jolly ranchers, star burst, hard pretzels and chips)
- Popcorn
- Hard crusty breads
- Hard taco shells
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Gum
- Whole fruits (cut them into bite-sized pieces)
- Corn on the cob (take it off the cob)
- Hard crispy cookies
HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WEAR BRACES?
Just as each person is unique, each smile takes its own time to develop. The treatment duration is different for each person and it may depend on the severity of your malocclusion; however, most people can complete orthodontic treatment in 2.5 years. Frequently, children who have had early interceptive treatment experience a shorter treatment time with Phase 2.
A SMILE TO LAST A LIFETIME
At the end of your treatment when your smile is in tip-top shape, it will be time to get your braces off and enter the retention phase of treatment. You will receive a custom-made retainer for the upper and lower arch to wear every day to hold your beautiful new smile in its proper place. The goal of the retention phase is to preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment so that your smile will last a lifetime.
It may be surprising to know that teeth like to move after orthodontic treatment. Wearing a retainer each day will prevent the teeth from moving too far out of the smile zone. Retainers are especially important for children and teens that are still growing after the completion of orthodontic treatment.
TYPES OF RETAINERS
Ashley Orthodontics offers a few different types of retainers to help you maintain your smile after orthodontic treatment.
The safest place for retainers when not in use is in the plastic container provided to you. The best way to clean your retainers is by brushing them with a small amount of toothpaste and rinsing under cool water.
Retainer Tip: Avoid putting retainers in hot or boiling water and avoid leaving them in a hot car.
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment and how you can improve your smile and your overall dental health, call Ashley Orthodontics at (540) 885-6815. Click here to learn more about “How Orthodontics Works: Braces” from the AAO.