BRACES DENTIST IN CHICAGO IL
Braces Overview
Dental braces are used to align crowded or crooked teeth, or to correct misaligned teeth (also known as malocclusion). Traditionally, braces are used during teenage years or in early 20’s. However, nowadays many adults are getting corrective dental braces later in life. Long story short, you can get braces as early as 6 years old, and as late as… Wait, there is no upper limit.
Braces consist of multiple components. Bracket, which can be made of different materials (metal, ceramic or plastic), metal wires and bonding material that attaches them to your teeth.
Orthodontic treatment with braces can achieve astonishing results, including better oral health, better quality of life, better self esteem. Correct bite can even affect posture, spine health and sport performance (think Rafael Nadal). Success rates of orthodontic treatment varies depending on your age and what your treatment goals are. However, the most important factor which will determine the effectiveness of the treatment is your ability to follow the instructions of your orthodontist.
Watch this video to understand how braces can straighten your teeth alignment.
How Braces Work?
Braces move your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for extended periods of time. The shape of your jaw will gradually adapt to conform to this pressure by adding extra bone in the area of tension and removing the bone in the area or pressure. By the way, this is also true for Invisalign as well.
We tend to imagine that our teeth are connected directly to our jawbone. In reality, the root is attached to the tooth-bearing bone—the alveolar processes— by a fibrous cushion called the periodontal ligament or membrane. This membrane responds to the pressure the braces put on your teeth and controls the position of your teeth.
Are Braces Painful?
Some people ask if braces are painful. Getting braces doesn’t hurt at all during the bracket adhesion. The bracket placement process takes up to two hours. It’s normal to experience soreness for the first week after getting braces and a few days after your adjustment.First two weeks is an adaptation period and arguably is the least comfortable time of treatment. Teeth that were solid for years are starting to move. So mild to moderate discomfort is common. As one might suspect, kids and teeagers are adopting better than adults. But at the same time, after teeth start moving and your cheeks and lips get used to the orthodontic appliance in your mouth, braces become unnoticeable to you. Your orthodontist will adjust your braces every 4 to 10 weeks.
Components Of Your Braces
Bracket adhesion
After the surface of your teeth is prepared, individual brackets are applied to your teeth one by one using glue. Brackets application is a careful and repetitive process, but it doesn’t cause pain. The brackets will allow for the pressure to be applied evenly to your teeth. They’re connected by archwires.
Archwires
Archwires connect all the brackets on your teeth. The braces system relies on archwires to place pressure on your teeth to move them to their new position. Archwires can be made of different materials, like stainless steel, nickel titanium or copper titanium.
Bands
Bands are metal rings that are placed in the back molars. They firmly hug the tooth. Bands are used instead of brackets on posterior teeth because of intensive forces in that part of your bite.
Elastic bands, also called ligatures, placed around the brackets to secure the archwire in place. They come in various colors and will be replaced every time you come in for your appointment.
Springs
Sometimes your orthodontist will use springs. Springs and coils can be used to open, close or hold space. Springs and coils can either be on the archwire or connect teeth bypassing the wire.
At Archer Dental we offer payment plans to make this treatment more affordable
Cost Of Braces
Braces for adolescents may be covered by their health and dental insurance. Coverage depends on your provider and on the cost of the services that your orthodontist says that you need. At Archer Dental we offer payment plans to make this treatment more affordable. You can read more about the financing options available here (click).
How fast do braces work?
t may be news to some people, but you are never too old to get braces. However, there are some advantages to starting the treatment at a younger age.
In youth, your jawline and tissues are still mobile as you finish developing into an adult. Children have more flexibility and their teeth respond to pressure faster. At the same time orthodontist can influence growth of the jawbone through the orthodontic appliance. Extra pressure on the jawbone during the growth stage and accelerate or slow down the growth as desired.
Once your teeth and jaw completely developed, there are some limitations to what braces can accomplish. Generally, adults go through the same process as children when they get orthodontic treatment.
How Do Braces Work For Adults Vs. Children?
It may be news to some people, but you are never too old to get braces. However, there are some advantages to starting the treatment at a younger age. In youth, your jawline and tissues are still mobile as you finish developing into an adult. Children have more flexibility and their teeth respond to pressure faster. Once your teeth and jaw completely developed, there are some limitations to what braces can accomplish. Generally, adults go through the same process as children when they get orthodontic treatment.
Maintaining Braces
Once you have braces, you will need to avoid certain foods that can become trapped or cause your brackets for fall off. Since your teeth are more prone to trapping food particles you will need to have more diligent hygiene routine and be mindful of how often you consume sugary foods. During your orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to visit your doctor for an adjustment every 4 to 10 weeks. You can read more about the instructions for braces here (click).
Cleaning Teeth With Braces
As we said before, it is important to be extra diligent about your oral care while your have braces. Brushing after each meal will help to remove food from in between your braces. Using a floss threader will make it possible to floss around the braces twice per day.
We also advise to purchase a Waterpik flosser that can remove plaque from between your teeth with water under pressure.
