Braces
The traditional appliance that can fit any lifestyle.
Braces have come a long way since they were invented in the 1800’s. Braces use a two-stage process and are still the most common treatment for overbites. In stage one, metal brackets are fastened to the your teeth and then connected with a metal wire to straighten and align teeth. Once your teeth are straight, Dr. Huang will focus on fixing your bite problems. In stage two, rubber bands, coils and springs are added to the braces to slowly shift your jawline into place. The entire treatment can range from six months to two years.
FAQ
How Often Will I Need to See the Orthodontist During Treatment?
We will want to see you about every month or so in order to make sure the braces are exerting steady pressure on the teeth. To create more tension and pressure on your teeth, Dr. Huang will make adjustments in the wires, springs, or rubber bands of the braces.
Will Braces Be Painful?
Some of the adjustments Dr. Huang may make to your braces may make your mouth feel sore or uncomfortable. When needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve the pain. If you always experience a lot of pain after your braces are adjusted, please contact us.
What Care Can I Expect After the Braces Come Off?
After braces are taken off, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. Dr. Huang may want to take another set of X-rays and bite impressions to check how well the braces straightened your teeth.
Dr. Huang will also fit you with a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made, removable or fixed appliance that helps teeth maintain their new position after braces have been removed. Retainers can also be used to treat minor orthodontic problems. The use of a retainer is a very important part of post-braces care. Retainers, which are typically made of rubber or clear plastic and metal wires that cover the outside surface of the teeth, need to be worn all the time for the first six months and then usually only during sleep. The time frame for wearing a retainer will vary from patient to patient. The reason why a retainer is needed is that even though braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they are not completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the change. Also, after long periods of time, teeth tend to shift.
If you have questions about braces, please call for a consultation!
