How to Use Traditional Braces to Straighten Your Teeth
What Are Traditional Braces?
They are metal brackets and wires that overlay natural teeth to shift and reposition them. Traditional braces are the oldest oral appliances for orthodontic treatment. The orthodontists place the metal brackets and wires on the front surface of the teeth.
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Traditional braces in Lancaster, SC, work by applying controlled pressure on teeth for a predetermined period. Ideally, Dr. Sylvester Adu Boahene will place the metal brackets over your teeth, then thread a wire through each metal bracket. He will then tighten the wires at different intervals throughout the treatment, typically every six or so weeks.
To begin your treatment, you must undergo a comprehensive dental examination. It lets the dentist determine the complexity of your malocclusion to determine the best treatment approach. Afterward, your dentist must create a treatment plan that entails the direction of teeth movement, necessary oral appliances, and projected treatment period.
How Long Does Treatment Take with Traditional Braces?
If you ask a kids’ dentist near you, orthodontic treatments with traditional braces take different periods. It depends on various factors, the primary one being the complexity of your orthodontic problem. Complex cases take longer to correct. Generally, it should take between 6 and 21 months to complete your orthodontic treatment.
Things You Should Know About Traditional Braces for Straightening Teeth
As you plan to start the orthodontic treatment at Kids First Dental & Braces, you must know a thing or two about what to anticipate.
- Teeth straightening is for everyone – even though it is quite popular for children’s dentistry, it is not restricted. Many adults now get braces to straighten their teeth.
- You will visit the dentist frequently – the dentist must tighten the metal wires holding the brackets in place. The goal is to control the direction of the teeth’ movement to achieve desired goals.
- Your mouth will be sore – braces work by applying pressure on your teeth to move them accordingly. Every time your dentist tightens the wires of your traditional braces, your mouth will feel sore. The soreness should wear off or get better after a few days.
- You cannot eat whatever you want – food restrictions are predicated when you begin treatment to protect your braces and natural teeth. Hard and sticky foods are usually prohibited once you begin orthodontic treatment. Sticky foods get easily caught between the braces, while hard foods risk damaging your teeth and braces. Besides, your mouth will be sore due to the changes in your mouth.
- Retainers are necessary after treatment – no matter how quickly or slowly you complete your treatment, you will need to wear retainers afterward. They are orthodontic devices that help hold teeth in place after teeth straightening. The goal is to prevent teeth from shifting back to their initial position. Usually, orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer for the rest of your life.
- Dental hygiene is paramount – although traditional metal braces are not the easiest to keep clean, you must aim to keep your teeth and braces clean. Plaque and tartar can hide between your teeth and behind the metal brackets if you are not careful. The last thing you want is straight teeth that have cavities all over. Therefore. Liaise with your orthodontist about the best techniques to clean your teeth when wearing braces.
How to Clean Your Mouth with Traditional Braces
Since oral hygiene is fundamental for excellent oral health, you should learn to keep a clean mouth when you begin straightening teeth with traditional braces. Besides, you will be undergoing treatment for several months, and you cannot neglect your oral hygiene for that long. Some tips for cleaning your mouth with traditional braces are:
- Use a soft toothbrush – it allows you to be gentle when cleaning the surfaces covered with metal brackets.
- Brush teeth after every meal – ensure you do not allow food residues to pile up long enough for plaque to develop.
- Take time brushing your teeth – take about two minutes when brushing your teeth to ensure you target every surface sufficiently.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash – do so every night before you sleep. The mouthwash helps to disinfect the entire mouth while targeting the hard-to-reach areas behind the metal brackets.