Braces in Belmont, MABelmont, MA

What Braces in Belmont, MA can do for You

The objective of braces in Belmont, MA is to correctly align the teeth and jaws to give the patient an aligned bite and attractive smile. Braces consist of wires and metal brackets that attach to the teeth and apply force or pressure that will gradually shift the teeth or jaw to the desired position.

The first step toward the aligned set of teeth you desire is to contact us and schedule an appointment.

Braces can help with multiple issues including:

• Excessive spacing between teeth
• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Underbite and overbite
• Crossbite

Correct alignment of the teeth and jaws help improve the appearance of the teeth, oral health, eating and speaking.

Getting Braces

An adult who needs or has an interest in braces may need to wear them for a more extended period than younger patients. However, the same results are achievable to fix misaligned jaw or crooked teeth. Since their facial bones are no longer developing, it may be harder to correct some issues with braces only.

Several types of braces and teeth-straightening options available include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Teenage braces
• Aligners

Initial Preparation

We will need to examine the patient's teeth to determine if braces are the most effective option for the patient's oral health, and to see which type of braces will work well for the patient. In some cases, a dentist will determine the patient needs braces. No matter which happens, we will provide effective teeth-straightening treatment.

During the meeting with us, we will review the patient's medical history, current condition and other pertinent information we need to know about. We will need to take X-rays of the head and mouth, including pictures and an impression that will help produce a mold of the teeth. Once relevant information is available, we will recommend a treatment plan that is effective for that specific problem.

Placing the Braces

Usually, the orthodontist will start by carefully cleaning and drying the teeth. Afterward, an adhesive will be applied to the teeth to connect the braces. After connecting the brackets, we will run archwires into them and use an elastic material to hold them in position.

The entire process usually takes about one or two hours. While the procedure itself does not cause pain, patients may feel a bit of soreness after. At first, the presence of the braces may feel weird with the cheek and tongue rubbing against the braces. Patients may feel a bit of sensitivity and soreness, but that will diminish as the patient gets used to the braces.

Caring for Braces

After the braces are present on the teeth, optimal oral care is essential for the best results. Oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing daily are necessary. Patients with braces have to go an extra step to keep their teeth clean and completely free of food debris. Interdental brushes are available to clean the hard to reach areas in the oral cavity.

It is important to spend at least two minutes on brushing to clean the areas around the brackets and wires. When flossing, waxed dental floss is preferable to prevent the flosser from getting trapped under the braces. Floss threaders are also a great way to get floss between the braces to effectively remove any food particles that may be left behind.

Patients must pay special attention to their diets. Foods with high sugar content can cause excessive plaque buildup that may harm the teeth. Also, it would be wise to avoid foods such as caramels, popcorn, and nuts, gummy candies. They get trapped easily in the braces. Finally, regular visits with us are necessary for routine checkups and adjustments to the braces.

Retainers

After getting the desired result, we will remove the braces. The patient will typically wear the braces for a little over a year. It may be necessary to hold the teeth in place (retention) for a certain period to stop them from moving to their previous positions (relapse).

This retention is achievable by using a custom-made device called a retainer. This is usually created from plastic or joined with metal wires to hold the teeth in position. Retainers can be removable for fixed, depending on preferences. Sometimes, a combination of fixed and removable retainers may be used.

Call Us Today

Braces are typically highly effective for aligning crooked teeth and fix malocclusions of the jaw to give a healthy mouth and an attractive smile. Often most patients wear braces for one to three years. Retainers may stay in position indefinitely to keep the result intact.

The brace wearer has an active role to play to achieve a productive treatment. They must follow the orthodontist’s guidelines accurately, and wear the retainers, or the teeth may slip back to where they were.

Braces in Belmont, MA are a common and effective solution available for teeth straightening. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, give us a call today and schedule an appointment.