ALL ABOUT TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES BY ASHEVILLE, NC ORTHODONTIST
By TS Orthodontics … Asheville, NC’s Favorite Orthodontist
Cultures dating back to ancient times have been interested in straightening their teeth. It’s no wonder that technological advances have slowly, but surely, brought orthodontia into being, with the first braces being introduced in the 1900s. As you can probably imagine, the braces back then were probably unsafe and those who opted for treatment probably did so at great risk.
By the 1970s, there was better technology and standardized procedures had been put in place, making the whole process more pleasant. Even then, horror stories ran rampant about headgear that I’m sure you’ve heard about, too. Luckily enough, we live in an age where braces are far more comfortable and headgear is a thing of the past!
How Braces Straighten Teeth
Through pressure and time, braces straighten the teeth. The human body’s amazing ability to heal does the rest and works wonderfully in conjunction with this method. Braces can help correct numerous different tooth alignment problems including cross bites, overjets, and overbites. They can also straighten any and all crooked teeth and correct alignment if you’ve had teeth pulled due to overcrowding. Correcting some of these problems can also correct speech issues and other conditions related to the mouth.
So How Do Metal Braces Work?
When your orthodontist attaches the brackets, they are placed at a very specific spot on the each tooth. This placement of the brackets is semi-permanent, meaning that unless there’s damage that pops the brackets off of your teeth, they will stay put throughout your treatment. Once your teeth are straight, the archwire connected to each bracket will appear to go straight across the front of your teeth. The archwire itself is attached to the brackets with tiny, colorful elastic bands to hold it in place. One thing that a lot of people enjoy about having metal braces is that they can pick what colors they want those elastic bands to be at each visit. Customization!
Side-Effects To Be Aware Of
Getting metal braces will involve a period of adjustment that some people don’t mentally prepare themselves for, which could make it a shock when they experience it first-hand. Though usually not severe, it’s still good to know what you’re getting yourself into if something out of the ordinary happens.
- A warning to those who don’t brush as much as they should: decalcification can occur especially around the brackets of braces. Decalcification is where the enamel of the tooth wears off in preparation to be turned into a cavity; not good. To avoid this, brush and floss as directed by your Asheville, NC orthodontist.
- Especially in the beginning of your treatment, sores can form on the inside of the mouth where brackets rub against the skin. Not to worry; these will only hurt as long as you don’t apply your handy orthodontic wax to the irritating bracket. You can get this wax from your Asheville, NC orthodontist.
- Avoiding certain foods is just part of having braces. This could be a good thing, though, since some of these foods cause tooth decay, anyway, like taffy and chewy candy. Your Asheville, NC orthodontist will give you a full list of foods to avoid during treatment.
- Going in for an adjustment can make your mouth sore, but it’s all part of the process. It’s best to eat soft foods for a day or two after an adjustment.
No matter what challenge you’re facing with your metal braces, listening to your orthodontist’s advice is your best bet for success! Keeping your ultimate goal in mind will help you to stay disciplined and give you motivation to take good care of your teeth throughout your treatment.
Are traditional metal braces the right option for you? Well, we can’t know that for sure unless you come in to TS Orthodontics for your complimentary Smile Analysis. If you live in the Asheville area and like the idea of treatment being up to 29% faster with the latest technology in straightening teeth, give us a call at 828.254.4602. We’re here to help!
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
ABOUT TS ORTHODONTICS OF ASHEVILLE, NC
At TS Orthodontics in Asheville NC, we take great pride in providing you the best treatment options by having the most advanced technology available. With TS Orthodontics you can enjoy treatment times up to 29% faster. We provide so many options from Invisalign® to SureSmile to even braces placed behind your teeth. During a 100% no-obligation and 100% free TS Orthodontics Smile Analysis we will assess yours or your child’s unique mouth.
TS Orthodontics in Asheville NC understands the importance of making braces affordable. That is why we offer affordable payment plans for braces with 0% down!
When you are ready, click here to schedule your TS Orthodontics Smile Analysis which includes a comprehensive exam, personalized consultation, x-rays, and even 3-d computer modeling ($249 value, yours free).