So, you’re interested in straightening out your teeth and learning how to transform your smile? You landed in the right place! Beginning your braces treatment can be overwhelming, with lots of new information headed your way. At Elm Tree Orthodontics, we want to make your first step towards your braces journey more accessible by providing a simple go-to guide on everything braces: how they work, what treatment options you have, and how to take care of them at home.
Braces and Their Transformative Power
Orthodontists have utilized braces over the years to work on patients’ smiles and align their teeth to perfection. This small but mighty appliance can solve a wide range of orthodontic issues, including but not limited to malocclusion, bite complications, and crowded teeth. Dr. Desai and our team of dedicated professionals are committed to helping you through each phase of the process.
Braces place constant subtle pressure on your teeth and jaw, controlled by the archwire threaded through the brackets on your teeth. Dr. Desai makes minor adjustments over time, and everything slowly gets restructured to achieve a stunning and functional smile.
You’ve Got Treatment Options!
Metal Braces
Always the reliable and sturdy option, metal braces continue to be a popular choice among our patients. More comfortable than ever, modern advancements introduced self-ligating brackets to hold the archwire in place and high-tech memory wires that speed up the treatment process, eliminating the need for elastic bands. Though they look similar to their traditional counterpart, you can count on Elm Tree Orthodontics’ metal braces to deliver efficiency and ease.
InBrace Hidden Braces
Rejecting traditional placement on the front of your teeth, InBrace Hidden braces offer a dependable and discreet option where you can accept orthodontic treatment to fix your smile without anyone knowing. Also known as lingual braces, this aesthetic custom-made treatment is possible with the help of digital impressions, which assists Dr. Desai in constructing the SmartWire placed behind your teeth. They comfortably lay on your teeth while applying gentle pressure to realign them.
Exploring Braces’ Components and Their Functions
Brackets
Providing an anchor point for many other appliance parts brackets the small square metal appendages placed on your teeth to help transfer pressure to the jaw.
Glue
Brackets are affixed to the front of your teeth using a special orthodontic glue dubbed bonding cement and hold them there throughout your treatment process. Though it may feel permanently stuck, Dr. Desai uses special tools to easily remove it once your teeth have finished shifting.
Archwire
One of the most essential components, the archwire, takes over most of the work when applying pressure on your teeth and jaw to shift them in the right direction. The archwire is weaved through each bracket to ensure each tooth is affected.
Tips on How to Care For Your Braces
There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to keeping your braces in great shape, but some of the most important ones can prevent the appliance from breaking or disrupting treatment.
Food Restrictions
Braces are made to be very durable, but biting into the wrong crunchy or sticky food can put your appliance at risk. We recommend avoiding popcorn, hard candies, gummies, nuts, etc. While you may not be able to eat one of your favorite foods while wearing braces, the payoff of a beautiful smile to last you a lifetime will be worth it. You may even discover a new food you love!
Oral Health Upkeep
Working to keep your oral health in perfect condition may sound like a lot of work, but it can be accomplished in small, achievable steps. Brushing and flossing your teeth, braces and wires helps your treatment’s effectiveness. Maneuvering around brackets and wires can be difficult. If you have questions about proper techniques and appliance cleaning, we can show you at your next appointment.
You Determine How Effective Your Treatment Is
Braces treatment is a cooperative effort between you and our team at Elm Tree Orthodontics. We can provide you with the expertise and care needed to get your appliance started, and it is your job to maintain it and keep up with your treatment plan. Should something go awry outside of the office, you are not alone. We are here to help make your treatment a wonderful experience and help you with whatever you need.
The Braces Journey Through Phrases
Level and Align
This crucial step begins your treatment, where Dr. Desai identifies how to level and align your teeth and ensure they are readily positioned for the next step. The objective during this time is to place pressure in the necessary directions on your teeth to have all of them sitting right next to each other.
Bite Adjustments
Depending on your orthodontic needs, this step will take varying amounts of time. If you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, you can expect our team to address these issues and notice significant changes during this phase.
Fine-Tuning
Towards the latter half of treatment, Dr. Desai will fine-tune specific teeth so your smile will be as best aligned as possible. He puts his orthodontic expertise to work by making minute adjustments to your appliance or wires.
Ready To Transform Your Smile?
It is always possible to work towards a straighter smile! We encourage patients of all ages to begin treatment when they are ready. Give our Hamden or North Haven office a call to inquire about our available braces treatments and to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Desai. We always welcome new patients to come in and discover the transformative power of a smile!