Braces help correct crooked, uneven, misaligned, or crowded teeth.
Today's braces are far from the bulky, metallic appliances you might have seen before. They're more comfortable to wear and also come in different kinds.
Here at Mckenzie Towne Family Dental in SE Calgary, we provide orthodontic services, such as braces.
Braces work by applying pressure on the teeth to move them and reshape the bone.
The brackets are the small square tools that are attached to the teeth and serve as handles for the archwires. Brackets come in different types and you may choose one depending on your personal preference or the condition of your teeth.
The archwires, on the other hand, are made of metal and guide the teeth as they move throughout the treatment procedure.
How long you need to wear braces depends on your case - how severe the misalignment is, how far the teeth have to move to get to their desired position, or how committed you are to the procedure.
But generally, patients wear them from 12-24 months. Your dentist sees you around every month or as you've discussed to adjust your braces and check the progress you're making.
After completing the treatment, you'll need to wear retainers to keep the teeth in place.
The mechanism is the same for both teens and adults. However, more treatments may be needed for adults as the bones are already fully grown.
Braces may feel uncomfortable at first and may also leave your mouth sore. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers should help, but if the discomfort or pain persists, let your dentist know. Your braces may need to be readjusted
Wearing braces requires adjustments. You need to pay more attention to your teeth and food choices. It's best to avoid or minimize the intake of hard, crunchy, and sticky food that can cling onto or damage the device. Gentle brushing is also necessary to avoid breaking the brackets or wires.
If your band, wires, or brackets come off, we can take care of that for you with a quick visit to the dental office. It may be comfortable, but most of the time, it isn’t serious.
To know more about traditional braces and other orthodontic options that you may consider, contact our dental team at (403) 257-1180
Our friendly receptionists are happy to help you schedule an initial consultation and answer any dental-related questions that you may have. Straighten your smile, improve your oral health, and boost your confidence. Get started today.