Achieving the perfect smile is something that everyone aspires to do. One of the best ways to enhance your smile is by straightening your teeth through orthodontics. Braces are a common orthodontic appliance designed to both align and straighten teeth creating a beautiful smile and improved oral health. Continue on to gain a better understanding of Braces and how they can make a world of difference:

1. What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic devices composed of brackets, wires, and bands. They work by applying gentle pressure to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment over time. Braces are customized orthodontics that are curated to each unique smile exceeding specific dental needs.

2. Components of Braces:

• Brackets: Small squares are attached to the front surface of each tooth using a dental adhesive.
• Archwire: Threaded through the brackets, the archwire gently guides the movement of teeth to their desired positions.
• Bands and Ligatures: Bands encircle the molars, securing the archwire. Ligatures or elastics hold the archwire in place within the brackets.

3. Types of Braces:

• Traditional Braces: Made of metal, these are the most common type. They’re highly effective in correcting various dental issues.
• Ceramic Braces: These braces blend with the natural tooth color, making them less noticeable.
• Lingual Braces: Placed on the backside of teeth, lingual braces are virtually invisible from the front.
• Clear Aligners: Custom-made transparent trays that gradually shift teeth. They’re removable and almost invisible.

4. How Braces Work:

Braces apply consistent pressure on teeth, guiding them into their correct positions. Over time, this pressure reshapes the bone surrounding the teeth, allowing them to move gradually.

5. Benefits of Braces:

• Correcting Misalignment: Braces effectively address crooked, crowded, or spaced teeth, improving overall smile and bite alignment.
• Bite Correction: Braces help align bite, preventing issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites enabling for better jaw functionality and better eating.
• Enhancing Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

6. Duration of Treatment:

The duration of braces is as unique as the individual smile. Each smile is like that of a fingerprint and unique to the individual and therefore, the timeframe for treatments varies. The duration mostly depends on the complexity of the teeth/bite alignment, the specific needs of the individual, and the overall smile goals.

7. Maintenance and Aftercare:

During your orthodontic journey, traditional braces are more high maintenance as opposed to Invisalign. Both, however, require regular visits to your local trusted orthodontist in Bend, Oregon at Sullivan Orthodontics. These visits are critical for adjustments and progress checks throughout the process. Your oral hygiene routine should remain steadfast during your orthodontic journey.

Improved self-confidence, better oral health, and feeling empowered is invaluable. That’s the experience we are committed to providing here at Sullivan Orthodontics in Bend, Oregon. Embracing the significance of braces ensures not just a beautiful smile but improved oral health and an improved sense of self. Explore your smile journey by scheduling your free consultation with the top-rated orthodontist in Bend at Sullivan Orthodontics.