Straighten Your Smilefor Enhanced Oral Health
If you have misaligned or crooked teeth, achieving that perfect smile can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, traditional braces from Capstone Dental offer a reliable and effective method of straightening teeth, providing a long-lasting solution to several dental issues.
Dr. Steven Yang, one of the best orthodontists in Charlotte, NC, has helped countless patients from Mint Hill, Concord, and Mount Holly correct crooked teeth with comfortable orthodontic solutions like metal braces.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are a common orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth and corrects misaligned bites. They consist of brackets, wires, and bands that apply pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position.
When Are Traditional Braces Necessary?
Traditional braces are often necessary when a patient has dental issues that cannot be corrected through other methods, such as Invisalign or clear aligners. Some common reasons why traditional braces may be necessary include:
- Misaligned Bites: If a patient has an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, traditional braces may be necessary to realign the teeth and jaws.
- Crowding: Crowding occurs when there’s not enough room in the mouth for the teeth to grow. Traditional braces shift the teeth into the correct positions, creating a more even and healthy smile.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Gaps between teeth can be both cosmetic and functional issues, as they can cause problems with biting and chewing. Traditional braces can be used to close these gaps and improve overall dental health.
- Crooked Teeth: Crooked teeth can be the result of genetics, injury, or habits such as thumb sucking. Traditional braces can shift these teeth into their correct positions, improving both the appearance and function of the smile.
- Jaw Pain: In some cases, misaligned teeth and jaws can cause pain in the jaw, neck, and head. Traditional braces can realign the teeth and jaws, reducing or eliminating this pain.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Effective Treatment
Metal braces are a highly effective method of treating various dental issues, including misaligned bites, crooked teeth, and gaps between teeth. They can also help to correct issues such as overbites and underbites.
Long-Lasting Results
One of the significant benefits of traditional braces is that they provide long-lasting results. Once your treatment is complete, you can enjoy a straighter, more beautiful smile for years.
Customizable Treatment
Traditional braces can be customized to suit each patient’s unique dental needs. Your orthodontist can adjust the pressure applied to your teeth, ensuring your treatment is tailored to your specific requirements.
Affordability
Compared to other orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign, traditional braces are often more affordable. They are also typically covered by dental insurance, making them accessible to a wide range of patients.
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Metal braces work by applying continuous pressure to the teeth, which gradually moves them into the desired position over time. This process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the severity of the dental issue being addressed.
To understand how traditional braces work, it’s essential to know the different components that make up this orthodontic treatment. These include:
- Brackets are small, square-shaped pieces that attach to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive. These brackets hold the archwire in place, allowing it to apply pressure to the teeth.
- Archwire is a thin, metal wire that runs through the brackets, connecting them and applying pressure to the teeth.
- Bands are thin, metal rings that fit around the molars at the back of the mouth, helping to anchor the braces in place.
- Ligatures are tiny elastic bands that hold the archwire in place within the brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When first getting metal braces, patients may experience discomfort as their teeth begin to shift. This discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. After the initial adjustment period, most patients don’t experience significant pain or discomfort.
There is no specific age that is best for getting metal braces. Orthodontists typically recommend that patients receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven to detect potential dental issues and determine the best course of treatment. Metal braces can be used on patients of all ages but are most commonly used on teenagers.
The frequency of metal brace adjustments varies depending on the patient’s treatment plan. Adjustments are typically made every four to six weeks to ensure that the teeth are moving according to the treatment plan.
In many cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of the cost of metal braces. However, the amount of coverage can vary significantly depending on the insurance plan. Patients should speak with their insurance provider to determine what is covered under their plan.
Straighten Your Smile the Traditional Way With Metal Braces
Traditional braces are a reliable and effective method of straightening teeth, providing a long-lasting solution to various dental issues. While they do have some drawbacks, their benefits far outweigh any negatives. If you’re considering traditional braces as a treatment option, call our Charlotte, NC, dental office at 980-202-5696 to schedule a consultation.