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Braces Colorado Springs CO
Braces are used to correct misaligned teeth, an overbite, an underbite, or other issues related to alignment with the jaw or teeth. If you or a family member needs braces, the team here at SmileCOS Dentistry is ready to help. Andrew Miller, DDS and Francisco Darquea, DDS have years of experience placing braces and assisting our patients with getting used to wearing them at our dental practice in Colorado Springs, CO. We can answer any questions you may have and provide you with guidelines for taking care of your braces until they come off. One of the things many patients want to know more about is how braces actually work. How Do Braces Work?Braces exert a constant pressure on your teeth, slowly moving them into their correct placement. However, this pressure, while constant, is not enough for you to really notice, and it is not uncomfortable. The reason braces can do this is because the teeth are not actually connected directly to the jawbone. Instead, the roots of the teeth are sunk into a membrane located under the gums. This membrane holds the teeth in position, and while it does hold them tightly, they can still be moved. As the braces put pressure on the teeth, that is exactly what happens. The roots shift in the membrane, creating a straighter smile. How the Individual Parts of Braces WorkThe pressure put on your teeth is created by a combination of several parts working together. First, there are the brackets. These brackets are attached to your teeth with a special type of glue. We will clean your teeth and dry them off before we apply this glue and attach the brackets. They make it possible for the rest of the braces to apply a steady, even pressure. A buccal tube may also be attached to one of your back molars to steady the braces and keep them in place. Next are the bands. While they may look like thin rubber bands, we call them ligatures or O-rings. They hook around the brackets and place pressure on the jaw. The archwires are also connected to the brackets. These wires run across the front of the teeth and apply pressure to them. Typically, these wires are made out of stainless steel, though they can be made from copper titanium and nickel titanium. There are a couple of additional parts that some of our patients will need. Spacers, which are made out of metal or rubber bands, are slipped between molars. These spacers actually push the jaw forward and help make space for your braces if you have a crowded mouth. Typically, spacers are only used for a couple of weeks and are then removed. Springs can be added to the wires if two of your teeth are too close together. These springs help push them apart, creating the proper amount of space between them. When Do Braces Start Working?Brackets, wires, and clear alignment trays all use the same technique. They all apply pressure gently and constantly to shift teeth and to get them into their appropriate places in the patient's mouth. Whether you choose traditional braces or one of the other options, it's important to fully understand how long each treatment course takes to complete. Types of BracesOne thing to keep in mind is that there are now more options than simply traditional metal braces
Ceramic BracesOne offering is braces that are made out of ceramic. These are chosen frequently because they can be colored to match any shade of the patient’s teeth. They can easily blend in if the patient wants them to. If you would rather have the braces stand out, that is an option, braces come in a variety of bright colors. Appealing for numerous reasons, ceramic braces are far less expensive than alignment trays and only take 18 to 36 months for the treatment cycle to be completed. Since they are not made of metal, they will not affect x-ray imagery used during preventative dentistry procedures. However, they are a bit more expensive than traditional braces. Lingual BracesAnother option that utilizes the same principles as traditional braces are known as lingual braces. They are called lingual because the brackets and wires are on the tongue or lingual side of the teeth. They are much less noticeable than traditional braces. One drawback oflingual braces is that they cannot be used for severe cases. They are not considered appropriate to treat either overbites or occlusion issues. Also, lingual brackets tend to come off more frequently than those applied to the outer surface of the tooth. Invisalign and Clear AlignersInvisalign and clear aligners have a number of benefits over traditional braces, including the fact that they are made out of clear plastic and are very difficult to see. Invisalign aligners can be removed at any time. While you should always wear them as instructed,you can remove them to eat meals. This means there are no dietary restrictions and no fear of food getting stuck like there is with braces. Simply pop the aligners out, eat your meal, and put them back in. You can also remove them to brush your teeth, allowing you to maintain your oral health more easily. Clear aligners actually move your teeth more precisely and carefully than braces can. The end result is that your teeth are straighter and better aligned than they would be if you wore traditional braces. Often, your teeth move into alignment more quickly using Invisalign, too. Read More About Invisalign How Long Do You Need Braces?Patients need to realize that wearing braces is not an instant fix. It takes a great deal of time to move the teeth to their appropriate spaces, sometimes taking years to reach treatment goals. How to Get BracesAfter your dental exam, we will discuss your candidacy for braces, which type may be best for you, and determine a treatment plan. Schedule a Consultation with Your Colorado Springs Dentists!To correct your bite and restore your beautiful smile, visit us at SmileCOS Dentistry . We can help you treat your bite by placing traditional braces on your teeth. We also offer Invisalign clear aligners as a great alternative. You can also call us at (719) 394-3304 to book your appointment. |
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