Think back to when you were in grade school—how many of your friends wore traditional metal braces? It’s almost a rite of passage for teens and young adults to wear braces, but over the years, more and more adults have taken to braces to achieve a straighter smile. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in three orthodontic patients these days are adults, demonstrating that the desire for a perfect smile knows no age. At The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we specialize in offering a wide array of orthodontic solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. It’s never too late or too early to begin your journey toward a healthier smile.
Why Choose Traditional Braces?
Many people opt for traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth and improve the look of their smiles. However, braces go beyond cosmetic appeal, addressing various dental concerns such as misaligned jaws, crowded teeth, future TMJ problems, and bite issues. They are pivotal in enhancing oral health, facilitating proper speech, and improving the ability to chew effectively.
The process involves attaching metal brackets to each tooth and connecting them with a wire. This setup applies gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their ideal positions, promoting a healthier oral environment.
While some patients opt for clear aligners like Invisalign, traditional metal braces are still a respected method for teeth straightening due to their effectiveness, durability, and precision. Plus, the option to personalize metal braces with colored bands allows patients to express their personalities, making the journey to a straighter smile more fun and customizable.
The Process of Getting Traditional Braces
Choosing traditional braces begins with a free consultation to assess your dental health and discuss the best treatment plan. Our expert team is dedicated to designing a personalized strategy that aligns with your dental goals. On the day of your fitting, we’ll give your teeth a thorough cleaning and carefully bond a metal bracket to each tooth. Once the bracket is set, we’ll thread a stainless steel wire over the brackets and hold it in place with elastic bands called ligatures.
You may experience some slight soreness for a few days after getting your braces and occasionally after adjustments. However, they should not cause any discomfort otherwise. After fitting your braces, regular adjustments are essential to ensure the treatment progresses as planned. Throughout the process, our staff will provide continuous support and guidance so you can make the most out of your treatment.
Tips and Care
Caring for braces requires diligent oral hygiene to prevent plaque and tartar buildup around the brackets and wires, which can lead to cavities and gingivitis. To care for your teeth, you’ll need to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily, using special flossing tools for the best results. You should also rinse with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash for extra defense against bacteria.
After getting braces, stick to soft foods like pasta, cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, yogurt, soup, soft fruits, and oatmeal until the initial discomfort subsides. To protect your braces, avoid nuts, caramels, and crunchy fruits and vegetables. And remember: Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining overall oral health during orthodontic treatment.
How Much Do Traditional Braces Cost?
We recognize that financial considerations are important when deciding on orthodontic treatment. To ensure that financial constraints do not hinder your path to a perfect smile, our staff will evaluate your insurance coverage at your free consultation and explain our affordable financing options. By offering various payment pathways, we can make high-quality orthodontic care accessible to all budgets.
Begin Your Smile Transformation Today
Traditional braces have the power to transform not only smiles but also lives. If you’re contemplating orthodontic treatment, we invite you to take the first step towards a radiant, healthy smile by scheduling a free consultation at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Cleveland, TN. Let us be part of your journey to achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of with personalized care and expert solutions!