Traditional Braces - San Juan Capistrano, CA
A Proven Path to Straighter, Healthier Teeth
Misaligned teeth can lead to a wide range of issues like headaches, difficulty chewing, uneven dental wear, TMJ problems, and neck pain. Thankfully, traditional metal braces are a tried and proven orthodontic method that can straighten out teeth so a patient can enjoy a lifetime of improved oral and overall health. Here’s a brief guide to how traditional metal braces work, but please contact the staff at Platinum Dental Group if you have any questions.
Why Choose Platinum Dental Group for Traditional Braces?
- Skilled and Experienced Dentist
- Enjoy a Healthier and More Beautiful Smile
- Financing Options Available
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Orthodontic issues can leave teeth more vulnerable to injury and decay and cause undue stress to the TMJ, which can lead to pain in the head, jaw, neck, and back. Traditional braces realign smiles shifting teeth into healthier positions through a system of brackets with a wire running through them. Patients will need to practice excellent oral hygiene and appliance maintenance while returning to our office every six to eight weeks for checkups and adjustments. Treatment typically takes one to three years, and the results can help a patient chew comfortably and smile beautifully for life if they wear their retainer as instructed.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?
Traditional metal braces can address a wide range of alignment issues, and the best way to learn more about how these appliances can help you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Omrani. He may recommend this treatment to address problems like:
Bite Misalignment
Alignment issues such as overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites can make chewing difficult and lead to imbalances in the TMJ, which can cause neck, head, jaw, and back pain as well as teeth grinding. Braces can address this issue by gradually pulling teeth into more optimal positions.
Crowded & Crooked Teeth
Crowding and crookedness can leave teeth harder to clean and easier to injure, and they can also lead to uneven dental wear. Traditional braces can straighten out teeth so they can chew more evenly and create a more visually pleasing smile.
Gapped Teeth
Many people find the gaps in their teeth to be unflattering, and they can even lead to accumulations of food debris or leave the gums vulnerable to injury. Traditional braces can pull gapped teeth together to create a stronger and more beautiful grin.
Caring for Your Braces
While wearing braces, you’ll have to adhere to a strict regimen of oral hygiene and appliance maintenance. This includes thoroughly brushing and flossing several times a day while using specialized tools to clean around your braces and keep your gums stimulated. You’ll also need to avoid chewy and crunchy foods that can damage your appliances, and it will be essential to see Dr. Omrani for checkups and adjustments every six to eight weeks.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Am I Too Old to Get Braces?
Since children, teens, and young adults are often seen wearing traditional braces, you might assume that the ship has sailed on having straight teeth if you are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. The truth is that there isn’t an upper age limit! In other words, there’s no such thing as being “too old” for braces. Factors that determine whether or not you’re a candidate include the health of your smile, the severity of your case, and your willingness to break bad habits, like smoking.
How Long Do Traditional Braces Take?
Usually, patients wear traditional braces for 1-3 years. However, the length of your treatment plan will depend on a few factors, including the severity of your case. The good news is that we can provide you with an estimate at your consultation. If you choose to move forward, we will also share what to do (and what NOT to do) to avoid frustrating delays.
What Can You Not Eat with Traditional Braces?
In an effort to prevent broken brackets, loose wires, and other orthodontic emergencies, patients are asked to avoid certain foods, like hard pretzels, tortilla chips, popcorn, and whole apples. During your teeth-straightening journey, we strongly recommend incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet that are softer in consistency, like cottage cheese, bananas, oatmeal, and plain yogurt. Not only will this reduce your risk of an orthodontic emergency, but it will also help keep your smile healthy from the inside out.
Can You Drink Coffee with Traditional Braces?
Now that you know about a few of the dietary restrictions, you might be wondering if there are any other rules you need to be aware of, like “no coffee.” Don’t worry – you don’t have to give up this caffeinated beverage during the teeth-straightening process. You do, however, need to take certain precautions to help prevent dental discoloration (i.e., using a straw, rinsing your mouth with water afterward, brushing your teeth 20 minutes after you’re done).
What Happens After You Get Your Braces Off?
During your orthodontic treatment, we’re focused on moving your teeth and bite into proper alignment. When it comes time to remove your braces, our focus moves to keeping them there. This is referred to as the “retention phase,” and it’s important because upwards of 50% of patients experience orthodontic relapse in the years following their time with braces.
To prevent your teeth from drifting out of place in the months and years following your orthodontic treatment, we will provide you with a custom retainer. We’ll give you instructions on when to wear it and how to take care of it so you enjoy your hard-earned results and don’t need to replace it within a matter of weeks.
Do Traditional Braces Hurt?
Of course, one of the most asked questions about traditional braces is, “Will it hurt?” To be honest, it’s normal to experience some pressure and soreness as your teeth move, especially toward the beginning of your orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, there are several ways you can alleviate any uncomfortable symptoms that do arise, like avoiding crunchy foods, sipping on cool water, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.