Traditional Braces – Naperville, IL
The Time-Tested Way to Straighten Teeth
Many orthodontic treatments have been devised over the years, but few are as trustworthy as traditional metal brackets and wires in matters of straightening misaligned teeth. While braces are normally recommended for children, adults can benefit from wearing them as well, allowing them to speak more clearly and eat a variety of foods without issue. At Grand Dental – Naperville, we can offer traditional braces as a solution for many common orthodontic problems. Call today to schedule an orthodontic consultation to take your next steps.
Why Choose Grand Dental – Naperville for Traditional Braces?
- Treatments for Patients of All Ages
- Time Tested Orthodontic Solutions
- Early, Lates, and Saturday Hours
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Your teeth are anchored to your jaw via ligaments, and while they’re meant to stay firmly in place, it is possible to move them slightly with a small amount of pressure. This is how braces work; brackets are attached to the teeth and linked via wires that are held in place with elastics. The wires gradually push the teeth towards their proper position. You will need to return to our office every 4 to 6 weeks so that we can tighten the wires, allowing them to continue exerting the necessary force in the proper direction.
Traditionally, an orthodontic treatment using braces lasts between 18 months and 3 years; the more complex the issue is, the longer the treatment is likely to be. It is impossible to know exactly how long treatment will take without first examining the mouth, which is why your first step needs to be to schedule an orthodontic consultation with us.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?
Traditional braces are viable for correcting a wide variety of orthodontic problems, including those that are too complex for clear aligners or other orthodontic treatments. The following are some particularly common orthodontic situations:
Bite Misalignment
When the upper and lower arches aren’t properly aligned, the forces of the bite may be poorly distributed, wearing down the teeth. Braces can be used to correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and similar issues.
Crowded and Crooked Teeth
Teeth that are crowded too close together are unattractive, and it is generally difficult to clean them properly. Correcting crooked teeth with braces improves your appearance and your ability to maintain good oral hygiene.
Gapped Teeth
Bacteria can accumulate in unusually large gaps between the teeth very easily. These spaces can be closed with traditional braces.
Caring for Your Braces
Optimal oral hygiene is essential for ensuring that cavities and gum disease do not interrupt orthodontic treatment. You will be given advice for brushing and flossing with braces; for example, we can advise you on the correct angle to hold your toothbrush so that you can clean around your wires.
Braces can be damaged by hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, so one needs to be very mindful of what they eat during their treatment. Also, a mouthguard must always be worn while playing sports to avoid physical damage to the orthodontic appliance.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Do Traditional Braces Hurt?
Straightening teeth is not a form of treatment that comes without discomfort. As the archwire continues to place pressure on your pearly whites, they will shift over time, causing soreness. This is most common when you first receive braces in Naperville and after your wire is tightened.
The good news is that you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and use a cold compress to minimize discomfort. You can also eat softer foods to avoid putting additional pressure on your teeth and bone.
You may also notice some slight irritation on your soft oral tissues (i.e., cheeks, lips, tongue, etc.) that is caused by protruding metal brackets. Orthodontic wax can help alleviate the problem and allow the sores to heal.
What Can You Not Eat with Traditional Braces?
Since you will likely be uncomfortable when you first get your braces, avoid hard, crunchy foods. Over time, however, you will still need to be mindful of the foods you eat so that they do not become lodged or cause damage. Make sure to avoid:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Potato chips
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candy
- Sticky or chewy candy
- Chewing gum
Am I Too Old for Braces?
There is no age cap for traditional braces. Your dentist in Naperville will perform a comprehensive examination of your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. While your initial thought might be that metal braces are only designed for children and teenagers, the truth is that adults can also experience positive results.
As long as you do not show signs of tooth decay or gum disease before starting treatment, you will likely be cleared for braces. If you have any existing restorations (i.e., crowns, bridges, veneers), your dentist will need to consider these factors when creating your treatment plan to ensure everything moves smoothly.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?
Most individuals wearing traditional metal braces can expect to need them for 18-36 months, but this timeline can vary. Depending on the problem to be fixed (i.e., crowded teeth, spatial concerns, bite misalignment) and its severity, wear time may be shorter or longer.
One of our dentists will discuss the details during your consultation so that you can better prepare and plan, especially if you have any big events coming up.
Once we know how long you can expect to wear your braces, we will have a better idea of the estimated cost of treatment.