Traditional Dental Braces in Greenville, SC
Many of our patients, especially teenagers, are excited about clear, removable orthodontic aligners. However, aligners aren’t right for every orthodontic case. The gold standard for orthodontics is traditional metal braces. The team at Pleasantburg Family Dentistry may recommend traditional dental braces for your child, here’s everything you need to know about this treatment.
DID YOU KNOW?
The wire used in traditional dental braces was originally designed by NASA. This wire was thin and flexible but could maintain its shape.
How Traditional Braces Work to Realign Teeth
When we affix your child’s braces, a tiny metal bracket is glued onto each tooth to be repositioned. A wire threaded through the braces is periodically adjusted to guide teeth toward their ideal position. Braces apply gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth to their proper place.
Length of Orthodontic Treatment
The average length of treatment with traditional dental braces is 18 to 24 months. In some cases, treatment time is shorter. Because each case is unique, our team will provide a more accurate timeline after your child’s orthodontic consultation. Before braces are affixed to your child’s teeth, we will give you an idea of projected treatment length.
You can stay on track with your child’s treatment completion date by following all the instructions our team gives you. Always attend adjustment visits on time, as delaying these appointments can extend treatment time.
Conditions Traditional Braces Correct
When your child visits Pleasantburg Family Dentistry for their orthodontic consultation, our orthodontists may recommend traditional dental braces to treat any of the following conditions:
- Overcrowding and spacing issues
- Rotated teeth
- Misaligned jaw
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Periodontal issues (gum problems)
- Unmatched midline
- Chewing and speech problems
Care, Maintenance, and Cleaning of Braces
Because traditional dental braces are fixed (not removable), they require special care, maintenance, and thorough, regular cleaning. After your traditional braces are attached to your child’s teeth, they will need to learn how to take good care of their teeth and braces during treatment. Here are just a few things to keep in mind:
- Brushing and Flossing: Your child should brush after every meal and snack, taking care to clean around each bracket. A floss threader will allow them to get floss under wires and around brackets.
- Irritation: If a wire pokes the inside of your child’s cheeks, you can place orthodontic wax over the brace where the irritation is. You can also let our team know during an appointment to make any necessary adjustments for a more comfortable experience.
- Diet: Your child should never chew gum or eat chewy, sticky, or very hard foods. These items, as well as popcorn kernels and hulls, can damage braces, make cleaning difficult, and cause oral irritation.
- Appointments: Every six weeks or so, your child will visit our office for an adjustment. At this visit, we will check treatment progress, adjust your child’s braces, fix any problems, and answer your questions. If you don’t attend the visits as scheduled, your treatment time may be extended.
Getting Started with Traditional Dental Braces in Greenville
If your child needs orthodontic treatment, schedule a free orthodontic consultation today. Our team will let you know if traditional dental braces are the best option for your child.
