Able to achieve incredible results, thousands of orthodontic patients rely on braces each year to realign their smile. Dr. Jared Lee Orthodontics proudly provides options for braces treatment, but how exactly do they move your teeth? Read on to learn how this appliance reconstructs your smile, the benefits of doing so, and how to maintain your braces.
The Process Behind Tooth Movement
Braces, a long-trusted orthodontic appliance, can move your teeth into perfect alignment. They are constructed of brackets, wires, bonding cement, elastics, and other components that work together to reach your smile goals, no matter their current positioning. Dr. Lee decides the placement of your brackets based on the detailed 3D model we take of your teeth, x-rays, and other diagnostic tools. This changes how effectively your appliance will work.
The archwire does most of the alignment work. This thin wire is threaded through each bracket and bent in specific areas to place pressure on your teeth to shift them in the right direction. As your treatment continues, its position may need to change. During follow-up appointments, adjustments and tightenings are made as Dr. Lee learns how your teeth react to treatment.
Your gum tissue and bones can remodel as your teeth shift as pressure is exerted from your braces. This allows your teeth to move and keep them protected. Once treatment is finished, we will provide a retainer to ensure your teeth stay in the same place upon your appliance removal. Following the wear instructions provided by Dr. Lee will ensure your new smile lasts a lifetime.
Do Braces Hurt?
There is no need to worry about pain at any stage in your braces treatment. Occasional soreness or irritation is completely normal as your mouth gets used to the presence of your appliance and the pressure it’s placing on your teeth.
We can provide orthodontic wax and suggest over-the-counter pain medication or swishing your mouth with warm salt water to eliminate discomfort. If these sensations continue, please reach out to our office, and our front team can help you get back on track for a comfortable experience.
Your Appliance Choices
Metal Braces
You can always rely on metal braces to achieve alignment goals. Though a traditional choice, metal braces remain an effective, modern treatment thanks to advancements in the field. Dr. Lee uses sleeker brackets and thinner wires to ensure comfort from day one. This appliance can efficiently fix even the most complex oral complications.
Clear Braces
Clear braces can achieve the same reliable results as metal braces with a less conspicuous look for patients interested in a more aesthetically pleasing appliance. They use tooth-colored ceramic brackets paired with other white or tooth-colored components that blend right in with your smile to provide a nearly invisible look. Thanks to its stain-resistant technology, you won’t need to worry about discoloration from dark foods or drinks.
Why Achieve a Perfect Smile?
Straightening your teeth to improve the look of your smile is a fantastic benefit of orthodontic treatment. Our team is passionate about ensuring everyone is happy with their grin and eager to show it off to their friends and family. We look forward to each patient leaving our office at the end of treatment with a huge smile!
Some patients initially believe any work on your smile is all about aesthetics. However, braces are the perfect opportunity to improve your general health. Many experience smoother digestion from improved bite function, enjoy easier oral maintenance by ridding their mouth of hard-to-reach areas, and improve speech patterns by adjusting the natural position of their tongue.
Maintaining Your Appliance
One of the best ways to ensure your appliance stays in perfect condition throughout treatment is by taking steps toward daily maintenance. The better condition your braces remain in, the more effective your plan will be.
Everyday Oral Care
Maintaining oral care daily is essential to keep your braces in shape. Especially toward the beginning of treatment, you will likely have inaccessible areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach with your toothbrush.
Similarly, tiny food particles will get stuck between your teeth and wires. Making it a point to brush twice daily, in addition to after each meal, and floss once daily will ensure your oral health stays in perfect condition.
Think About Your Food Choices
Unfortunately, braces are not meant to withstand the pressure of all food items. Anything too crunchy, chewy, or requires a bite must be left in your pantry. This may include popcorn, nuts, fresh veggies, chips, and hard cookies.
Instead, Dr. Lee recommends a softer diet of well-cooked chicken, pasta, soft veggies, soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and much more. If you cannot eat your favorite food during treatment, we promise the wait for your perfect smile is worth it!
Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments
Dr. Lee dedicates follow-up appointments to ensuring everything is in great condition, and your treatment plan is on schedule. He and our team replace old elastics, make wire adjustments or tightenings as necessary, and provide tips on maintaining effective treatment. One of our priorities is for your time with us to be as comfortable and efficient as possible so you can enjoy your brand-new smile before you know it!
Take the First Step Toward Realignment!
When it comes to realigning your smile, you can count on Dr. Jared Lee Orthodontics to provide the most effective and efficient treatments around. Our practices are located in Oxnard and Santa Paula and proudly serve the surrounding communities. If you are ready to begin your smile journey, schedule your free consultation today, and our team can help you learn more about improving your oral health.