Braces Specialist

How do braces work?

Braces are metal dental appliances that use wires to reposition your teeth over time. While it’s more common for children or teenagers to get them, adults can get braces, too (but they’ll need to keep them on for longer). Traditional metal braces are often called fixed braces, and newer, more subtle braces are called invisible braces. Invisible braces are more expensive than fixed braces, but are often preferable for adults who are put off by the look of fixed braces.

The pieces attached to each tooth are called brackets. These hold a wire in place that connects all parts of the appliance. A stainless steel or titanium band does most of the work to move your teeth or jaw and is wrapped around the molars in the back of your mouth. Other accessories that help braces work, depending on your needs, include rubber bands of increasing resistances and nighttime headgear.

What can braces fix?

Braces are quite versatile when it comes to correcting imperfections in the placement of your teeth or jaw. Braces can correct:

• Jaw misalignment
• Overcrowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Spaces and gaps between teeth

While many people opt for braces because of the cosmetic benefit, proper alignment can also allow for a more comfortable bite and improve your mouth’s overall health.

What should I expect during my appointment?

In order to achieve the best results from your braces, you’ll need to be prepared for their insertion and know how to care for them properly once they’re installed. After determining that braces are right for you, the team will give you a full oral exam. They’ll also take X-rays of your mouth and jaw and create a plaster mold of your mouth to comprehensively evaluate your bite. If necessary, the team may recommend removing one or more teeth if your mouth is overcrowded.

Next, your provider will attach the brackets to each tooth. You will need to visit the office periodically in order for the dentist to tighten the wires, adding pressure to your teeth that gradually shifts them to the desired position. After these appointments, your mouth will probably feel sore for a few days. The team will also coach you on how to reduce the risk of damaging your teeth while you have braces and how to keep them clean.

Whether you’re seeking a more attractive smile or a more comfortable bite, braces can help you achieve both. Call or schedule an appointment online today at Premium Family Dental in Alexandria, Virginia, to discuss the possibility of braces with the team.