The Braces Treatment Process
Your braces journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and examination. Using advanced digital imaging, we’ll assess your current alignment, jaw relationships, and overall oral health to develop a personalized treatment plan. Before beginning treatment, we’ll thoroughly explain your condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes, including projected treatment duration and any preparatory procedures that might be necessary.
The bracket placement appointment typically takes 1-2 hours, during which we carefully bond brackets to each tooth and place the initial archwire. We’ll provide detailed instructions for caring for your braces, including oral hygiene techniques, foods to avoid, and how to manage any initial discomfort. Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit our office every 4-8 weeks for adjustments where we’ll change wires or elastics to progress your treatment according to your personalized plan.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
While clear aligners have gained popularity, traditional braces offer several distinct advantages for many orthodontic situations. Most notably, braces provide maximum control for treating complex alignment issues, including significant rotations, vertical tooth positioning problems, and certain bite corrections that might be challenging with removable aligners.
Since braces are fixed appliances, they work continuously without requiring patient compliance beyond proper cleaning and avoiding certain foods. This can be particularly beneficial for younger patients or those who might struggle with the discipline required for removable aligners. Additionally, traditional braces often prove more cost-effective than alternative treatments while still delivering excellent results.
For growing patients, braces can be coordinated with other orthodontic appliances like expanders or headgear when needed to address developmental issues. This comprehensive approach allows for correction of both tooth alignment and jaw relationship problems simultaneously, particularly during key growth periods.
Living with Braces
Adapting to life with braces typically takes about a week. During this adjustment period, you might experience some discomfort as your teeth begin to move and your cheeks and lips become accustomed to the brackets. Orthodontic wax, which we provide, can help protect sensitive areas until they toughen naturally.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes especially important during orthodontic treatment. We’ll demonstrate specialized brushing and flossing techniques, recommend appropriate cleaning tools, and provide guidance on maintaining healthy teeth and gums while wearing braces. Regular dental checkups and cleanings remain essential throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Some dietary adjustments will be necessary while wearing braces. Foods that are very hard, sticky, or chewy can damage brackets and wires, potentially extending your treatment time. We’ll provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid or modify, along with suggestions for braces-friendly alternatives that won’t compromise your appliances.
Airway Orthodontics with Braces
Dr. Silva brings specialized training in airway orthodontics to our practice. This advanced approach considers how dental and jaw alignment impacts breathing patterns and overall wellness—not just cosmetic appearance. For some patients, breathing issues during sleep or while awake may be connected to dental alignment, and traditional braces can be particularly effective in addressing these concerns.
Airway orthodontics evaluates the relationship between your jaw position, tongue placement, and airway passages. By optimizing these relationships through orthodontic treatment, we can potentially improve breathing capacity, sleep quality, and even posture for suitable candidates. During your consultation, Dr. Silva can assess whether you might benefit from this specialized approach.
After Braces: Retention
Once your active treatment with braces is complete, the retention phase begins. This critical period helps stabilize your newly positioned teeth while the surrounding bone and tissues adapt. We provide custom-made retainers and a specific wearing schedule based on your individual needs.
Typically, retention involves wearing retainers full-time initially, then gradually transitioning to nighttime wear. Consistent retainer use is essential for maintaining your results long-term. We’ll continue to monitor your alignment during periodic retention check-ups, making any necessary adjustments to ensure your beautiful new smile remains stable.
