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Our number one treatment option is full braces for young people and adults, and we utilize the highest quality techniques and technology, greatly reducing the need for extractions, headgear, and surgery for children and adults alike. For most people, a beautiful smile and raised self-confidence is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. Braces are an appliance put on the teeth that apply steady pressure on and stay in place for a certain amount of time to correct malocclusion.

Braces

Many parents assume that they should wait until their child’s permanent teeth are all in place before orthodontic treatment should be considered, when actually the treatment in many cases would be much easier if problems were detected earlier in the child’s development.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children seven years of age have an orthodontic examination. That does not necessarily mean the treatment should start at that point, but catching it early often means it may take less time, be less expensive and avoid the extraction of permanent teeth before conventional treatment with braces. It is most common to start treatment on young people at 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 years of age.

You might be surprised to discover just how many adults we are serving in our practice. Adult patients are highly motivated and very cooperative, and they often find that they not only like the cosmetic changes but also feel much better physically when their face, jaw and bite are properly treated.

Putting On Your Braces

The procedure for putting braces on is a very easy and painless experience, but one that many new patients often worry about. Be assured that our friendly team will be available to answer any questions you may have beforehand.

• 1 to 2 hours to put on braces
• Installed by an Orthodontist or Appliance Technician / General Dentist
• Expect some soreness afterwards
• Not unpleasant, like some patients expect


Adjustments

After each patient gets their braces on, the process of changing the bite, the face and the smile begins. It is usually appropriate to see each patient every 4 to 7 weeks. Sometimes there are a lot of things to be done and sometimes just a few. The amount of time that is reserved is between 20 and 40 minutes.

It is a part of our philosophy, and we try hard to show our respect for your time by running “on schedule.” In turn we ask that you be “on time” for your appointments or help us with 24 hour notice. Good appointment keeping is the basis of our mutual respect for the value of each others time.

What happens depends on how difficult the situation is, what is happening during the treatment at that time, how hard the patient has been working and whether or not there has been any breakage.

One or more of the following services may be provided:
• Observation of progress
• Changing archwires
• Ligation or religation of archwires
• Evaluation and modification of rubber bands
• Oral hygiene and brushing instruction
• Referral to Oral Hygiene Class for more information on “brushing with braces”
• Placement or repositioning of brackets
• Partial removal of braces
• Repair of damage or breakage

Someimes after a regular adjustment, there is a bit of soreness or tenderness. It should last only one to three days at most. If you are uneasy about how you are felling, contact us.


Elastics

Rubber bands, officially called “elastics”, are an important part of your orthodontic treatment. You won’t wear them at first, but after you are well into your treatment, they are necessary to move your teeth to the proper places.

The rubber bands are the “engine” that drives your treatment. If you wear them faithfully-even while eating-you’ll finish your treatment faster than predicted. If you don’t, the treatment time will drag on very long.

You will probably be sore after the rubber bands are added to or changed in your treatment. It is important to wear them anyway….the soreness will go away faster if you do.

Follow the instructions for soreness: warm saltwater rinses, frequent brushing chewing sugar-free, stick-free gum and taking over-the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Tylenol or Ibuprofen to feel more comfortable. The soreness will go away in a couple of days for young people and four to five days for adults. Please call the office if you have any questions.

How to wear rubber bands

Class II & III (PDF)
Anterior & Bilateral Boxes (PDF)
Crossbites (PDF)
Tips on Rubber Band Wear (PDF)
Rubber Bands-Help Braces Pull (PDF)


Taking Off Your Braces

Getting your braces off usually comes as a surprise to patients. Although the doctor may give them some hints ["We're getting really close"], he won’t say for sure until everything is just right. The removal may be done by the orthodontist or the appliance technician / general dentist.

1st Visit
Braces are removed from the upper anterior six teeth & sometimes, the lower posterior teeth.
Patients wear rubber bands at nights only, and gum is to be chewed as much as possible to “settle in” the bite.

2nd Visit
Remaining braces & cement are removed.
Impressions are taken for retainers.

3rd Visit
Retainers installed.
Optional bleaching.

It’s been a long haul together, but “We just can’t wait to see you smile!”