You Deserve a Stunning Smile
An imperfect smile can take a toll on your self-confidence and, unfortunately, your oral health. We believe a great smile is more than just teeth; it’s about feeling good about yourself. Dr. Cramer, our Denton orthodontist, and his compassionate team is dedicated to transforming your smile with personalized orthodontic care. And, one of our most popular treatment options is metal braces—a time-tested and reliable solution.
How Metal Braces Work
Metal braces, which have come to be known as a classic staple in modern orthodontics, have evolved significantly, becoming more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Our braces consist of high-grade stainless steel brackets and wires that are carefully attached to each tooth. These braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth to gradually align them over time. This process is particularly beneficial because it’s not just about straightening teeth, but also about correcting your bite and jaw alignment!
Why Should You Choose Braces?
- They are incredibly effective for treating complex dental issues.
- Their durability is unmatched, making them a suitable choice for patients of all ages.
- Our modern metal braces are sleeker and less intrusive to give you a more comfortable treatment experience.
Over and above these benefits, braces are able to treat diverse dental issues such as:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gaps
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Complex jaw misalignments
Are Braces Right For You?
Dr. Cramer takes several factors into consideration when helping determine whether braces are the choice right fit for you. This includes:
- Your Age and Dental Development: Metal braces are ideal for adolescents whose jaws and teeth are still developing, but also highly effective for adults with established dental structures.
- The Severity of Your Misalignment: They’re suitable for moderate to severe misalignment issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps, and overcrowded teeth.
- Your Oral Health Status: In order to get metal braces you will need to have good oral health, with no untreated cavities or gum disease.
- Your Commitment to Treatment: You need a willingness to adhere to orthodontic guidelines, attend regular appointments, and maintain the best possible oral hygiene.
- Your Lifestyle Considerations: They’re best for individuals who can adapt to lifestyle changes, such as dietary restrictions and additional oral care requirements.
- Your Cosmetic Preferences: Ideal for those who do not mind the visible aspect of traditional metal braces whilst undergoing your treatment.
Getting Braces at Cramer Orthodontics
You’ve made the decision to straighten your teeth, so what lies ahead for you? Your treatment journey for metal braces will start with a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Cramer, including a discussion of your dental history, treatment goals, and a thorough oral examination. He will also take detailed records, including X-rays, photographs, and digital scans or impressions of your teeth.
Next, he will create a personalized treatment plan to outline the specific movements of your teeth and the expected duration of your treatment.
We’ll then placing metal brackets on each of your teeth, followed by connecting them with a wire, which will be periodically adjusted during regular appointments. These occur every 4-6 weeks to ensure consistent progress. Dr. Cramer will provide continuous advice on oral hygiene, dietary recommendations, and addressing any concerns during your treatment.
Once your treatment goals have been achieved, Dr. Cramer will remove your metal braces during your final appointment. We will also fit a retainer to help you maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent relapse. During this final evaluation we will also provide long-term care instructions to ensure the results of your treatment
Caring For Your New Smile
Caring for your teeth and braces is crucial for the success of your orthodontic treatment and for maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some essential tips for taking care of your teeth and braces:
Brushing: Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. With braces, it’s advisable to brush after every meal to remove food particles that can get trapped in the braces. Use a toothbrush with a small head to reach all areas of your teeth and braces easily.
Flossing: Flossing with braces can be challenging, but it’s vital for removing plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the wires. Use waxed floss, a floss threader, or an orthodontic flosser designed for cleaning around braces.
Interdental Brushing: An interdental brush can be a helpful tool for cleaning around brackets and wires. It helps remove food particles and plaque in areas that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.
Rinsing: Using an antiseptic dental rinse can help reduce inflammation, soothe irritated gums, and decrease the risk of infections.
Foods To Avoid During Your Treatment
- Hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and ice can break or damage the wires and brackets of your braces.
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Chewy candies, gum, caramel, and taffy can get stuck in braces and are difficult to remove, potentially leading to tooth decay.
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Snacks like popcorn, chips, and hard pretzels can also break or dislodge your braces.
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Chewy foods like licorice, and tough meats can be hard to bite into and may bend or break the braces.
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Corn on the cob, as it can damage your braces. It’s better to cut the corn off the cob before eating.
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Whole fruits and vegetables should be cut into small pieces or cooked to soften them before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average duration of treatment with metal braces?
Your treatment duration will vary depending on the complexity of your case, but it typically ranges from 18 months to 3 years.
Will my treatment be painful?
Braces can cause some discomfort, especially when they’re first fitted and after adjustment appointments. However, it’s important to note that the level of pain or discomfort varies from person to person. Any irritation you experience will likely lessen as your mouth becomes accustomed to the presence of the braces. Your pain can also be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Are there activities I should avoid?
While wearing braces, most everyday activities can be continued without any issues. However, there are certain activities that should be done with caution to protect your braces, such as:
Contact Sports: If you’re involved in contact sports, it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and your mouth. Sports like football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and martial arts can pose a risk of injury to your mouth. A mouthguard will help cushion your lips, teeth, and braces if you get hit in the face.
Chewing on Hard Objects: Habits such as chewing on pens, pencils, ice, or fingernails can damage your braces. These hard objects can bend wires, break brackets, and prolong orthodontic treatment.
Playing Wind Instruments: If you play a wind instrument, you might need some time to adjust to playing it with braces. It’s possible, but initially, it might feel uncomfortable, and you might need to use orthodontic wax to prevent discomfort.
Roughhousing or Play Fighting: Any activity that has a risk of a blow to the face should be avoided or approached with caution, as it can damage your braces or injure your mouth.
Extreme Sports: Activities that have a high risk of impact to the face, like BMX biking, skateboarding, or mountain biking, should be approached with caution. Wearing protective gear, including a mouthguard, is highly recommended.
Using Teeth as Tools: Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, rip tape, cut thread, or do anything that applies excessive force to your teeth. This can damage both your teeth and your braces.
Are there any alternatives to metal braces?
Many patients who are self-conscious or would prefer a less invasive route to straighter teeth often ask about an alternative to metal braces. Luckily with modern orthodontic care, we have many options! These include clear aligners like Invisalign and ceramic braces.
Start Smiling, Your Way!
As one of very few board-certified orthodontists in the area, Dr. Cramer is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction. We have offices in both Denton & Krum to better serve the local community. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your transformation with metal braces.
We can’t wait to help you create a smile that reflects your true self!