Who needs braces?
Almost anyone who wants to improve their smile’s appearance is a candidate for braces—at any age. And there are several types of braces to meet the needs of every candidate.
Braces can also help patients with chewing disfunction or bite misalignment.
How do braces work?
A lot has changed in the way orthodontists move teeth.
In the past, thick, heavy wires were needed. Now, orthodontists use thin, specialized wires to move teeth slowly and consistently.
These newly designed wires have specialized shapes and characteristics to interact precisely with the braces placed on the teeth, moving teeth comfortably into alignment.
How can I tell if my child needs braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an orthodontic consultation by the age of 7.
This is because it can be difficult to tell if and when orthodontics is needed. Though teeth may appear straight, misalignment between the upper and lower teeth may be present and difficult to assess without an ortho evaluation.
While not all children will need braces at this age, a complimentary consultation will evaluate every aspect of a child’s orthodontic status.
How long will treatment last?
At Wirthlin Orthodontics, every patient receives a personalized treatment plan which estimates the length of treatment.
Length of treatment varies significantly depending on the needs of the needs of the patient, but typical treatment plans last 18-24 months. Simple cases may be treated in closer to 12 months.
Patient cooperation affects treatment time. Good compliance can lead to shorter treatment times, while poor compliance may extend treatment beyond the typical 24 months.
Will braces discolor my teeth?
With good oral hygiene, braces will not discolor teeth.
If teeth are not kept clean, however, stains can develop that will remain once the braces are removed. At Wirthlin Orthodontics, we teach and encourage proper hygiene techniques as a critical part of treatment.
Can I eat popcorn and candy with braces?
It depends.
Braces are secured to teeth using specialized adhesives. While the adhesive holds braces tightly to the teeth to allow treatment, the adhesive is also designed to break free easily enough to allow braces to be readily removed at the end of treatment without damaging teeth.
Hard, sticky, or chewy foods are more likely to pull the braces loose from the teeth. At your consultation, we’ll let you know which foods are most likely to disrupt your braces and which ones are generally okay.
We’d be happy to answer all your questions at your initial consultation.
Let’s create a treatment plan and discuss the details.