Most people have heard of braces that are used to straighten teeth, but… What are braces? Braces are composed of bands, brackets, wires, and rubber bands that apply pressure to your teeth and move the teeth to a straighter position. Braces are used to correct a wide variety of issues such as gaps in teeth, overcrowded teeth, crooked teeth and rotated teeth. Braces are also used to correct a patient’s bite, which is how their teeth come together. Braces are also used to prevent long term oral health problems. Of course, braces only do what they are supposed to do because a well trained and experienced orthodontist, like Dr. Stephanie Crise and Dr. Jessica Downs, places the braces exactly where they need to be and tightens and adjusts the braces throughout the entire treatment time.
When asking yourself What are Braces, there are two different types of braces. There are traditional metal braces and there are clear or ceramic braces. Many patients often ask what the difference is between metal and ceramic braces. There are some very important differences between these two types of braces.
Metal braces are the most common type of braces that we think about when answering the question: What are braces? Metal braces are frequently the kind of braces that most patients opt to have on their teeth. Stainless steel brackets are put on the teeth, and they are held together with wires. The wires can be tightened and adjusted to straighten the patient’s teeth. In most instances, the wires are attached to the brackets by small elastic bands or closable doors (such as self-ligating types of braces). Metal braces are super fun at Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics because the patient gets to choose their elastic rubber band colors every time they come for their appointments. We have every color you can imagine to choose from. Many patients will choose their team colors or their school colors for their elastic rubber band color choice. Also, when it’s a holiday, such as the 4th of July, the patient might choose red, white and blue, or at Valentine’s, they might choose red and white. The options are limitless, and it is a lot of fun to choose the rubber band colors each time. Patients love it!
Ceramic braces are another type of braces that we think about when asking the question: What are Braces? Ceramic braces are often called clear braces. They consist of clear brackets made of ceramic or porcelain. Some patients, especially adult patients, prefer clear braces over metal braces because they are a lot less noticeable. The clear brackets have a metal wire that runs through the brackets, so that part is still noticeable, but clear braces are a lot less obvious than metal braces. Clear braces, however, are not as durable as metal braces; therefore, they can break easier than metal braces. Clear braces can stain easily if the patient drinks a lot of dark sodas or coffee or tea. Also, ceramic brackets are slightly bulkier than metal brackets, which means they can stick out a bit further on the patient’s teeth. Clear braces are still a great option for those in the work force or for those who smile a lot or are in the spotlight often and don’t want it to look so obvious that they have braces on their teeth. At Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics, we have patients of all ages who have clear braces, and they absolutely love them and do really well with them.
As you can tell, when asking yourself: What are Braces, there are many things that go into explaining what braces really are. Most of our patients at Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics are super excited to get their braces on, but every once in a while, we will have a patient who is nervous or a little scared to get their braces placed. Some of the reasons for their nervousness is that they think that they will look bad in braces. One thing to remember is that so many patients from the ages of 8 to 18 years old will also be wearing braces, so you won’t be the only one! Braces have become very common over the last decade. So, there is no need to think that your friends will make fun of you. Remember that in only about a year plus, the braces will come off, and you will have an awesomely attractive smile! Just remember to keep your eyes on the goal, which is to have a beautiful Hollywood smile!
Another reason some patients are reluctant to get braces is because they think that braces will hurt. Braces can be uncomfortable, but they really do not hurt! The day you get your braces, your teeth will feel a little sore, but you can take a pain reliever that you would normally take for a headache to help alleviate any soreness. This soreness may last a couple of days (3-5), and then everything should feel fine after that. When you come in for your next adjustment, which is usually around six to eight weeks later, the orthodontist will adjust your wires according to your treatment plan, and then you may have a bit of soreness or tightness feeling for only a couple of days. Once again, just remember that in a short time, you will have a gorgeous smile and it will be totally worthwhile in the end!
When thinking about What are Braces and whether they are beneficial or not, there are several things to think about. Here are just some of the benefits of braces. First, braces straighten your teeth and straight teeth are MUCH easier to clean and floss. Secondly, since straight teeth are easier to clean, this helps to prevent plaque buildup and thus reduces your chances of getting cavities! Thirdly, braces can help control gum disease because if teeth are crowded, it provides many extra hiding places for food which contributes to gum disease. Also, braces can help correct some jaw problems, such as TMJ. Lastly, braces can help with chewing and even speaking.
Overall, braces can correct many oral problems. Braces can greatly improve a person’s appearance and the health of their smile. At Smiles Hollywood Orthodontics, we would love to help you have an amazing and healthy smile. We offer complimentary initial exams, so there is no better time than now to come in for a free comprehensive evaluation. Please call us today to book your free exam at 972-529-9700 or click here to schedule online. We are so excited to meet you!