What are braces?
Braces are a system of appliances fixed to your teeth that slowly move them over time. They consist of several different components that work together to pull your teeth into better alignment. The parts that make up a set of braces are:
Brackets
Brackets are the metal or ceramic parts that Dr. Reese cements to many or all of your teeth. They act as anchors for the archwire.
Archwire
The archwire is a strand of wire that Dr. Reese threads through the brackets on your teeth. Each time she tightens the wire, it places more pressure on your teeth to guide them into their new positions.
Ligature elastic bands
Ligature elastic bands, or rubber bands, hold your brackets onto your archwires. You can get them in the color of your choosing and Dr. Reese changes them at each appointment.
What can braces fix?
Braces are orthodontic treatments for crooked or misaligned teeth, and they can fix highly crooked sets of teeth. Specific impairments that Dr. Reese can help you adjust with braces are:
- Teeth crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Keeping your teeth crooked doesn’t just make for a less attractive smile, it can put you at risk of complex dental issues. With a misaligned bite, you’re at a higher risk of developing these complications:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Speech impediments
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
Dr. Reese evaluates your bite before you start treatment to make sure that braces are necessary and applicable for your case.
When is the best time to get braces?
It’s never too late to straighten your teeth with braces to correct misalignment. However, getting braces while you’re still growing is ideal. Getting braces between ages 8 and 14 helps your teeth glide efficiently into their new position, but braces still work well for fully grown adult teeth, too.
How long do I need to wear braces?
The amount of time you need to wear your braces depends on the starting position of your teeth. Severe misalignment calls for a longer treatment time, while a minor adjustment can take just months. Generally, patients must wear braces for one to three years to see the result they want.
After you’re finished with braces, you must wear a retainer for some time to hold your teeth in their new places.
To explore braces and other orthodontic treatments with Dr. Reese, call Reese Orthodontics to schedule an appointment or book online today.
