Braces FAQ
Grants Pass, OR
 While children still make up the biggest patient base for orthodontic care, there is another population that is growing fast. If asked, most people would picture a child wearing braces, but they are not the only ones undergoing orthodontic care anymore. Now, more adults than ever are seeking braces to straighten their teeth. The numbers are rising, growing with each passing year. How many people are wearing braces right now in the United States? The number would surprise most. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are an estimated four million people wearing braces right now in the United States and a significant proportion of those are adults.
Braces Are Not Just Metal Brackes and Wires Anymore
There are now more choices than ever regarding the type of braces used. While some are made of metal, others are made of ceramic. And while others are glued to the teeth, some do not even need wires or brackets. The most significant thing that has occurred is that while patients used to hate how obvious their braces were and how noticeable they were, now they can have them in any color they'd like drawing the attention of others if they wish.
Anyone interested in finding out about the available options for straightening their teeth should contact us at Robinson Orthodontics. We are always here to help our patients.
What Are the Different Types of Braces?
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces, also known as conventional braces, use brackets glued to the teeth and wires which link each tooth together to apply pressure to them to get them to shift. With traditional braces, the wire is tightened to increase the pressure necessary to get the teeth to move.
However, there are circumstances in which braces alone cannot move the teeth appropriately. One item to help move the teeth is called a spacer. This helps to keep the spacing between teeth as they move. Bands are another tool used to provide additional pressure when the traditional wire and brackets are not enough. These are typically placed on the back molars.
Ceramic Braces
Braces made of ceramic are among the most frequently chosen nowadays. These can be tinted so they blend in with the surrounding tooth structure of the patient. As mentioned above, this was once very desirable. However, now patients can choose any number of colors to make them stand out and be unique. They are less expensive than alignment trays and typically require 18 to 36 months to complete the treatment. The length of time would depend on your specific needs and our dentist's recommendation.
Lingual Braces
Relatively new in the realm of orthodontics, lingual braces employ the same principles and techniques as traditional braces. Aimed at remaining less noticeable than traditional braces, the brackets and wires are attached to the backside of the teeth rather than the front.
Lingual braces are not used for severe orthodontia cases. That means they cannot help with occlusions or with overbites. They simply are not able to move the teeth effectively enough to make it a viable option in those cases. One other drawback is the brackets tend to come off because it is difficult to get them to adhere to the interior surface of the tooth.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional braces, but the difference is in how the brackets function. The brackets on self-ligating braces do not hold the wire tightly in place, they instead allow the wire to slide which is called self-ligating. Self-ligating means the braces adjust themselves and therefore require fewer appointments with our orthodontist for tightening. This makes it easier to fit the treatment around your busy schedule.
Invisalign
Clear aligners, often referred to as invisible braces or Invisalign, are crafted from durable, transparent plastic, custom-fitted to the unique contours of each patient's teeth. This innovative orthodontic solution delivers gradual teeth alignment without the need for conspicuous metal wires or brackets. The process begins with a comprehensive dental examination, followed by digital scans to create precise 3D models of the teeth. These models guide the design of custom aligners that incrementally shift teeth into optimal alignment over time.
How Do I Brush and Floss with Braces?
Most patients think it impossible to properly brush and floss with braces, but they could not be more wrong. Just like taking care of teeth without braces, brushing and flossing is vital to maintaining the overall oral health of the patient. While it does take a bit more effort, it is definitely something which needs to be done.
With braces, it is incredibly easy for food debris to stick to the teeth and the orthodontic appliance. This also means bacteria can more easily attach causing gingivitis and tooth decay to the point of gum disease.
How Else Can I Care for My Braces?
It is important to brush and floss gently so the appliance will not get damaged. Another way to help protect the orthodontic appliance is to be conscious of diet. Avoid sticky foods which might cling to the dental work more readily than non-sticky foods. Also, avoid chewing on anything that is not a food such as fingernails or a pen cap, as these could easily damage the braces.
If a patient is playing sports it is incredibly important to wear an appropriate mouth guard to protect the appliance. Getting hit in the face while participating in sports could be catastrophic resulting in damage to the appliance and significant injury to the patient's oral cavity. We can provide you with a custom-fit mouth guard.
What if I Eat Something I Shouldn't or Don't Wear My Invisalign During the Day?
It is important to recognize that braces are an investment. They should be viewed as a vehicle to get the patient to their treatment goals. When the rules are not followed, it can cost additional money to repair damage and additional time to reach those end results.
Have More Braces FAQs?
Patients weighing their options and have additional questions about braces, should schedule an appointment with us to be scheduled for an orthodontic consultation. Call us today at (541) 441-8288 to get more information.
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