Whether you’re an adult or a teen, you want to look your best at all times. Changing the structure of your teeth takes time, and there are now ways to keep you looking your best during this period.
We offer traditional metal and ceramic braces at Broadway Dental to help you address crooked teeth for a straighter and more balanced smile. We also offer additional cosmetic dental care services to new and existing patients.
Why Do I Need Braces?
Braces are a standard treatment that will help fix many problems with teeth and jaws. Sometimes, teeth grow in crooked or crowded, making it hard to clean them properly. These conditions can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Braces can straighten teeth and create a better bite, which means your teeth fit together correctly when you close your mouth. When you fix these problems, braces can help improve smile and make it easier to eat, speak, and keep your teeth clean. This can lead to better overall dental health in the long run.
- Overcrowding: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, teeth overlap or grow crookedly.
- Spacing Issues: Gaps between teeth because of missing teeth or a large jaw can be closed with braces.
- Overbite: Upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: Lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth.
- Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, with upper teeth biting inside the lower ones.
- Open Bite: Front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, causing chewing difficulties.
- Midline Discrepancies: Misalignment of the center of upper and lower teeth.
- Crooked and Rotated Teeth: Braces straighten and align these teeth for a uniform appearance.
- Chewing and Speech Difficulties: Misaligned teeth can hinder proper chewing and pronunciation, which braces can address.
- Jaw Misalignment: Braces help correct issues like TMJ problems caused by improper jaw alignment.
Ceramic and Metal Traditional Braces in Galveston, TX
Clear braces or ceramic braces are translucent. This new technology is available in most cases. The great benefit of these braces is that you won’t have to have that metallic look. In addition, orthodontists and dental labs design clear braces so they won’t stain or wear over time.
Traditional braces have been around for many years. They are the standard among patients looking to straighten their smile. Today’s contemporary braces contain exceptionally strong metals as they need to stand the test of time while they are on your teeth. While contemporary braces have a metallic color, there are a number of bands and features that we can utilize to spruce them up.
About Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a common way to straighten teeth and fix bite problems. They use metal brackets that the dentist will glue to the teeth and connect with a thin wire. Small rubber bands help hold everything in place. Over time, the braces slowly move the teeth into the correct position. Dentists adjust them every few weeks to keep the process on track.
The treatment process usually takes one to three years, depending on how much the teeth need to move. At first, braces may feel tight, and the teeth can be sore for a few days after each adjustment. Eating soft foods and taking pain relievers can help with this discomfort. It is vital to brush and floss carefully to keep the teeth and braces clean. Regular check-ups with the dentist make sure everything is going as planned.
Traditional braces are a great choice because they are strong and work for all tooth problems. They can fix even the most serious misalignments. Unlike clear aligners, braces stay in place, so there is no risk of forgetting to wear them. They are typically more affordable than other options.
About Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are an orthodontic treatment that helps straighten teeth like traditional metal braces. The main difference is that ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets, making them less noticeable. Ceramic braces are an excellent option for people who want to fix their smile without having shiny metal braces on their teeth. The wires dentists use with ceramic braces can also match the color of your teeth, making them even more discreet.
Ceramic braces and metal braces work in the same way by gradually shifting your teeth into the proper position. However, ceramic braces are usually smoother and feel more comfortable against the inside of your mouth. One downside is that they can be more fragile than metal braces, so they may require extra care. They can also stain if you do not clean them properly, but regular brushing and avoiding dark-colored foods can help prevent this.
The benefits of ceramic braces include their clear and natural look, which makes them a popular choice for teens and adults. They offer the same strong results as metal braces while being less noticeable.
How to Maintain Your Smile After Braces
After getting your braces off, you must keep your smile looking great by caring for your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss daily to keep them clean and healthy. Your dentist will provide you with a retainer and you must wear it as directed to maintain the results of your braces. Try to avoid sticky or hard foods and candy that can damage your teeth. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial to ensure everything is in good shape. By following these simple steps, you can maintain your beautiful smile for years to come after your braces come off.
What is a Retainer?
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance you must wear in your mouth after removing your braces. This vital appliance helps your teeth in their new, straight position. Your dentist will fit you for it once you complete your treatment. We will also instruct you on how and when to wear your retainer and how to care for it.
About Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth return to their original position after your dentist removes the braces. Relapse can happen if you do not wear a retainer as directed. You must follow your dentist’s instructions on wearing the retainer to prevent relapse and keep your smile looking straight. Failing to do so means you will need to get braces again.
Straighten Your Smile
Call us today to see if you’re a candidate for ceramic braces! Contact Broadway Dental at 409-235-0789. You can also request a dental appointment with us online.