What to Expect for Dental Braces

Did you know that there are three phases or stages in the treatment with dental braces? Firstly, the initial placement, then the periodic adjustment phase, and finally, wearing a retainer.

If you’ll have the conventional fixed braces, stainless steel or ceramic brackets are attached to the outer surfaces of teeth, ring-like bands of stainless steel or titanium encircle the molar teeth to hold connecting wires in place, a flexible wire that connects all of the brackets and bands, controlling movement of the teeth, and other accessories to help position the teeth.

The time frame these braces stay on teeth varies from patient to patient; on the average a period of one to three years. That depends on the severity of the condition, distance of teeth movement, available room to move, health of the mouth structures, and patient compliance.

If corrections are minor, customized, removable, clear aligners are used instead of braces. Worn 24 hours a day, except when eating or brushing up to 24 hours a day if possible, the braces stay on until these will be replaced by the next set of aligners.

You will have to make regular monthly visits to your orthodontist for periodic adjustments by tightening or bending the wires. Teeth will respond to the mild pressure by shifting to their new positions. Sometimes elastic bands are placed between opposing teeth where tension between the upper and lower jaws will promote correct alignment. Every time there is adjustment, some discomfort will be felt as tension is applied.

After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a plastic retainer all the time for the first six months. This is to stabilized the straightened teeth for a retention period to prevent them from shifting back to their original position. Retainers can be removable or fixed.

Bellevue Dental Braces: All You Need To Know

Because dental braces require your understanding and cooperation to achieve treatment goals, we at Overlake Dental make sure that we come out with reasonable expectations. We are experienced professionals who see to our patients’ comfort and well-being in each treatment phase with braces.

Understanding Teeth Time Table

You notice your little one’s crooked teeth early on and start to worry about him growing up with less self-esteem. Not to mention dental problems. Better for you to seek first advice from a specialist to be able to navigate through this and prepare.

The condition of your child’s teeth will bear heavily on when dental braces will be needed. Usually, the timing for braces is when there is no more primary teeth. The growth phase for permanent teeth is generally between the ages of 8 to 14 years old. If your child has an overbite, braces may not correct it if he is still under 10 years of age because the permanent teeth are still growing in his lower jaw. A child’s buck teeth can be corrected with braces when he is around 12.

Many orthodontists prefer using different appliances, and not braces, during the early developmental years. This is the first phase. Then when the child starts losing his primaries and the permanents are already coming out, the specialist goes into the second phase of treatment, which will use dental braces. Orthodontists believe this interceptive method makes it easier for the patient’s adjustment and cooperation. The second phase can be shortened, becomes easier and the entire procedure may be lighter for parents’ finances.

Pay heed to some early manifestations of orthodontic issues in your child. For example, early tooth loss which will lead to drifting and gaps; late tooth loss as well that can impede the permanent tooth’s normal eruption. Look for misplaced or crowded teeth which are potential oral hygiene problems; they can also disrupt normal biting and chewing. Watch out if your child indulges in finger-sucking, has cavities and eats poorly.

About Time to Visit Bellevue Dentist

Know more about your child’s dental condition by bringing him early to see our dentist in Bellevue. Find out how soon and what approach is best for his orthodontic issues. Our Bellevue dental braces fit the right patients at the best time. Overlake Dental believes that well-informed parents make better choices for themselves and their child.

Dental Braces’ Suitability for Every Age

You see dental braces more often among teenagers simply because this is the stage when they are very particular about their looks. Crooked teeth can make them very self-conscious. Many kids this age, though, dread braces, finding the metal appliances uncomfortable to wear and to clean, sometimes painful, and too conspicuous. Treatment can take as long as a couple of years. However, parents might pay a hefty price for them as only they and the dentist know how braces can restore healthy function of teeth and jaw, as well as self-esteem.

Consider what braces can do to align crooked teeth, fix teeth that overlap and reduce crowding, correct overbite and close gaps. Successful treatment with braces lowers the risk of periodontal disease, preserves natural enamel of teeth, restores normal jaw function and enables proper speech and eating habits.

In fact, there is no age limit for dental braces. Children as young as 8 to 14 can commence with orthodontic treatment. Their mouths are still growing, tissues are soft and malleable and are highly amenable to corrective measures with braces. Treatment period can also be significantly reduced at this stage. If you have to wait until you are an adult to have braces, so long as teeth and gums are reasonably strong, you can expect optimal results.

Dental braces are not suitable for patients with weakened gums or poor dental health.

Depending on adult teeth’s condition, most people are in treatment from one to three years. This is followed by a period of wearing a retainer that holds teeth in their new positions.

Today’s dental braces are more comfortable and lighter. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments. There are braces that are made from clear materials and hence less conspicuous. There are popular braces or aligners that straighten teeth in just 6 months or so. Your dentist, or better, your orthodontist, should know which is best for you.

Orthodontic Specialist for all Ages in Bellevue

Drop by Overlake Dental and consult with us about your particular condition and requirements. Know that orthodontics require a lot of commitment and dedication between specialist and patient. If you are firm about getting a healthier mouth and a more confident smile, see us in Bellevue.