Are you considering getting braces but need help figuring out where to begin? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Your braces journey is a big step in dental health, so ensuring you understand the basics, such as what braces can do, how they work, available treatments, and more, is a great way to start! Experts in the orthodontic field, Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre have the knowledge and skills to attain your smile goals.
Exploring the Power of Braces
The most recognizable sign of orthodontic work, braces have provided reliable patient treatment for many years. Their primary function is to shift and align your teeth using measured pressure and tools, resulting in a beautifully straight smile. Braces can improve oral health and teeth alignment, enhance your smile’s appearance, and boost your self-esteem!
They treat many orthodontic issues, such as bite complications, crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and malocclusion. The earlier they are diagnosed, the more straightforward treatment can be. By gradually shifting your teeth, Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre can work with you to attain your dental goals!
Available Treatments
Damon Smile Metal Braces
Even more efficient than traditional braces, Damon Smile metal braces offer the latest orthodontic advances and are more comfortable than conventional ones. This innovative option allows fewer appointments, reduced friction, and efficient tooth movement. They are self-ligating, meaning they don’t require elastic bands, allowing for a smoother experience.
Clear Braces
Made of nearly invisible material, clear braces offer a discreet braces option that provides definitive results without the typically flashy look of treatment. They use tooth-colored brackets to blend with the rest of your smile. Our office primarily recommends them for older teens and adults due to their cost and fragility.
The Many Pieces That Construct Braces
Brackets
Brackets are the square components affixed to the front surface of each tooth, applying controlled pressure on your teeth and serving as anchor points for other pieces. They are placed to keep the archwire in the correct position and may require adjustments throughout your treatment.
Glue
Also referred to as bonding cement, this special orthodontic glue is used to secure the brackets onto each of your teeth. Trying to loosen a bracket may feel impossible by hand, but rest assured, the glue is made to easily come off of your teeth when using the right orthodontic tools.
Rubber Bands
Essential for bite corrections, rubber bands apply extra pressure on your jaw and teeth to push them slightly farther than the rest. Made in many different sizes and durabilities, they attach to your brackets’ upper and lower hooks.
Archwire
One of the most essential components, the archwire, takes over most of the work when applying pressure on your teeth and jaw to shift them in the right direction. It is weaved through each bracket to ensure each tooth is affected.
Metal Bands
Used to anchor your archwire, metal orthodontic bands are a custom-made appliance that is affixed to our back molars. Its job is to keep the archwire from shifting around too much so that your teeth don’t start to move in the wrong direction.
Spacers
Also referred to as separators, this component is used when orthodontists need to create extra space between your teeth to place bands. They come in small rings made of elastic or metal and are placed between your molars.
Understanding The Phases of Braces Treatment
Level and Align
At the start of treatment, we align all of your teeth so that they sit side by side. Depending on what they look like to start, they may need to be moved in different directions to match up with each other. This helps create a solid foundation as to what further adjustments need to be made.
Bite Adjustments
The next step involves more big moves in which bite complications, such as overbite, underbite, and crossbites, are corrected. This is a significant step in ensuring your upper and lower jaw align and can adequately function after treatment. As time goes on, you’ll be able to start noticing these changes in your chewing habits and at night when you sleep.
Fine-Tuning
In the final stretch of treatment comes fine-tuning, in which Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre focus on specific areas of your teeth to ensure their best alignment. Rubber bands may be used during this phase to apply a little extra pressure in the right places.
Each patient’s treatment plan is unique, so the order in which your treatment is applied may vary depending on your particular case and the braces you wear. Coming in for your check-ins is crucial so we can make adjustments as necessary to keep you on track.
Keeping Your Braces In Shape
Maintaining Oral Health
When Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre examine your teeth, they can see areas of your mouth you cannot and will bring up specific areas you can focus on when polishing everything. Maintaining oral habits such as brushing and flossing your teeth and braces twice daily is extremely important to keep your smile journey on track.
Our orthodontists are experts at keeping teeth and braces clean. They will happily answer questions about proper brushing and flossing techniques, equipment, and more.
Wearing a Mouthguard
Most applicable to sports players, our team recommends wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. It shields the blow and absorbs the shock. Should your teeth get knocked somehow, check on your appliance and teeth for any damage.
Your Responsibility in Treatment
Working towards your beautiful smile is a joint effort. Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics provides the appliance and expertise, while it is your responsibility to properly care for it and wear your rubber bands and retainers. We strive to make you part of your braces journey so you understand your treatment and how to provide everyday care best.
Unlock Your Healthy Smile at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics
No matter where you are in your smile journey, our team is always eager to be part of making smiles and improving your orthodontic health. Serving Edmond, Oklahoma City, Clinton, Deer Creek, and the surrounding communities, don’t hesitate to call any of our offices so we can schedule your free consultation and answer any lingering braces questions!