Straight teeth look great and feel even better, but only a very lucky few are born with properly positioned teeth and a perfectly aligned bite. If you aren’t one of these lucky people, let the Rio Dental & Orthodontics team help. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatment options from phase 1 early intervention treatments to alignment tray treatments and traditional braces. While traditional bracket and wire braces have a bad reputation, they are still the best solution to perfect smiles in a variety of situations. If you want to learn more about traditional braces or any of the other orthodontic solutions available from our team, call to schedule an appointment in one of our two dental offices in the DFW Metroplex in Irving and Farmers Branch.
How do Traditional Braces Work?
Traditional braces place pressure on individual teeth to gradually shift them into the best position within the bite. This is accomplished using a series of brackets and wires. Brackets are fused to the front surfaces of the teeth. Then, the wires are used to connect the brackets. To shift teeth, patients will visit our dental office regularly where we will adjust the wires to place pressure on specific brackets, moving teeth to their ideal placement. For more complex movements for bite alignment issues, like over, under, and crossbite, we may also use rubber bands. These bands are attached to brackets in order to place pressure that will shift the whole mouth into proper alignment.
How Long Will Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The length of your orthodontic treatment plan will depend in large part on the severity of your bite alignment concerns. For patients who just have a few teeth that erupted at odd angles or unevenly spaced, treatment may be completed in 12 to 18 months. More complex alignment processes can take 18 to 36 months or longer in some cases.
Will I Have to Wear a Retainer?
Yes. No matter what orthodontic solution you pick, you’ll need to wear a retainer. These orthodontic appliances hold your teeth in their new alignment as the supportive bone and gum tissue to reattach to the tooth roots and anchor the smile in place.
When are Braces Recommended?
No two patients are exactly alike, and no orthodontic treatment is right for everyone. Some of the situations where we are likely to recommend bracket and wire braces include treatments for:
- Those in need of more advanced movement that repositions the whole bite rather than just individual tooth position.
- Those who have a malpositioned jaw that needs to be repositioned in order to open the airway, relieve jaw joint pain, or to allow for more natural movement while speaking, chewing, or even sharing a smile.
- Those who are less likely to stay in compliance with a clear aligner orthodontic plan.
Braces FAQs
Does your child need braces in Irving to straighten their teeth and improve their oral health? At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists do everything they can to make your child’s experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Many parents are worried about what the process of getting traditional braces entails, which is why we’ve answered some common concerns we receive below.
What’s the best age to get braces?
Orthodontic problems affect people of a variety of ages, which is why it’s never too late to get braces. However, it is always a great idea to treat issues sooner rather than later, which is why many children between the ages of 10 and 14 are recommended to orthodontists treatment. The exact time of treatment depends on when your child’s adult teeth have all grown in.
If you’re curious about whether your child can benefit from braces, you can contact our office or schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists on our website.
Other than having a straighter smile, are braces really necessary?
Some people view braces as a strictly cosmetic treatment that just makes their smile appear more beautiful. However, this customizable orthodontic solution can also fix a variety of bite problems and even decrease the risk of gum disease and cavities. Straighter teeth are easier to clear of plaque and food debris, which prevents the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria. Additionally, correcting structural problems that cause bite issues can help reduce jaw pain and make it easier to chew food.
What causes orthodontic problems?
Typically, orthodontic issues are inherited, but they can also be the result of development factors as well. Habits that children acquire and maintain for long periods of time while they’re young, such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, abnormal swallowing, and early or late loss of baby teeth, can all cause issues when they’re older. However, problems such as crowding, crooked teeth, and jaw abnormalities are often inherited.
Is it hard to take care of braces?
If your teen or child gets braces, it’s important that they practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice each day and flossing after each meal. Plaque and food debris have more places to hide in their mouth because of brackets and wires, which is why it’s important to be thorough in removing these harmful substances. It’s also important to keep up with routine checkups, cleanings, and adjustment appointments with their orthodontist in Irving. That way, if any problems do arise, they can be treated immediately, preventing them from becoming more severe.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of braces?
Depending on your insurance provider and benefits plan, you may or may not have orthodontic coverage. In certain states, dental insurance may be required to cover braces; however, this can vary depending on your unique situation. If you have any doubts about your benefits, our team at Rio Dental & Orthodontics can help you find out. We accept most insurance plans at each location, in addition to Medicaid and CHIP at our Fort Worth location. We also offer additional financing through CareCredit with little to no interest and flexible payments.
