You probably know friends and family members who have worn braces to work on their smile, but have you ever wondered how they straighten teeth? At Pioneer Orthodontics, our team shares every step of the braces process so our patients understand exactly what is going on with their teeth during treatment. Read on to learn more about how braces work, your treatment options with us, and how each component functions to get the job done.
All About Braces
Braces are an amazing orthodontic appliance that has been around for many years, helping countless patients reach perfect alignment. Thanks to modern advances in orthodontics, they remain a popular and reliable choice.
This appliance can fix many common orthodontic complications children and adults may encounter, including bite issues, malocclusion, jaw pain, crowding, and spacing. Not only will treatment help you achieve the aesthetics of a wonderful smile, but your general health will also benefit.
The Key to Straightening Your Teeth
The archwire stretching across your upper and lower teeth places constant pressure on your teeth over a long period to gradually shift them into their ideal position. This slow, controlled movement supports your bone structure and allows it to be reshaped as your teeth settle. Your teeth position is not permanent and actually moves slightly every day. Braces simply guide that movement and ensure they move in the right direction.
Enhancing Your Treatment with Technology
At Pioneer Orthodontics, our team stays current on the latest orthodontic advances to ensure our patients receive the most effective care possible. Using devices such as the iTero element scanner and indirect bonding software, Dr. Tewes can reference detailed 3D scans of your teeth to help create your custom appliance and determine the best placement for your treatment plan.
Your Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Known for their strength and reliability, metal braces are an excellent choice of appliance when looking to straighten your smile. We use Damon and Pitts self-ligating systems, meaning the braces hold the archwire in place without the requirement of elastic ties to place pressure on specific areas of your teeth. They utilize lighter wires and sleeker brackets to reduce irritation felt throughout treatment.
Clear Braces
Damon clear braces provide an aesthetic alternative with the same trusted reliability as their metal counterparts. They use tooth-colored brackets and other components that blend into your smile so you can continue smiling confidently throughout treatment. Thanks to orthodontic advances, clear braces are stain-resistant. Your cup of coffee or glass of wine won’t change your appliance color.
Do They Hurt?
You don’t need to worry about any pain while wearing braces. Patients may occasionally feel soreness or pressure after initial placement or wire tightenings as their teeth adjust to the new force being placed on their teeth by their braces. However, this should go away after no more than a week.
As your teeth begin to align, levels of discomfort will decrease. If your appliance continues to cause irritation or soreness, please contact our front desk. Pioneer Orthodontics’ top priority is your comfort throughout treatment with us.
Understanding Each Component and Its Function
Brackets
Brackets are the small square anchors on the front of your teeth that hold the archwire in place behind a small door. Depending on your chosen appliance, they are made of either a stainless steel mix or ceramic.
Archwire
This thin wire is threaded through each bracket and controls much of the pressure spread across your mouth. The gentle pressure the archwire presses against your teeth can be adjusted during follow-up appointments to ensure they are being pushed in the right direction.
Elastics
When certain areas of your teeth need an extra push in the right direction, small elastic bands are hooked onto your brackets to shift your jaw and teeth. They are available in many sizes, strengths, and colors to customize their use to your specific case.
Glue
To affix your brackets to your teeth, Dr. Tewes uses special orthodontic glue that ensures they stay in place throughout treatment. After placement, they may feel permanently stuck, but we can easily remove them with the right tools after your teeth have straightened out.
Additional Components
The above pieces are standard for traditional braces and are used in every treatment plan. Some components, such as orthodontic bands, are only used as necessary. Orthodontic bands are stainless steel rings glued onto molars, providing an extra anchor for elastics and other parts.
Spacers, also known as separators, are small rings placed between teeth to create extra space. They are typically utilized before bands to make enough room for them. Finally, ligatures are used to attach the archwire to your brackets. They come in dozens of colors to match your aesthetic goals.
Average Treatment Cost
For complete treatment without insurance, Damon metal braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000, while clear ceramic braces cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Each patient’s final cost will differ as we create unique treatment plans for everyone. Final costs fluctuate depending on your appliance choice, age, current oral health, and the work you would like accomplished.
When you come in for a free consultation, Dr. Tewes can provide a complete rundown of how each cost factors into your investment and answer any questions so no surprises await you later in treatment. If you plan to use dental insurance, our team will happily walk you through this process and file your claim for you.
Your Braces Journey Begins with Pioneer Orthodontics!
Providing specialized treatment to York, Lincoln, and the surrounding communities, Pioneer Orthodontics is proud to serve our patients with the best care around. If you have any questions or concerns, our team will ensure you get the answers you need before starting work on your teeth. We are always ready to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Tewes and get started on treatment today!