At Pioneer Orthodontics, braces are our specialty! Dr. Tewes and our team work to provide high-quality care to everyone looking to improve their smile. If you don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. You’ve landed in the right place! You can count on us to explain the basics of braces and how they work, what issues they treat, the types we offer at our office, and other questions you may have!
Understanding the Essentials of Braces
Braces are the appliance orthodontist offices are best known for. They work to straighten both your teeth and jaw, providing solutions to even the most complex dental issues. Helping orthodontic patients for years, they continue to provide invaluable treatment with both function and aesthetic benefits. They improve oral health and teeth alignment, enhance your smile’s appearance, and boost your self-esteem!
Complications Treated With Braces
Helping to provide relief for a variety of complications, braces are known for their reliability and effective treatment. Whether you are dealing with an overbite, underbite, gapped teeth, malocclusion, or something similar, the earlier it is diagnosed, the more straightforward treatment can be. By gradually shifting your teeth, Dr. Tewes can work with you to attain your dental goals!
Braces Components and Their Functions
Brackets
Providing an anchor point for many other parts, brackets are square attachments made of either metal or ceramic that apply gentle, continuous pressure on your teeth to help them shift over time.
Glue
Brackets are secured to your teeth using a special orthodontic glue. While it is a solid material to keep your appliance in place throughout treatment, this adhesive is designed to be removed so your braces can easily come off with the right tools when needed.
Archwire
The archwire is a long wire visible across your teeth that takes on the primary duty of alignment. It is threaded through your brackets and works together with your brackets to push your teeth in the right direction.
Bands
Though not used in all cases, bands may affixed to your back molars to keep the archwire steady and in place. This metal piece is custom-made to fit over your teeth as comfortably as possible.
Retainer
Once your braces are removed at the end of treatment, Pioneer Orthodontics will provide you with a retainer to keep all the work you accomplished in the right place. They are custom-made to fit each of our patient’s teeth and are available in both removable and fixed options.
Imaging Equipment
iTero Element Scanner
The iTero Element Scanner is a state-of-the-art laser scanner that allows us to see an advanced view of your teeth and gums, eliminating the need for goopy impressions. We use the information it gives us to decide where your braces should be placed on your teeth and ensure you get a beautiful smile.
X-Rays
Another resource to provide information and help solidify your treatment plan is x-rays. X-rays offer detailed information on your tooth structure and bone density. They can show us conditions not visible, such as impacted teeth.
What Kinds of Braces Are Available?
Pioneer Orthodontics is proud to offer our patients options when it comes to deciding on your appliance. We will work with you to find the best appliance for your goals!
Damon Smile Metal Braces
The most popular teeth-straightening method at our office, Damon Smile metal braces, are the latest in orthodontic technology and provide a more comfortable option to their traditional counterpart. This innovative option allows fewer appointments, reduced friction, and efficient tooth movement. They are self-ligating, meaning they do not require elastic bands, allowing for a smoother experience.
Damon Clear Braces
Damon Clear braces are made of ceramic and offer the effective results of metal braces without their flashy appearance. They blend in with your teeth using tooth-colored brackets, making them a popular choice among older teens and adults interested in starting their smile journey. The brackets utilize stain-resistant technology, so you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty when you reach for a sip of coffee or tea.
What Does the Realignment Process Entail?
When you begin your braces journey, we will take you in for a free consultation so you can get an idea of what your teeth need to straighten out. Once Dr. Tewes details your care plan along with the appliances he recommends, as well as how it should be placed, our team can begin treatment! We carefully configure the placement of your braces in order to rest the correct amount of pressure on your teeth. Controlled by the brackets and archwire, your teeth will slowly start to shift, and you will get to see results!
Throughout treatment, Dr. Tewes will check in with your progress during appointments every six weeks or so to ensure your teeth and jaw are moving according to plan or make adjustments to keep them going in the right direction. By the end of treatment, you can expect a straighter smile and more straightforward oral care, resulting in improved general health and a boost in confidence!
Your Braces Await You at Pioneer Orthodontics!
Dr. Tewesa and our team are eager to help new patients begin their smile journey. We proudly serve the York and Lincoln area and the surrounding communities to provide high-quality orthodontic care so everyone can work towards a smile they love to show. If you feel ready to start treatment, schedule your free consultation with our scheduling coordinator so we can help you begin!