Traditional Braces – Glenpool, OK

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

With traditional braces, metal brackets are bonded to the front surfaces of every tooth. A wire is threaded through each of these brackets and is tightened regularly throughout the course of treatment. By adjusting this wire, our team is able to exert pressure on different parts of your bite to gradually bring all of your teeth into their ideal positions.

Traditional braces typically work in two stages: first, the crowns of the teeth are shifted, and then the roots must catch up. The total treatment time for braces depends on the severity of your case. Most patients are finished after 18 to 24 months. We can give you a more personalized timeline estimate at your consultation.

Benefits of Traditional Braces

While more discreet options like Invisalign are becoming increasingly popular, traditional braces are still the best choice in many situations. For one, they’re able to fix a wider variety of bite alignment issues. Clear aligners often only shift the crowns of the teeth, while braces focus on moving the roots as well. They can correct more severely crooked teeth in addition to problems like overbite, underbite, and crossbite.

Another advantage of braces is that they are fixed in place. With clear aligners, there’s always the possibility of taking out the trays, setting them down, and forgetting where you put them. Braces are not removable, making them more ideal for younger patients who may not be quite responsible enough yet to wear aligners as often as prescribed.

Caring for Traditional Braces

For the most part, you can continue brushing and flossing as normal once you have braces. However, you may need to make some changes to keep your teeth completely clean. For instance, food particles can get caught in the brackets and wires, so we recommend brushing after each meal as well as every morning and every night. Flossing may be a bit more difficult, but we can suggest products to help, such as air or water flossers.

You’ll also have to avoid certain chewy, crunchy, or hard foods to prevent damaging a bracket or wire. We’ll provide you with a full list, but know that you’ll have to stay away from items like:

• Popcorn
• Caramel
• Dried fruit
• Chewing gum
• Corn on the cob