A beautiful smile is more than just straight teeth—it’s about confidence, health, and feeling great about yourself. But what if your teeth need a little help getting into the perfect position? At Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we specialize in transforming smiles and answering all your questions about how braces can straighten teeth. Let’s explore braces and how they can straighten your teeth.
Orthodontic Challenges That Braces Fix
Smiles are unique, and so are the orthodontic challenges they face. At Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we review your smile and decide which approach to tackling its issue would be best. Braces can take on a lot of orthodontic challenges, but which are some of the most common?
Explaining Overcrowding
Overcrowding is one of the most common challenges in orthodontics. Overcrowding is where the teeth are misaligned due to limited space in the jaw. It not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also lead to serious oral health issues. Teeth crowd together when there isn’t enough space in the jaw, leading to alignment problems.
Braces address overcrowding by gradually shifting the teeth into a straighter alignment, making the needed space. We can also use additional appliances, like expanders, to widen the jaw as well.
Understanding Overbites & Underbites
An overbite is where the upper teeth don’t align neatly with the lower teeth. The upper teeth instead push forward in front of them. An overbite is a very common malocclusion, with many people having a slight overbite. However, a more severe overbite can lead to other issues.
The more serious malocclusion is an underbite. An underbite is the opposite of an overbite, where the teeth extend over the top front teeth. It can happen if your lower jaw protrudes over your upper teeth, creating an underbite. About 5% to 10% of people have an underbite, ranging from mild to severe cases. Severe cases can bring problems such as difficulty eating and abrasion of enamel.
The way that braces work is that they gradually shift the teeth either forward or backward, depending on the case. First, the archwire will straighten and align your teeth. Then, we’ll use elastics to shift the jawline into the right position. These small rubber elastics add an extra hand to apply the gradual pressure to craft your smile.
How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?
Braces are the backbone of any orthodontic treatment. Braces can handle some of the most challenging cases and still deliver some of the best results. The goal of braces is to provide consistent, gentle pressure on the teeth. This gradual force moves the teeth into their perfect position over time.
Braces can be an option for any patient. From children to adults, braces can provide a solution to many orthodontic issues. However, braces for children and teenagers can be more effective than with adults due to early treatment benefiting from a still-growing jaw.
The Role of Archwires
The archwire is the guide for your teeth. The thin metal wire that goes through the brackets moves the teeth by applying force. We’ll adjust the archwire during your appointments to keep your smile on its path.
The Role of Brackets
We’ll place small metal or ceramic brackets directly on your teeth with specialized orthodontic glue. They act as the anchors for the archwire, allowing the wire to guide the teeth that need the movement.
The Science Behind Moving Your Teeth
Your braces work on your periodontal ligaments. These ligaments connect your teeth to your jaw and allow the movement of your teeth while eating and chewing. When you have braces, the pressure put onto your teeth creates a biological response, adjusting the ligaments and remodeling the jawbone. This makes sure your teeth move safely and effectively.
Braces are made up of two key components: the archwire and the brackets. These two work together to achieve that consistent movement of your teeth.
Answering Your Braces Questions
At Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we want you to be well-informed and supported throughout your or your child’s orthodontic treatment. Here are some frequently asked questions that you may have about your braces journey.
How Long Is Treatment With Braces?
The duration of treatment with braces can vary depending on the specifics of your treatment. Everything from your needs, the severity of your bite, and how well you follow our instructions can affect the length of treatment. On average, treatments can last from 18 months to 3 years.
Should My Child Avoid Certain Activities or Foods With Braces?
Protecting your child’s treatment is very important, and any harm to their brackets or wires can disrupt their new smile. Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods can help reduce the risk to their braces. If your child does contact sports or activities, a protective mouthguard can help prevent damage to their braces.
Are Braces Uncomfortable to Wear?
While it’s common for patients to experience some discomfort or soreness right after they get their braces or receive adjustments, it’s usually temporary. To help ease this transition period, using pain relievers and eating soft foods can make any discomfort pass.
How Often Will We Need To Visit Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics?
Coming in for regular adjustments is crucial to keeping your treatment on track. You’ll typically come to see us every 4 to 6 weeks, but it can vary based on the treatment plan Dr. Hamer or Dr. Glassick made for you.
Choosing Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics
At Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a stunning smile, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.