Traditional Braces
Braces build beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. We at Culebra can determine if you need braces to help with your teeth and jaw alignment needs.
Benefits of Braces
Braces can improve different aspects of life such as:
- Facial and smile appearance-the positive outcome of braces can have a significant effect on one’s quality of life and self-esteem.
- Oral health- it is harder to clean crowded teeth than straight teeth. Also certain types of bite problems damage teeth or gums.
- Oral function-some bite problems result in difficulty chewing, or making certain speech sounds, and may trigger grinding patterns.
When Braces are Recommended
If a patient’s upper arch is over the lower arch more than 2-3 millimeters, braces might be needed. If the over bite is 2-3 mm or less, than it is a healthy bite. If there is an underbite, crossbite, crowded teeth, or excessive spacing, the patient might need braces.
How Braces Work
Braces have three parts: brackets, bonding and arch wire.
The brackets are fixed to the teeth with bonding. The brackets and arch wire work together to move the teeth into new positions that will correct the bite, straighten the teeth, fix gaps and more. The arch wire puts pressure on the brackets to distribute the pressure to the entire tooth, and the dentist uses the arch wire to determine how the teeth are moved into their new positions.
Braces FAQ
Can I be too old for braces?
There is no age limit. Anyone with good periodontal health can use braces to straighten teeth and correct bite. More people over the age of 30 are getting braces today than ever before.
Does it hurt to get braces?
For the most part, braces do not hurt. But the first time you get separators or new wires, teeth may be sore for a few days. Other adjustments may or may not cause discomfort, depending on what is done.
Do you have to change your diet when wearing braces?
Only to a certain extent—at first your teeth will hurt, so it’s recommended to eat softer food until teeth adjust after a few weeks.
How long will I need to wear braces?
Each patient will have different needs, which affect how long they must wear braces. The treatment length can be from 12-36 months. Factors that determine length are if the patient cooperates with the dentist, age, jaw growth and the case’s complexity.
When do I start noticing a change?
Most people begin seeing a change in their teeth within the first 2-6 weeks of treatment.
Do I have to use braces to straighten teeth?
A popular way to straighten teeth without braces is Invisalign, which is a simple, easy method we also offer in our San Antonio office. It might work for you, but sometimes it does have limitations.
Make an appointment today at our San Antonio office to determine if braces are the best option for your needs.
