Traditional Braces

Even though there are alternatives to conventional orthodontia, braces still help many people from all age groups and backgrounds. Traditional braces can move even the most problematically placed teeth to healthier positions. Mascola Orthodontics offers high quality orthodontic care so that members of our community enjoy vibrant oral health and beautiful smiles.

Orthodontics and Your Oral Health

Having a straight smile offers more than just aesthetic benefits. A healthy bite with properly spaced teeth promotes smooth and comfortable oral function, preserves the dental structure, and lessens the risk for common oral conditions.

Straighter teeth tend to be healthier than crooked, overlapped, and crowded teeth. This is because orthodontic issues lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Teeth that aren’t spaced properly are very difficult to keep clean. When teeth accumulate plaque and tartar, a person has increased risks for developing periodontal disease and dental caries (tooth decay). On top of increased risks for oral health conditions, improperly aligned teeth make contact when and where they shouldn’t – which can accelerate untimely tooth wear and strain the TMJ.

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What to Expect When Wearing Braces

Wearing braces takes some adjustment. It will likely take a couple weeks to get used to eating food with fixed orthodontic appliances in your mouth. Over time, however, wearing braces will feel like a normal part of your everyday life.

If you’re adjusting to life with braces, it is important to acknowledge that the way you eat and clean your teeth will change during treatment. For example, you will need to avoid certain types of foods – especially those with tough or chewy consistencies. Taffy, for instance, is normally off-limits because it can become lodged between orthodontic appliances and teeth. Chewing something like taffy might also break or loosen archwires and brackets.

When it comes to cleaning your teeth, be sure to take your time brushing and flossing. You should thoroughly and gently brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, twice a day. Flossing is very important, even if you have braces. Carefully thread floss behind archwire every time you move it between teeth. Some patients invest in other dental hygiene tools like water irrigators. These tools can help keep the surfaces of teeth and your braces clean. If you have questions about oral hygiene products, ask our staff for recommendations and always look for the ADA seal of acceptance.

Throughout your treatment, you will come to Mascola Orthodontics to have your braces adjusted. This process is quick and integral to achieving a straighter smile. Since adjustments tighten braces, patients might feel some discomfort for a day or two due to the change in pressure applied to their teeth.

Many people use dental wax during orthodontic treatment. This wax can be applied over orthodontic appliances like brackets to keep them from irritating soft oral tissue. Wax is also helpful for plugging the end of archwires if they become loose or break until you can come to our office for repairs.

Mascola Orthodontics is here to help you achieve the straight smile of your dreams. Call us to ask questions or schedule a consultation with our team.

Traditional Braces | Torrance | San Pedro | Dr. Mascola

Common Questions about Traditional Braces

What kind of braces are the best?

When it comes to all modern orthodontic systems, there’s really not a type of braces that are universally regarded as “the best”. Each orthodontic system presents advantages that might make treatment better for some based on each person’s circumstances. Choosing the right kind of braces starts with an orthodontic consultation.

A consultation involves a physical examination and answering questions about your treatment objectives, lifestyle habits, and health history. After performing an examination and learning more about you, Dr. Mascola will determine the best treatment options for your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Orthodontics is very personalized to ensure that patients enjoy high quality care with effective results.

What type of braces works the fastest?

The time it takes to reach your orthodontic goals can vary due to a few factors. First, it’s important to know that everyone’s situation is unique. Some people’s tooth positioning can be corrected more quickly than others. People also respond to orthodontic treatment differently.

Some types of braces are designed to move teeth quickly. Invisalign is typically regarded as a fast orthodontic system. There are also conventional orthodontic appliances that can expedite the correction of tooth placement among some patients.

While there are instances when straightening teeth can be quicker than others, it’s best to view orthodontic treatment as a worthy investment of your time. In the grand scheme of things, a lifetime of having a straight and healthy smile is worth a year or more in orthodontic treatment.

What is the average time for braces?

On average, a person can spend between a year and three years wearing braces of some kind. Treatment times can fluctuate from person to person based on a number of factors including the placement of their teeth, age, type of braces used, and their responsiveness to treatment.

Our orthodontist can provide estimates for treatment times after a consultation. This visit involves a physical examination and taking diagnostic images like X-rays. Our team will also ask about your lifestyle habits and oral health history.

How do traditional braces work?

Traditional braces work by applying consistent but gentle pressure to teeth. This pressure will generate the force needed to move teeth to healthier, straighter positions. Pressure is generated from fixed oral appliances like brackets and archwires. Throughout treatment, wires will be adjusted to accommodate the new movement of teeth and to encourage future tooth movement. An orthodontist carefully determines the tightness of braces throughout treatment to ensure that teeth are progressively moving to their desired positions.