The Smile You Always Wanted
Not everyone was born with a perfect smile. Dental braces have helped millions of people over the years achieve the smile they want. Orthodontic technology has advanced at a rapid pace over the past several decades and dental braces have not been left behind. If you’re looking for braces in Rocky Hill CT you’ve found the right place.
Traditional braces have progressed since the early days and are now lighter in weight and structure than ever before. They’re made from high-grade stainless steel and have metal brackets that are attached to each tooth using a type of dental bonding cement. The brackets are linked to each other with a thin arch wire, which puts pressure on the teeth and causes them to move slowly into the correct position. The arch wires are connected to the brackets using tiny elastics known as ligatures or O-rings. The rings will be changed each time the braces are tightened. Some braces have brackets that don’t require O-rings – they’re called self-ligating braces.
These work the same way as traditional braces, but the brackets are made from a clear, transparent ceramic material. The main advantage is the braces are less visible to others, making them a popular choice for adults who want discreet orthodontic treatment. Patients wearing these types of braces sometimes find that the elastics become discolored, which can cause marks on the teeth. Ask Dr. Hemphill if these might work for you.
These type of braces are popular with orthodontists because they provide gentler treatment and require fewer dental visits. Damon braces are self-ligating and use a slide mechanism instead of elastics to connect arch wires. They produce faster results because the teeth can move on their own without needing to be adjusted by the dentist. The result is less friction and pressure on the teeth, making movement less painful. They’re also easier to keep clean.
Placed behind the teeth, these braces offer great cosmetic advantages for those who want their teeth straightened without braces showing. To get fitted for lingual braces you’ll have an impression of your teeth taken which is then sent to a dental lab and used to create customized brackets. Like traditional braces, this product works by applying gentle yet continuous pressure on your teeth.
A lot of people get excited about removable orthodontic aligners, but sometimes traditional style braces are the better choice. For some people the fact that dental braces are not removable is desirable. If you’re the kind of person who wants to set it and forget it, then braces are more ideal than removing aligners and needing to remember to put them back in and clean them properly. Braces are generally better suited for fixing complex tooth issues. Braces have also been noted to be faster at closing gaps between teeth.
Ideal candidates for braces are those who are looking to address imperfections such as:
Once it’s been determined that you’ll be receiving orthodontic treatment the first step is placing the brackets onto your teeth. A cheek retractor is used to keep your teeth visible during the procedure. Your teeth will first be polished to ensure the brackets will bond properly.
A conditioner is applied on the surface of your teeth for 30 seconds to further prepare them for bonding brackets. After the conditioner is cleaned off an adhesive primer is placed on your teeth to enhance the bonding process.
Cement is placed on the back of the brackets, which are then applied to your teeth. Once the brackets are in place any excess cement is removed, and the brackets are hardened into place using a high-intensity blue light.
After the brackets are set the next step is putting the dental arch wires into place. The entire process of bonding the brackets and placing the wires in place can take as little as 20 minutes.
Finally, the arch wires are tightened and you’re done. It’s normal to experience soreness for four to six hours after your appointment. The soreness is a result of the arch wires tightening the teeth into the correct position.
If you’d like to find out if you’re a candidate for braces, contact West Hill Family Dental today to schedule your appointment.