Braces, also known as orthodontic appliances, are devices used to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. These appliances employ a system of metal brackets affixed to each tooth’s front surface, connected by a thin, flexible archwire. The archwire exerts gentle but consistent pressure on the teeth, gradually repositioning them into their proper alignment over time.

At ARCUS Dental Clinic, the Best dental clinic for braces in KPHB, we specialize in providing comprehensive orthodontic treatments for both adults and children. Our team of highly skilled and experienced orthodontists is dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful, aligned smiles through the use of cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art technology.

While traditional metal braces remain a popular and effective option, we also offer an innovative alternative: clear aligners. These virtually invisible appliances are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, applying gentle pressure to gradually shift them into their desired positions. Clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces, including increased comfort, improved aesthetics, and the ability to remove them for eating and oral hygiene routines.

At ARCUS Dental Clinic, we take pride in delivering high-quality clear aligner treatments, utilizing industry-leading products such as Invisalign. Our team has earned a reputation for providing the best Invisalign braces treatment in the KPHB area, renowned for our expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving outstanding results for our patients.

Whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners, our dedicated orthodontists will offer Best Braces and aligner’s treatment in KPHB. They will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. We understand the importance of a beautiful, healthy smile and strive to provide a comfortable and positive experience throughout the entire orthodontic journey.

Types of Braces

There are several different types of braces available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of braces depends on factors such as the severity of the dental issue, personal preferences, and the recommendations of the orthodontist or dentist.

1. Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most popular type of braces that most people use. They consist of small metal brackets that are bonded to the front surface of each tooth, with a thin, flexible archwire running through them. The archwire is secured to the brackets using tiny elastic ligatures or clips, which can be clear, tooth-colored, or colored for aesthetic purposes.

2. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work in a similar manner to metal braces, but the brackets, wires, and ligatures are made of tooth-colored or clear materials, making them less noticeable. However, ceramic braces are more fragile and prone to discoloration than their metal counterparts.

3. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed on the inside (lingual) surfaces of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the outside. These braces are custom-made for each patient and can be more challenging to adjust and clean compared to traditional braces.

4. Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces use a built-in clip system instead of elastic ligatures to hold the archwire in place. This design may reduce friction and discomfort during treatment, potentially leading to shorter treatment times.

5. Clear Aligners

A lot of people choose clear aligners like Invisalign and Clear Correct over standard braces. Clear aligners don’t use brackets and wires. Instead, they use a set of custom-made, removable plastic trays to move teeth into the right place over time. These aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning, making them a more convenient and aesthetically appealing option for some patients.

How Braces Work

Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to the teeth, which stimulates the body’s natural bone remodeling process. The archwires exert forces on the brackets, which are transferred to the teeth, causing them to gradually move into their desired positions.

The specific mechanism of tooth movement involves the compression and stretching of the periodontal ligament (the connective tissue that attaches the tooth to the surrounding bone). When pressure is applied to a tooth, the periodontal ligament is compressed on the side of the force, while it is stretched on the opposite side. This pressure and tension create areas of bone resorption and deposition, respectively, allowing the tooth to gradually move through the alveolar bone.

The biomechanical forces applied by braces are carefully controlled and adjusted by the orthodontist through various techniques, such as changing the archwire shape, and material, or using auxiliary components like elastics or coil springs.

In addition to the mechanical forces, biological processes within the periodontal ligament and adjacent alveolar bone play a role in tooth movement. The application of force triggers cellular responses, leading to the release of various enzymes and chemical mediators that facilitate the remodeling of the bone, enabling the teeth to shift into their desired positions over time.

Procedure

The process involves several steps, which we will guide you through from start to finish.

• Consultation and Assessment

The first step in the braces procedure at Arcus, the Best dental clinic for braces in KPHB, is a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists. During this appointment, the orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. They may take X-rays, photographs, and impressions (molds) of your teeth to create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

This assessment phase is crucial as it allows the orthodontist to identify any underlying dental issues and determine the most appropriate type of braces for your case. They will also discuss your treatment goals, and expectations, and address any concerns you may have.

• Preparing for Braces

Once the treatment plan is finalized, the next step is to prepare your mouth for braces. This may involve:

1. Teeth Cleaning: A professional cleaning will ensure your teeth are free of plaque and tartar, providing a clean surface for the braces to adhere to.
2. Spacers: In some cases, the orthodontist may place small rubber spacers between your back teeth to create room for the orthodontic bands.
3. Tooth Extraction: If your mouth is overcrowded, the orthodontist may recommend extracting one or more teeth to create space for the remaining teeth to align properly.

These preparatory steps help ensure a smooth and successful braces treatment process.

• Braces Placement

On the day of your braces placement appointment, the orthodontist will begin by thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth. They will then apply a special bonding agent to your teeth, which helps the brackets (the small attachments that hold the archwire) adhere securely.

Next, the orthodontist will carefully position and bond the brackets onto each tooth, one by one After putting in all of the frames, the archwire will be put through them and held in place with elastic bands or special clips.

The archwire is the key component that applies gentle, consistent pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions over time.

• Adjustment Appointments

After your braces are placed, you will need to visit Arcus regularly for adjustment appointments. These appointments typically occur every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your specific treatment plan.

At these appointments, the orthodontist will check on how your teeth are moving and make any changes to the braces that are needed. This may involve tightening or replacing the archwire, repositioning brackets, or adding auxiliary appliances like elastics or coil springs.

Adjustments are essential to ensure your teeth are moving in the correct direction and at the appropriate pace.

• Oral Hygiene and Care

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial while undergoing braces treatment to prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and staining. At Arcus, our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to properly brush, floss, and care for your braces.

It is important to brush and floss diligently, as food particles can easily become trapped in the brackets and wires. You may also need to use special orthodontic brushes and floss threaders to clean hard-to-reach areas effectively.

At Arcus, we take pride in providing exceptional metal braces treatment to our patients in the KPHB area. Our team of highly skilled and experienced orthodontists uses the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

From your initial consultation to the final removal of your braces, we will guide you through every step of the process, addressing any concerns you may have and ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment.

Treatment Duration and Maintenance

The duration of orthodontic treatment with braces can vary significantly, typically ranging from 12 to 36 months, depending on the complexity of the case, the patient’s age, and their compliance with instructions. More severe cases may require longer treatment periods.

During Best Braces and aligners treatment in KPHB, regular visits to the dentist are necessary for adjustments and monitoring, typically occurring every 4 to 8 weeks. These appointments involve replacing archwires, repositioning brackets, or making other modifications to ensure the teeth are moving as planned.

After the desired tooth alignment is achieved, the braces are removed, and the patient is typically required to wear a retainer to maintain the new position of the teeth. Retainers are custom-made devices that help keep teeth from moving back to where they were before treatment. This makes sure that the benefits last.

Visit Arcus today and embark on your journey toward a stunning, straight smile with the best metal braces clinic in KPHB.

Introduction to Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are often used instead of standard metal braces to straighten teeth.

At Arcus, we offer high-quality clear aligner treatment to help you achieve a beautiful, straight smile with a discrete and comfortable approach. The clear aligner procedure involves several steps, which we will guide you through from start to finish.

• Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning

The first step in the clear aligner procedure at Arcus is a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists. During this appointment, the orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. They may take X-rays, photographs, and impressions (molds) of your teeth to create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

This assessment phase is crucial as it allows the orthodontist to identify any underlying dental issues and determine if clear aligners are the most appropriate treatment option for your case. They will also discuss your treatment goals, and expectations, and address any concerns you may have.

• Creating Your Custom Aligners

Once the treatment plan is finalized, the next step is to create your custom clear aligners. This process involves the following:

1. Digital Modeling: Using the impressions and photographs taken during your consultation, our team will create a detailed 3D digital model of your teeth.
2. Treatment Simulation: Advanced computer software will simulate the step-by-step movement of your teeth from their current positions to the desired final alignment.
3. Aligner Fabrication: Based on the treatment simulation, a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners will be manufactured using precise 3D printing technology.

Each aligner in the series is slightly different, representing the gradual repositioning of your teeth over time.

• Wearing Your Clear Aligners

When your custom aligners are ready, you’ll return to Arcus to receive your first set and instructions on how to wear and care for them properly. Clear aligners are designed to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

You’ll typically wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series. As you switch to the new aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into their desired positions, following the predetermined treatment plan.

• Progress Monitoring and Quality Checks

Throughout your clear aligner treatment, you’ll need to visit Arcus regularly for progress monitoring and quality checks. These appointments typically occur every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your specific treatment plan. During these visits, the orthodontist will assess the movement of your teeth and ensure the aligners are fitting properly. They may also take new impressions or scans to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the remaining aligners.

These quality checks are essential to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and to address any potential issues or concerns.

Visit Arcus today and schedule an appointment with our experienced orthodontists to learn more about our clear aligner treatment options. We are committed to ensuring every patient at Arcus can afford their best smile, and we look forward to helping you achieve the confident, radiant smile you deserve.

Benefits and risks

Most people can see that having braces makes your smile better and more attractive. But braces can also

• Help yourself clean your teeth better.
• Avoid getting cavities and mouth disease.
• Fix problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
• Bring back normal activities like speaking and chewing.
• In short, braces can make your smile look better, work better, and be healthier.

Braces can cause some minor side effects that you should expect, such as:

• Occasionally painful (this happens most of the time on the first day and whenever your doctor tightens your braces).
• Your mouth, lips, or inner cheeks may feel itchy.
• It hurts in the jaw.
• Having trouble eating (especially after a tightening).
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers can help with most of these side effects. To help with mouth irritation, you can also buy tooth wax for braces at your local drugstore. Just put some wax over any wires or clamps that feel rough.

Comparison of braces and clear aligners

Braces:

• Method: Braces use a system of metal brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by wires. These wires are gradually tightened by your orthodontist to exert gentle pressure, moving your teeth into the desired position.
• Visibility: Braces are quite noticeable, especially traditional metal braces. However, there are options for less visible ceramic brackets.
• Maintenance: Braces require regular adjustments by your orthodontist, typically every 4-6 weeks. Maintaining good oral hygiene can be trickier with braces due to food getting trapped around the brackets.

Clear Aligners:

• Method: Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable trays fabricated from clear plastic. Each aligner tray is designed to slightly adjust your teeth’s position. You wear each aligner for a specific timeframe before switching to the next in the series.
• Visibility: Clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for adults and teens seeking a more discrete treatment option.
• Maintenance: Unlike braces, clear aligners don’t require frequent adjustments. However, consistent wear (typically 20-22 hours per day) is crucial for successful treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene is easier because the aligners are removable.

Choosing the right option:

Both braces and clear aligners effectively straighten teeth. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Consulting with an orthodontist will help you determine the most suitable option for achieving your desired smile.

FAQ

Are braces painful?

After getting your braces, you might feel pain for a few days. Some people also feel pain after routinely tightening. But your braces shouldn’t hurt most of the time.

What should I do to keep my braces in good shape?

When you have braces on, it’s even more important to take care of your teeth. Around your clips and wires, plaque and tartar can build up, which can cause cavities and gingivitis.

The dentist or orthodontist will give you a long list of steps on how to take care of your braces. But here are some broad rules to follow:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Every day, floss between your teeth and around your braces. (Ask your doctor or orthodontist about floss that is made just for braces.)
• Clean your clear aligners every day and put them away in the right way when you’re not using them.
• Do this twice a day with an alcohol-free, germ-killing spray.
• Stay away from foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky.
• Regularly seeing your orthodontist for care and tightening is important.
• You should see your dentist regularly for cleanings and other basic tooth care.

When you have braces on, what can you eat?

For a few days after getting your braces, you should only eat soft foods. Some good choices are:

• Fresh veggies cooked.
• Potatoes mashed.
• Oatmeal with eggs.
• Milk and yogurt.
• Fruits that are soft.

After the pain goes away, you can start eating other things again.

While you have braces, you should stay away from certain hard and sticky foods. Nuts, candy, and crunchy fruits and vegetables are all in this group.

How can I keep the effects I got from braces?

After getting braces, everyone will need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in place. With a retainer, your teeth won’t move back to where they were before.

Keepers come in a lot of different styles. The orthodontist or dentist will help you pick the best one for you.

When to See a Doctor

Get in touch with your doctor if you have:

• Pain that medicine doesn’t help with.
• Straps or lines that are broken.
• Damage to your face or mouth.
• Your gums are bleeding or getting an infection.

Which is better for me: Invisalign or braces?

You can only get this information from your doctor or orthodontist. But in general, Invisalign can fix most mild to intermediate orthodontic problems. Traditional braces might be better for you if your case is very bad.

Is there floss that is made just for braces?

Yes, there are a number of products on the market that make it easy to floss while wearing braces.

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about what products they suggest.

When you have braces, can you chew gum?

You can chew gum without sugar.

Not only do teeth braces make your smile look better, they also make your mouth healthier and better able to do its job. There are now a lot of different orthodontic choices. You can talk to your dentist or orthodontist about which one will work best for you. You can have a healthy, beautiful smile for many years with the help of braces.