Braces

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Types Of Braces

There are many different types of braces, so finding one that will fit into your day to day life should be relatively easy. Once your orthodontist has evaluated your teeth, jaws and facial balance, a treatment plan will be discussed with you. In this plan the type of braces that are suitable for your treatment will be explained.

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colourful smile.

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colourful smile.

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Clear appliances (such as Invisalign®) use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing those aligners because they are invisible! Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. Click here to find out information about Northo Orthodontics providing Invisalign.

You can also learn more about Invisalign® at www.invisalign.com.

Clear appliances (such as Invisalign®) use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. And, no one can tell you are wearing those aligners because they are invisible! Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. Click here to find out information about Northo Orthodontics providing Invisalign.

You can also learn more about Invisalign® at www.invisalign.com.

Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth, and therefore the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.

Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth and are therefore “invisible” when you smile. Lingual braces are 100% customized to match the shape of your teeth, and therefore the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces are a very reasonable option for athletes, models, actors, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals.

Looking After Your Braces

Brushing

Continue to brush and floss while you have your braces as not doing so can result in more frequent visits to the dentist for professional cleaning. Brushing and flossing regularly will result in healthy teeth and gums after your orthodontic treatment.

Sport

Please let us know if you play sport. A protective mouth guard should be worn when playing contact sports.

Retainers

Wear your retainers at all times except when eating, and always store them in their case when removed. Clean them daily with warm water, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, and handle them carefully since they can break, if they do, contact us right away. Avoid adjusting your retainers yourself, and remember to bring them to every appointment. Remove them when swimming, and keep them away from heat, pockets, napkins, or the washing machine to prevent damage or loss.

Removable Expanders

Expanders are only to be removed when brushing teeth twice daily. Your expander should also be brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste at these times.

Fixed Expanders

Expansion screws should be turned as instructed. Place the key into the hole and turn it toward the arrow. Stop turning the expander if you are unable to make it to your scheduled appointment.

Brushing

Continue to brush and floss while you have your braces as not doing so can result in more frequent visits to the dentist for professional cleaning. Brushing and flossing regularly will result in healthy teeth and gums after your orthodontic treatment.

Sport

Please let us know if you play sport. A protective mouth guard should be worn when playing contact sports.

Retainers

Wear your retainers at all times except when eating, and always store them in their case when removed. Clean them daily with warm water, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, and handle them carefully since they can break, if they do, contact us right away. Avoid adjusting your retainers yourself, and remember to bring them to every appointment. Remove them when swimming, and keep them away from heat, pockets, napkins, or the washing machine to prevent damage or loss.

Removable Expanders

Expanders are only to be removed when brushing teeth twice daily. Your expander should also be brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste at these times.

Fixed Expanders

Expansion screws should be turned as instructed. Place the key into the hole and turn it toward the arrow. Stop turning the expander if you are unable to make it to your scheduled appointment.

Life With Braces

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth. Click here for information on how to deal with any pain or irritation caused by your braces.

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their teeth by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Please let us know if you play sport.

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.