Patients will need to come for an appointment every four to six weeks throughout their treatment plan, so we can make the necessary adjustments to achieve your ideal goal. The wires are gradually increased in size and shape throughout the course of your treatment – resulting in your teeth moving into their ideal position. Advances in technology and techniques used for traditional braces have made the treatment process more comfortable and efficient than ever before! 

Besides the bling they can add to your money-maker, braces will enhance your smiler and your self-esteem in the following ways:

• Reposition your teeth to prevent tooth loss and gum disease
• Correct overlapping or crooked teeth
• Remove spaces and gaps between teeth
• Correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Prevent front teeth from sticking out
• Help you speak and chew better
• Improve your oral hygiene habits
• Give you lifelong pride in your smile 

Braces can be worn for a different amount of time depending on each patient’s unique smile. Everyone’s teeth react differently to treatment, and different people have different orthodontic needs. While treatment can take as little as six months, generally, patients need to wear their braces for around 18 months. This varies for every patient. Several factors determine the time it will take to move your teeth into the appropriate position. These factors include:

• How crooked your teeth are
• The number of gaps you have between your teeth
• Your age
• How well instructions are followed throughout the treatment 

Braces require you to brush your teeth at least three times per day, ideally after each meal. This will help keep your gums, teeth, and mouth healthy. Frequent brushing and flossing will remove food stuck between braces and prevent plaque buildup. There are special little tools that you can use to help you floss with your brace on. Our friendly team will happily show you how to brush and floss with your new braces.

Caring for your braces also means adjusting your diet. You will need to avoid hard and sticky foods like gum, apples, etc. When you come to our trusted office for braces in Mansfield, TX, our experienced orthodontist will happily speak with you about what foods are safe to eat with your braces and how to care for them properly.  

Braces do not cause pain when applied to the teeth. Patients can expect mild discomfort or soreness within a few hours or a week after wearing the braces. During that time, patients get accustomed to the feeling of having braces on their mouths.

The rubber bands and wires slowly apply pressure to the teeth to encourage movement into the correct position. Any mild discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. 

An ideal candidate for braces are those whose teeth have good oral health and wish to improve the following dental imperfections:

• Overbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Underbite
• Overjet
• Misaligned teeth
• Gaps between teeth 

Yes! It is essential that patients who have orthodontic treatment see their dentist on a regular basis. Braces can trap food in places that your toothbrush cannot reach. This can cause bacteria buildup and lead to gum disease, gingivitis, and cavities. Your orthodontist will collaborate closely with your dentist in order to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and clean while you are undergoing your braces treatment. 

While some activities may take a bit of adjustment when you get your braces, the treatment should not prevent you from playing an instrument, participating in a contact sport, or other school activities. To protect your braces and other orthodontic appliance, you should wear a mouthguard if you are involved in contact  sports. 

No matter what type of braces you choose, we can guarantee that they will result in the same thing – a beautiful, confident smile that will last you a lifetime!

If you would like to learn more, give us a call today to schedule a consultation. Our team will be more than happy to help you and will gladly recommend a treatment plan personalized for you.