Braces Berkeley
YOUR LOCAL BERKELEY, EL CERRITO & ALBANY, CA ORTHODONTIST
When people think of braces, a lot of them think of the cumbersome, traditional metal braces. The “metal mouth” look has been exaggerated in television to the point where the older people get, the less likely they are to even consider getting braces.
Your Options
Imagine walking around as a middle-aged man or woman, going to work for the first day with these metal braces. Would you worry about what people thought?
There are many options when it comes to braces at I Song Orthodontics. Thanks to advances in technology, patients have more options than ever. Patients can pretty much customize their braces.
Types of Braces
Metal braces are still the most popular option, but clear braces are being used widely, especially by our adult patients. The more efficient, less time-consuming self-ligating braces might also be a viable option. Removable appliances such as Invisalign are also innovative and popular options for candidates who qualify.
Braces Can Help
Braces are great options for those who suffer from misaligned teeth or an imperfect bite. Braces are tried and true treatments for crowded teeth as well as overbites and underbites. At I Song Orthodontics we are with you every step of the way. We can help you decide which option and treatment plan is the best for you and your lifestyle.
Daily Life with Braces
If you’re a new braces wearer, congratulations! You are well on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile. You may also be wondering what lies ahead in the coming weeks and months as you adjust to daily life with braces. In general, here’s what you can expect to experience and a few guidelines that will help you have a smooth, stress-free experience with braces.
You’ll be a little sore at first
It’s normal to experience soreness in your gums after your braces are first put on. You may also feel some tenderness in your teeth when you bite down. This is because your mouth is adjusting to the presence of new hardware and your teeth are beginning to shift. To help ease the pain, you can swish with a saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) a few times a day. You may also wish to take over-the-counter pain relief medicine.
Your teeth will feel “loose”
If you notice that your teeth have a little wiggle room, don’t panic! This is part of the process. Your teeth have to be loosened from their original position before they can be guided into their new alignment in your mouth.
You will have to adjust your diet
In your first few days with your new braces, you won’t be able to chew normally. Stick to soft foods, such as soups and pasta, until you’ve adjusted to your braces and the initial soreness has subsided.
After that, you’ll still have to avoid certain foods for the duration of your time with braces. Foods that are tough, sticky, and chewy can get trapped in your braces and potentially break the wires and brackets. Sugary foods are also a no-no since they can linger on your teeth and lead to decay.
You may need a mouth guard for sports
Contact sports such as football can pose a danger to your braces, so please let us know if you are involved in any athletic activities that may require a special mouthguard. You should also contact us immediately if you sustain any kind of injury to your face or mouth while playing sports.
Key Takeaways
The most important thing to remember is that you play a key role in the success of your orthodontic treatments. It’s crucial to establish a daily oral hygiene routine, keep all of your appointments with us, and follow the care instructions provided to you.
Choosing Between Metal or Clear Braces
The decision to get braces doesn’t stop with whether to get them or not, but also choosing which type works for your teeth. Braces not only help with alignment, but they simply provide a better look to your smile, adding more to your confidence while enjoying greater teeth functions.
Two options that patients generally have when considering braces are metal and clear ones. These are two effective options that present their own level of benefits applicable to each patient.
How Metal Braces Can Benefit You
Metal braces have changed a lot from the appliances in the past. Metal bands are not required to be applied to each individual tooth. In addition, wires are less noticeable than previous appliances. The metal braces provided by your orthodontist offer more control in regards to your treatment – allowing each of your teeth to be moved to the position they need to be.
With metal braces, patients can correct a variety of issues with smaller brackets than ever. The bands are available in multiple colors as well, which makes your braces experience more fun and engaging.
Clear Braces are Effective Too
Clear braces can be confused with Invisalign, but they are not necessarily the same thing. The Invisalign system consists of a series of trays that straighten individual teeth. Clear braces are developed to work like metal braces but are made of transparent material – which allows them to be more integrated and appear more natural to your teeth.
For patients who want to achieve a straighter smile, but with a more discreet method, clear braces are consistently a preferred option. In some cases, these are patients who normally would not qualify for Invisalign. With a trained orthodontist, clear braces can provide a great treatment experience without creating a distracting visual aesthetic.
The best way to determine which orthodontic appliances may work for you is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. Contact us today at I Song Orthodontics for additional information.
How Do I Know if I Need Braces?
Braces are an orthopedic treatment used by patients with problems like underbites and overbites, crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, jaw joint disorders, and incorrect jaw position. Most commonly worn by children and teens, this orofacial appliance is beneficial to patients of all ages but the ideal placement age is between 10 – 14 years old.
The mouth and head are still growing during this time, thus making it easier for the dental appliance to correct the orofacial problems experienced. The appliance can be placed in the mouth at any age, however.
Types of Braces Available in El Cerrito
While you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the types of appliances available to correct the orofacial problems you face, Dr. Song has the expertise to decide which option is best to treat your particular problem. There are three basic types of brace types to choose from. Metal and plastic brackets are the most popular. Lingual-style appliances consist of brackets that are attached to the teeth where they’re unseen by the eye. Bands are the traditional appliance type that wraps around the teeth using a wire.
Is This Treatment is Right for Me?
You may need to schedule an appointment with the orthodontist to learn more about this treatment option if you have crooked teeth, if there are spaces between the teeth, if your teeth are overcrowded if you have an overbite or an underbite, or if you suffer from any type of bite issues.
This includes trouble biting and chewing the foods that you eat. Since a free consultation is provided, it is easy to visit the orthodontist to learn more about this treatment option and whether or not it is right for your dental needs without incurring any costs. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your mouth due to these issues or face other health concerns, it is safe to say that you should schedule that appointment as soon as possible.
How Long Is Treatment Needed?
The treatment plan that Dr. Song deems most appropriate for your orthodontics treatment needs determines the length of time you’ll wear the appliance. Many patients wear them for a period of about two years, but again, the length of time that you’ll require treatment varies and may be longer or less than this timespan.
Once removed, a retainer must be worn for several months to set the work. The Berkeley orthodontics provider can also install the retainer once the original appliances are removed.