Traditional Braces

The length of treatment for traditional braces can also vary depending on the individual case, just like with clear aligners. Treatment time can range from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of correction needed.

In general, the average length of treatment for traditional braces is around 16 to 24 months. However, some cases may be completed in as little as six months, while more complex cases may take up to three years.

Several factors, such as the severity of the malocclusion, the age of the patient, and the type of braces used, also determine the length of treatment with traditional braces.

Your orthodontist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals. They will provide an estimated treatment time and let you know what you can expect throughout the process. They may also recommend additional appliances, such as headgear or rubber bands, to help achieve the desired results.

It’s important to note that proper care and maintenance of your braces, including regular adjustments and dental visits, are critical to achieving the best possible outcome and minimizing the length of treatment.

Metal braces have been a popular orthodontic treatment for many years and are effective in treating a wide range of dental issues, such as crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and bite problems. They are typically made of high-grade stainless steel and use brackets and wires to move the teeth into the correct position over time gradually.

While metal braces have been a trusted orthodontic treatment for many years, a variety of options are available, such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.

The choice of which type of orthodontic treatment is best for an individual patient depends on several factors, such as the severity of the dental issue, the patient’s age, lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. Metal braces may be the best option for some patients, depending on their needs and preferences.

Metal braces are typically more durable and resistant to damage than other braces, such as clear aligners or ceramic braces. They can also more effectively treat specific dental issues, such as severe crowding or bite problems.

On the other hand, some patients may prefer more discreet orthodontic treatment options, such as clear aligners or ceramic braces, which are less noticeable than metal braces. Additionally, some patients may have sensitivities or allergies to the materials used in metal braces, which can make other treatment options a better choice.

Overall, the choice of orthodontic treatment is a decision that should be made in consultation with an experienced orthodontist, who can provide a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s individual needs and preferences.

Metal braces can cause discomfort or soreness in the first few days after being placed or after an adjustment appointment. This discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

The soreness is usually caused by the pressure of the brackets and wires on the teeth and the movement of the teeth into their new positions. This discomfort usually subsides within a few days as the teeth adjust to the pressure.

In some cases, metal braces may cause irritation or soreness inside the lips or cheeks, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. This can be managed with orthodontic wax, which can be applied to the brackets to reduce friction and irritation.

Metal braces are not typically considered a painful treatment, but they can cause discomfort or soreness, especially in the first few days or after an adjustment appointment. The discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and orthodontic wax. Your orthodontist can provide additional tips and advice on handling any discomfort during your treatment.

You may need to change your diet when you have metal braces. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Avoid hard and sticky foods: Hard and sticky foods, such as hard candy, popcorn, nuts, and chewing gum, can damage or dislodge brackets and wires. It is best to avoid these foods or to cut them into small pieces to make them easier to chew.
2. Cut up crunchy foods: Crunchy foods, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can also be challenging to eat with braces. You can make them easier to eat by cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Choose soft and easy-to-chew foods: Soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and soup, are easier to eat when you have braces. They are less likely to get stuck in your braces or damage the wires and brackets.
4. Be careful with sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods, such as soda, juice, and candy, can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Limiting your consumption of these foods and brushing your teeth after eating them is important.
5. Use caution with hard-to-chew meat: Meat that is tough to chew, such as steak or beef jerky, can also be challenging to eat with braces. You can make these foods easier to eat by cutting them into small pieces or cooking them until they are tender.

Remember to brush your teeth and braces thoroughly after every meal and snack to prevent food particles from getting stuck in your braces and to maintain good oral hygiene. Your dentist may provide additional dietary recommendations based on your specific treatment plan.

If your brackets or wires break while you have metal braces, it is important to contact your orthodontic dentist as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

1. Check for any loose or broken pieces: Use a mirror to check your braces and wires for any loose or damaged parts. If you notice anything out of place, gently move it back into position with a clean finger or the eraser end of a pencil.
2. Use orthodontic wax: If a bracket or wire is causing discomfort or irritation, you can apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the affected area. This will help to cushion the braces and relieve any pain.
3. Avoid hard or sticky foods: As mentioned earlier, it is important to avoid them, as they can damage or dislodge braces and wires. Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and won’t get stuck in your braces.
4. Take pain relievers: If you experience discomfort or soreness, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed on the label.
5. Contact your cosmetic dentist: As soon as possible, contact your dentist and explain the situation. They may ask you for an emergency appointment to repair or replace the broken braces or wires.

Remember, it is important to contact your nearest dentist as soon as possible if your braces or wires break, as leaving them untreated can cause further damage or delay your treatment progress.

Orthodontic Item Numbers (treatments may differ based on patients’ needs):

• 831 Full arch banding – per arch
• 881 Complete course of orthodontic treatment

Teeth can shift after traditional braces for various reasons, and understanding these can help maintain orthodontic treatment results.

Here’s a detailed explanation of why teeth tend to move even after braces are removed:

1. Elastic Memory of the Teeth and Surrounding Tissues

Teeth are held in place by periodontal ligaments, which are elastic fibres that attach the teeth to the surrounding bone. These ligaments are stretched and compressed during orthodontic treatment to reposition the teeth into their correct alignment.

However, these ligaments have a natural “memory” and tend to pull the teeth back to their original position once the braces are removed. It takes time for these tissues to remodel and adapt to the new positioning, so retention is crucial after braces are removed.

2. Incomplete Bone Remodeling

When teeth move, the bone around them also undergoes remodelling—a process where old bone is resorbed, and new bone is formed to support the teeth’ latest positions. This remodelling takes longer than required to move the teeth with braces.

After braces are removed, the bone is still stabilizing around the new positions, which can lead to minor shifts if the bone has not yet solidified. During this period, the teeth are more susceptible to movement.

3. Growth and Development

The jaw and face are still growing and developing for children and teenagers who undergo orthodontic treatment. This natural growth can cause teeth to shift even after braces are removed.

As the jawbone changes shape and size, the alignment of teeth may be affected, leading to some post-treatment movement.

This is particularly common during the late teenage years, when growth spurts can alter jaw alignment.

4. Natural Tooth Movement

Teeth are not fixed in place and naturally tend to move throughout life. This phenomenon, known as “mesial drift,” is the gradual forward movement of teeth over time.

It’s a normal process that helps ensure spaces left by lost teeth close over time.

As a result, even in well-aligned teeth, some level of movement is to be expected. This natural tendency and other factors can contribute to teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment.

5. Not Wearing Retainers as Directed

After braces are removed, orthodontists prescribe retainers to maintain the new alignment of the teeth.

Retainers are designed to hold teeth in place while the bones and ligaments around them stabilize.

If retainers are not worn as directed, the teeth can quickly move back to their previous positions.

Even slight inconsistencies in wearing the retainer can lead to gradual movement, emphasizing the importance of strictly following the orthodontist’s retention plan.

6. Changes in Soft Tissues

The tongue, cheeks, and lips all exert pressure on the teeth.

When braces are in place, these forces are balanced out by the braces themselves.

After braces are removed, these soft tissue pressures can cause teeth to move, particularly if the muscles have habits that encourage movement—like pressing the tongue against the teeth, known as “tongue thrusting.”

These subtle forces can lead to shifts over time, especially if the habits are not corrected during the orthodontic treatment.

7. Wisdom Teeth Eruption

The eruption of wisdom teeth, usually during late adolescence or early adulthood, can sometimes contribute to teeth shifting.

Although the effect of wisdom teeth on overall dental alignment is debated, some people may experience crowding in the front teeth as the wisdom teeth push against adjacent molars.

This pressure can cause slight movement in other teeth, especially if there is already limited space in the jaw.

Preventing Teeth Shifting After Braces

To prevent or minimize post-brace movement, following your orthodontist’s advice regarding retainer use is essential. Here are a few preventive measures:

• Wear Retainers as Prescribed: Whether fixed or removable, retainers are crucial in maintaining the position of the teeth after braces. Consistency is key—patients are often required to wear retainers full-time after braces, then transition to wearing them at night for years or indefinitely.
• Address Habitual Behaviors: Identifying and managing habits such as nail-biting, tongue thrusting, or other oral behaviours that exert pressure on teeth can help maintain alignment.
• Maintain Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to the orthodontist and dentist can help catch any signs of teeth shifting, allowing intervention before the movement becomes significant.

While some minor shifting after braces is natural, retaining the benefits of orthodontic treatment is possible with proper aftercare and adherence to retention guidelines.

Elastics, or rubber bands, are used with braces to help correct bite issues and align the upper and lower teeth. They provide additional force that braces alone cannot achieve, helping move the teeth and jaws into the correct positions. Elastics adjust how the upper and lower teeth fit together to address problems like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.

The elastics are attached to hooks on the braces and worn between the upper and lower teeth to create constant, gentle pressure.

Consistently wearing rubber brands ensures effective bite correction and the best possible outcome from orthodontic treatment.

There are several factors that can influence the cost of dental braces, including:

1. Type of braces: There are several types of braces, such as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. Each type has a different cost, with traditional metal braces generally being the least expensive and lingual braces and clear aligners being the most expensive.
2. Severity of the case: The complexity of the dental issue being addressed can also impact the cost of braces. More severe cases may require longer treatment times and more frequent adjustments, which can drive up the cost.
3. Length of treatment: The length of time a patient needs to wear braces can also affect the price. Longer treatment times generally require more frequent adjustments and can increase the overall cost.
4. Additional procedures: Sometimes additional procedures, may be recommended to achieve optimum results for your smile, which can add to the overall cost. These procedures might be required before or after:
   • Treatment for decay or damaged teeth
   • Gum Treatment
   • Tooth extractions
   • Composite Bonding
   • Jaw Surgery – required referral to an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

As a result of these differing factors, dental braces are quoted on a case by case basis. Therefore, we provide a FREE analysis* for a personalized quote for dental braces. Simply complete the form below to arrange an in-chair consult.

*No treatment is provided during free consultation.