There are four important parts to braces that you should become familiar with:

Brackets: Brackets are small metal or ceramic pieces that are cemented to your teeth to hold your archwires in place in conjunction with the use of Alastics or “donuts”, as we call them in the orthodontic world. Brackets can be silver, gold, ceramic or even a combination of these materials. The cement used to hold brackets on your teeth is made specifically for braces. This cement is strong enough to keep the brackets on your teeth, but also comes off easily without damaging your teeth.

Archwire: The archwire sits in the bracket and is held in place with Alastics. Dr. Asano gives you a new wire or adjusts the wire you currently have at each visit. When treatment starts you wear a very “light” gauge of wire and gradually progress through different sizes until your orthodontic treatment is complete.

Alastics (Donuts): Donuts are the most well known part of braces. They are the tiny colored rubber bands that hold the archwire into the brackets. These donuts are changed at each monthly adjustment appointment. Everybody loves the wide variety of colors available because it makes your braces fun, but we also offer clear donuts for the more conservative patients. The great part is…you can change your color at every visit so you aren’t stuck with same look for the entire time you are in braces!

Elastics: More commonly called rubber bands, these are used to correct malocclusion (a bad bite). You might have seen other patients wearing these, you will recognize them because they connect your upper and lower arches to correct a bite relationship or to close final spaces.

How do orthodontists straighten teeth?

Tooth movement is actually a normal response to light pressure exerted on the teeth. Pressure is applied by using a variety of orthodontic hardware (appliances), the most common being braces or brackets attached to the teeth and connected to wires. By increasing wire strength the teeth receive pressure.

Teeth are suspended in a membrane, which in turn is surrounded by bone. When pressure is applied to a tooth it causes this membrane to be compressed on one side and stretched on the other side. The bone then responds to the pressure by dissolving on one side and rebuilding to fill the empty space on the other side. Step by step, teeth are moved and Mother Nature rebuilds – often stronger than before. Over erupted or extruded teeth can actually be eased back into their supporting bone.

Why should I be concerned about a bad bite?

Bad bites can be detrimental to a patient’s health. Restorations, crowns or bridges are often impossible for a dentist to fabricate without prior repositioning of the teeth by an orthodontist. Properly aligned and supported teeth are healthier, easier to clean and therefore more likely to last throughout a patient’s lifetime.

Can my appearance be improved?

Yes! Dramatic changes in a person’s smile and profile can be achieved. A person can actually look years younger by straightening crooked teeth or correcting an overbite or an underbite. A beautiful smile can increase self-confidence and in turn a sense of well being.

Will braces hurt?

Discomfort has to result when we loosen a tooth for movement. This usually last about 3-4 days and then the teeth are comfortable again. Each succeeding adjustment will mean some minor discomfort. We usually recommend a soft diet for the first few days after your appointment. You can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or whatever you take for similar pain issues.

How long will it take and how often do I need to be seen?

Treatment, or orthodontic correction, varies from patient to patient. The average treatment plan requires the patient to be in braces 24 months. Dr. Asano would like to see you every 4-6 weeks, and it is important to be seen on a regular basis to avoid spending unnecessary time in your braces.

Will improvement be permanent?

Teeth, like all parts of the body, are constantly changing and adapting. Teeth that have been crooked for years have marvelous memories and minor movement or relapse could be expected. Conscientious wear of retainers following treatment can minimize these changes.

Eating Habits

You may have to modify your eating habits right after you get your braces or after an adjustment appointment. You will probably want to eat foods that are soft because your teeth might be sore. There are some foods that you should completely avoid while in braces! Stay away from popcorn, peanuts, hard and sticky candy, and especially GUM. Sugary sodas and juices can cause a problem because the sugar stays on your teeth and may cause tooth decay. If you have these drinks, be sure to brush your teeth afterward. Our assistants will review all the “do’s and don’ts” with you on the day your braces are placed.

Brushing and Flossing

Braces are great for attracting and trapping food, so you need to keep your teeth especially clean while you are going through treatment. You should brush after meals and floss once a day.

Wondering more about braces?
Visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.braces.org