Genoa Orthodontics

In most ways, metal and ceramic braces are very similar. They both use a series of brackets, wires, and elastics that attach to your teeth and are adjusted regularly to shift your bite toward a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing position.
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The main way that ceramic braces differ from metal braces is in their appearance. Ceramic braces are made using tooth-colored brackets and wires, and transparent elastics. This means they match the color of your teeth and have less of an effect on your appearance during treatment.

After you’ve been approved for treatment, Dr. Justin will take images and x-rays of your mouth and jaw, and begin developing your treatment program. Then, you’ll come into our office to have your braces applied.
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First, a series of metal or ceramic brackets are attached to your teeth. Then, a metal “archwire” is run through each series of brackets. Rubber elastics are then wrapped around this archwire to hold it in place. By adjusting the archwire, Dr. Justin will be able to gently shift and move your teeth to the proper position.
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After your braces are applied, you’ll come back to our office about every 4-6 weeks to have your mouth examined and to have your braces adjusted. This same basic process will repeat until your treatment is complete. Additional orthodontic treatments or oral surgeries may be required, based on the extent of your orthodontic needs. Most patients wear braces for a minimum of 18 months, and the average treatment time is usually somewhere between 2-3 years.

Braces are powerful and versatile, and can be used to treat any orthodontic issue, unlike other treatments such as clear aligners. In addition, by straightening your teeth and correcting your bite, braces provide you with a healthier mouth as well as a more beautiful smile. You’ll also feel better about how you look, and more self-confident thanks to your newly-straightened smile.

If you have orthodontic problems like crooked or gapped teeth, bite issues, or jaw positioning problems and your mouth is healthy, you’re most likely a good candidate for braces. To get more information about your orthodontic treatment options, come to Genoa Smiles for a consultation with Dr. Justin.

After your braces are tightened, you may experience some discomfort. However, this usually goes away within a day or two. In the meantime, you can get relief from this discomfort by eating soft foods, applying ice packs to your cheeks, and taking over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen and naproxen.