Braces In Wayne, Florham Park and Oak Ridge

Orthodontic Treatment With Braces

Metal braces are a popular orthodontic treatment option offered for patients of all ages at Smile Experience Orthodontics.

Orthodontic patient smiling with braces on teeth

Braces can not only align the teeth and bite and improve the overall aesthetics of your smile, but also help to prevent other oral health issues or dental complications from developing. Modern versions of these traditional metal appliances are smaller and more comfortable than ever before.

How Metal Braces Work

These appliances consist of several components that work together to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions. Here’s an overview of the components:

  • Brackets: Metal brackets are small, square-shaped attachments that are bonded to the front surface of each tooth using a special dental adhesive. The brackets serve as anchors for the other components of the braces.

  • Archwire: An archwire is a thin metal wire that connects the brackets. It runs through the brackets’ slots and applies gentle pressure on the teeth. The archwire is responsible for the actual movement of the teeth.

  • Ligatures or O-Rings: These are small elastic bands or tiny wires that hold the archwire in place within the brackets. They come in various colors, allowing patients to personalize their braces.

  • Elastic Modules: Elastic modules, or rubber bands, are sometimes attached to hooks on the brackets and create additional forces to guide the teeth into the desired positions.

  • Buccal Tubes: In some cases, appliances may include buccal tubes on the back teeth. These tubes serve as anchors for the archwire, providing stability and support for the entire system.

What To Expect During Metal Braces Treatment

Patients who undergo braces treatment at Smile Experience Orthodontics can expect the following treatment steps:

During the initial consultation, Dr. Rosenberg examines the patient’s teeth and jaw to determine the need for orthodontic treatment and develop a customized treatment plan. The examination usually includes a review of the patient’s dental history, 3D X-rays of their smile and bite and a discussion about their treatment goals, expectations and budget.

The brackets are individually bonded to the teeth using a dental adhesive. The adhesive is hardened using a special curing light.

Dr. Rosenberg inserts the archwire into the slots of the brackets. The initial archwire may be a thin, flexible wire that gradually guides the teeth into position.

Regular appointments are scheduled to adjust the appliances. During these visits, Dr. Rosenberg may replace the archwire with thicker or more rigid ones to exert more pressure and encourage further tooth movement. Ligatures or elastic modules may also be changed or adjusted during these appointments.

The constant, gentle pressure from the archwire and other components of the appliances gradually moves the teeth into their desired positions over time. The period required for treatment varies depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues.

Once the teeth have been repositioned, a period of retention follows. Retention involves wearing a retainer to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Benefits of Metal Braces

There are many benefits to choosing these appliances for your orthodontic treatment. Benefits include:

These appliances tend to be less expensive compared to other orthodontic options such as clear aligners or ceramic braces. This can make them a more affordable choice.

These appliances are also known for being durable and strong. They are made of high-quality stainless steel, which can withstand the forces exerted during orthodontic treatment. This makes them less prone to breakage or damage compared to other types of appliances.

This treatment option is highly effective in correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, including severe misalignment, overcrowding and bite problems. They provide Dr. Rosenberg with control and precision in adjusting the teeth and jaws.

In certain cases, these appliances may be able to achieve desired results faster than some other orthodontic options.

This treatment allows for customization with colorful elastic bands. Patients, especially children and teenagers, often enjoy the opportunity to express themselves by choosing their favorite colors or changing the colors during each adjustment visit.

Unlike clear aligners, which require strict adherence to wearing them for 20-22 hours a day, these appliances are fixed onto the teeth. This means there is no risk of misplacing or forgetting to wear them, making them a good option for individuals who may struggle with compliance.

Orthodontic assistant demonstrating brushing with braces

How to Care for Metal Braces

Properly caring for appliances and maintaining excellent oral hygiene are essential to a successful treatment experience. If you undergo metal braces treatment at Smile Experience Orthodontics, our orthodontic team will encourage you to:

After every meal and snack, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth meticulously. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth, along the gumline and around brackets and wires. Your appliances may cause your toothbrush to fray quicker—as soon as the bristles begin to fray, replace your toothbrush.

Make it a habit to floss every day to eliminate trapped food and plaque between your teeth and around the braces.

Avoid foods that can damage your appliances, such as sticky, chewy or hard foods. These foods can get stuck in your appliances or cause brackets to come loose

Minimize the risk of damaging your appliances by cutting your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces when eating.

 If you engage in sports or physical activities, protect your braces from potential injuries by wearing a mouthguard.

What Orthodontic Issues Can Metal Braces Treat?

Traditional braces are very effective at treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:

  • Crooked or misaligned teeth: These appliances can straighten crooked or misaligned teeth, improving their alignment and overall appearance. This can lead to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

  • Bite problems: Metal braces are effective in correcting bite problems, such as an overbite (upper front teeth protrude excessively), underbite (lower front teeth protrude), or open bite (teeth do not meet when biting down).

  • Jaw misalignment: In some cases, these appliances can help correct jaw misalignment issues, such as an asymmetrical jaw or a jaw that is too far forward or backward.

  • Dental crowding: Brace treatment can create space in the mouth by gradually shifting and aligning the teeth properly, allowing crowded teeth to be straightened.

  • Dental midline discrepancy: If the center lines of the upper and lower teeth do not match, these appliances can be used to correct the dental midline, ensuring that the upper and lower teeth align symmetrically.

Start Your Metal Braces Journey Today

Find out if metal braces are the best option for you by scheduling a consultation at our Wayne, Florham Park or Oak Ridge offices! To request a consultation, call our Wayne and Oak Ridge offices at (973) 942-0900, our Florham Park office at (973) 408-9183 or fill out our online consultation request form. We look forward to providing you with a smile experience like no other!

Orthodontist smiling with patient in chair need braces

The Experience You Deserve

Begin your smile journey with Smile Experience Orthodontics. Request an appointment at our conveniently located offices in Wayne, Florham Park or Oak Ridge, NJ. Our dedicated team will guide you through your remarkable transformation!

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WAYNE OFFICE
150 Hinchman Ave., Suite 1, Wayne, NJ 07470

FLORHAM PARK OFFICE
128 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 203, Florham Park, NJ 07932

OAK RIDGE OFFICE
5677 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438

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(973) 942-0900
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(973) 408-9183

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