Dental Braces
Dental Braces in Chandler, AZ
The benefits of orthodontic braces often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image. While having beautiful straight teeth is important, what is more important is the need to alleviate any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw. Crooked teeth or jaw problems may contribute to improper cleaning of teeth, leading to tooth decay and, possibly, gum disease or total tooth loss. Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. Over time, excessive strain on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth can affect the jaw joints, leading to problems such as headaches or face and neck pain.
Metal braces include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth with flexible wires or archwires that hold the bands together. Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help straighten and align your teeth. Dr. Johansen will help you explore the options and discuss if braces fit your treatment scenario.
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Will my child need braces again when they're older? Will my insurance cover a second treatment?
This depends on each individual patient’s situation. Some children do need braces again when they’re older to realign their teeth. However, sometimes expanding the palate is enough to reduce teeth crowding and the teeth will remain straight.
Depending on your insurance coverage, there may be remaining benefits. Many plans offer a lifetime benefit. If you have questions about insurance, reach out to our office and we will be happy to address your concerns.
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Will my child have braces the entire time or will there be a period where we wait for adult teeth to come in?
Every patient’s treatment plan is different. This will depend on a number of factors, including the age of the patient and their individual treatment plan. It is possible for there to be a gap of time where the patient does not have braces or any appliances.
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How do I take care of my braces?
There are a few things to keep in mind when maintaining metal dental braces.
Avoid foods that aren’t braces-friendly such as chewy foods or soft candies that get stuck in the braces and will be hard to clean out of the hardware. Depending on the food, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to keep it from getting stuck in the braces.
Brush and floss on a regular basis. This is always important but becomes more important with braces because there are more spaces, crevices, and surfaces for food to get stuck.
Ensure you keep your regular appointments with your dentist to adjust, manage, and maintain your metal braces. -
Can you eat normally with braces?
While wearing braces, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can damage the braces or get stuck in them, such as hard candies, chewy candies, popcorn, and sticky foods. However, you can still eat a normal diet by cutting foods into smaller pieces and avoiding biting directly into hard or crunchy foods.
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Can adults get braces?
Yes, adults can get braces to straighten their teeth and improve their smile. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, and many adults choose to undergo braces or clear aligner treatment to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues.
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How do I know if I need braces?
If you have crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between your teeth, an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment such as braces. It’s best to consult with an orthodontist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
What are you waiting for?
We strive to provide high-quality orthodontic care. Request an appointment today to discuss whether dental braces are right for you.