High Quality Braces by Hinsdale’s Best Orthodontists
When it comes to teeth alignment, a little misplacement is a huge deal. Even if your teeth are misaligned a little bit, you could suffer from various medical issues. Your teeth are harder to clean, so you develop more plaque buildup. This can lead to gum disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even cancer.
As you can see, a mild case can be very serious. If you have concerns about your mouth, see how the Clarendon Hills orthodontists at Hinsdale Ortho can help you achieve a beautiful smile. Consider a free consultation to learn more about your options for a straighter smile.
Components of Braces
Braces may consist of multiple components, including the following:
- Brackets. These are small, square-shaped metal or ceramic pieces that are attached to each tooth using a special adhesive.
- Archwire. This is a thin, metal wire that runs through the brackets. It applies gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position.
- Ligatures. These are small elastic or metal bands that hold the archwire in place on the brackets.
- Bands. These are metal rings that are placed around the molars and used to anchor the braces in place.
- Springs. These are not always needed. These are small, coiled metal wires that are placed between the brackets and the archwire to apply additional pressure on specific teeth.
- Rubber bands. Rubber bands are also optional and are used to connect the upper and lower archwires and correct bite issues.
Why You Should Align Your Teeth
Straight teeth look better, but there are many other reasons why you should improve the alignment of your teeth. They include the following:
- Eliminate bite and chewing issues. Teeth that are not properly aligned can lead to difficulties in biting and chewing food.
- Fix speech problems. Teeth that are misaligned can also cause speech problems, such as lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
- Improve oral hygiene. Teeth that are crowded or crooked can be difficult to clean properly, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Reduce risk of TMJ disorders. Misaligned teeth can also lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and head.
- Improve digestion. Misaligned teeth can cause issues with chewing and digestion, leading to stomach problems and other gastrointestinal issues. Straightening your teeth can improve your bite, making it easier to chew your food properly and aiding in digestion.
- Reduce risk of tooth injury. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to damage and injury, especially during physical activities or accidents. Straightening your teeth can minimize this risk.
- Improved overall health. Poor oral health can have an impact on your overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. You can reduce the risk of these health issues by maintaining good oral hygiene.
Damon Clear and Metal Braces
Damon braces are different from traditional metal braces. There are no elastic or metal ties involved. Instead, Damon brackets are self-ligating due to a sliding mechanism that lightly secures the wire.
There are two types of Damon braces: clear and metal. The clear braces are also known as ceramic braces. They are tooth-colored, so they’re not as noticeable as metal braces. Even though the brackets are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re much less noticeable. Damon clear braces offer a low-profile look, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires. However, they are more fragile because they are made from a different material that is more prone to cracks and chips. In addition, they are often more expensive than metal braces.
Damon metal braces are smaller and less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They consist of sleeker brackets and lighter wires to make your mouth look better than ever. This means less irritation for your mouth, so enjoy less soreness. Damon metal braces are strong and affordable.
Your orthodontic treatment time with Damon braces will vary, but expect an average of 18-22 months.
What to Know About Braces
If you are considering braces in Clarendon Hills, here are some things you should know about treatment:
- Types of braces. There are several types of braces available, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners such as Invisalign. Your orthodontist can help you decide which type is best for you.
- Treatment time. The length of treatment with braces can vary depending on the severity of the misalignment and the type of braces used. In general, treatment can take anywhere from several months to a few years. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
- Maintenance. Proper maintenance is important to ensure that your braces work effectively. This includes keeping your braces and teeth clean, avoiding certain foods that can damage your braces, and attending regular appointments with your orthodontist.
- Discomfort. Braces can be uncomfortable at times, especially after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help alleviate discomfort.
- Oral hygiene. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces to prevent cavities and gum disease. Brushing and flossing can be more difficult with braces, but your orthodontist can help.
- Lifestyle changes. Wearing braces may require some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and activities that can damage the braces.
- Follow-up care. You’re not done after braces. After your braces are removed, you may need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. You will need to have follow-up appointments with your orthodontist to ensure long-term success.
Contact Us Today
Braces are an effective way to straighten teeth. There are multiple options available, so you’re not necessarily stuck with traditional metal braces.
The Clarendon Hills team at Hinsdale Ortho can help you and your family get the beautiful smiles you desire. Our experienced team is the best around — we have the five-star reviews to prove it. Schedule a free consultation with our office today. Call (630) 528-0909 or go online to learn more.