Braces offer a path to a straighter smile and are something of a rite of passage for American teens. Residents of Bethesda, Maryland, can rely on Ellen Brodsky, DDS, Andrew Schliep, DDS, and the team at Art and Dentistry for excellent orthodontic care, including traditional metal braces. Book your visit by phone today!
Braces work to improve the alignment of your teeth by creating gentle pressure. Your teeth are anchored into the bone tissue of your jaw, which is a living, ever-renewing tissue. When your teeth begin to shift, the bone in your jaw regenerates around them in incremental measure.
Traditional metal braces use a series of small metal brackets affixed to the front sides of each tooth. Those brackets are tied together with a thin treatment wire that spans across the front of the brackets. The wire creates the pressure to move teeth into enhanced positioning.
Metal braces can also be equipped with tiny hooks that hold elastics in place. This creates a different form of pressure to produce specific movements.
Braces are a highly customized treatment. Your dentist designs your treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals. No matter what kind of alignment issues you face, braces can help.
Traditional metal braces create many spaces for plaque and bacteria to hide. You’ll need to change your dental hygiene routine to keep your teeth as clean as possible during treatment.
When you first get your braces put on, your dentist provides guidance on how to brush and floss your teeth. Thorough brushing is essential, and you might need to alter the angle at which you hold your toothbrush to achieve the best results.
Flossing is made easier by special threading devices that help you get the floss under your treatment wire so you can maneuver it between each tooth. Your new dental hygiene routine might take longer than you’re used to, but the straight, beautiful smile you’ll earn is well worth the effort.
Just as no two smiles are identical, braces are a highly personalized experience. During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss the expected treatment timeline.
Remaining on track depends on your compliance with all treatment instructions. Come in for scheduled visits, as delays can slow your progress. If you break a bracket or treatment wire or encounter any other problems with your braces, let the Art and Dentistry team know immediately.
If you’d like to explore braces in greater detail, call or click to book a visit.