Braces Peoria AZ
Wearing braces is one of the best things you can do to improve the look of crooked or crowded teeth or to correct a “misaligned” bite. In fact, in the U.S. today, more than 4 million people wear braces, including about a million adults. That last number might surprise you, because historically, braces are a treatment almost exclusively for teens and preteens. But because braces offer so many benefits — and because those benefits last a lifetime, more and more adults are recognizing Peoria braces as a smart investment in their own futures, too.
At Dunn Orthodontics, we help teens and adults from Peoria, Arizona, improve their smiles, their confidence and even their oral health with state-of-the-art braces using the most cutting-edge techniques and materials. We know there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why every treatment plan we offer is completely custom to the unique needs of each individual patient. So they can enjoy optimal results.
How do Peoria braces work?
Peoria braces use brackets and wires to straighten and realign teeth. Individual brackets go on every tooth using strong dental adhesive. Then a special wire threads through each bracket, creating a cohesive “system.” At each check-up appointment, the brackets and wires adjust and tighten just a tiny bit to provide continual pressure on your teeth. It’s this pressure that moves your teeth into their “new” positions. Adjustments are completely customizable. This means that even though the teeth connect by a wire, each tooth can individually “adjust” its position.
What’s the difference between clear braces and traditional braces?
The only difference between traditional braces and clear braces Peoria AZ is the materials they use — and that affects how visible they are. Traditional braces use brackets that are made of metal, while clear braces use brackets made of a clear or tooth-color material. The wires may be tooth-color as well. That means clear braces are more discreet and harder to see while you’re wearing them. The way they work, though, is the same. Some patients take a different approach and incorporate their braces into their everyday “look”. They opt for colorful ties they can change out during an adjustment visit. It’s just one more way today’s Peoria braces are a lot different from the braces your parents or grandparents might have worn.
What problems can be fixed with braces?
Braces have a long history of fixing a wide variety of spacing and alignment issues. Today, they can treat both simple and complex problems, like:
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Open bites
- Crossbites
- Crooked teeth
- Crowding
- Uneven spacing or gaps between teeth
- Problems with your bite function
Many people have more than one issue, and braces Peoria AZ treatment can correct multiple problems.
Are Peoria braces better than clear aligner systems?
The choice between Peoria braces and clear aligners is largely one of personal preference, but braces can be a better choice for people with specific types of orthodontic problems, including very complex cases. Also, although clear aligners may move teeth more quickly, some patients require a slower, more gradual movement to shift their teeth into their proper positions. Clear aligners also tend to be a bit more costly than braces, and while some insurance policies provide at least partial coverage for braces, few plans cover the cost of aligners. During your consultation, the Peoria orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite mechanics to determine if braces are a better choice to help you achieve your goals.
Will I have to wear a retainer when my braces come off?
Yes, and here’s why: When braces move your teeth, they’re not just moving the top, visible parts. They move the entire tooth, all the way own to the roots. As the roots move, the bone surrounding them is continually remodeling to accommodate those movements. Once your braces come off, your retainer holds your teeth in place while the bone around the roots stabilizes. Without a retainer, your teeth could move out of their ideal positions. Most people wear a retainer all day (and night) for a brief time after their braces come off, then for less time each day until their teeth are stable. And many patients continue to wear their retainers a couple of nights a week while they sleep to protect their investment in their beautiful smile.
How will wearing braces affect my lifestyle?
Most people who have braces adjust to them very quickly, because the adjustments that do need to be made are pretty small. The two biggest areas where you may need to make some changes are your care routine for your teeth (and braces) and the foods you eat during your Peoria braces treatment.
When it comes to care, you’ll still brush and floss as usual. But it will take a little practice to work the toothbrush and floss around the wires and brackets. No worries — our team will provide you with plenty of pointers to make caring for your teeth and your braces easy and simple. And with just a little practice, you’ll be brushing and flossing with no issues at all. Some patients also use mouth rinses to kill bacteria and reduce plaque, or water flossers to get around brackets and wires. We can help you find the “extras” that make your care routine even simpler.
As for foods, everyone knows you need to avoid foods like corn on the cob while you’re wearing braces. But why? Will corn damage your teeth? No — but it might damage your brackets or wires. Foods that are hard, chewy, sticky or extra-crunchy can bend or break wires or get caught in your brackets. Of course, if that does happen, just give us a call and we’ll schedule a repair to keep your treatment on track.
Braces from a leading Peoria AZ orthodontist
Having braces is a smart investment in your future. Choosing an orthodontist who’s skilled and experienced in treating all sorts of spacing and alignment issues ensures you get the best return on that investment — and the best results for your smile and your oral health. As a top-rated orthodontics practice in Peoria, Arizona, Dunn Orthodontics offers state-of-the-art care that’s truly customized for your needs. To learn more about Peoria braces and how they can change your life (and your oral health), give us a call at 602-864-0004 and book an appointment today.