Misaligned teeth affect the beauty of a person’s smile. In severe cases, malocclusion can also cause functional problems. If it’s time for your child to receive dental braces, or if you would like to treat yourself to straight, evenly spaced teeth, conventional metal braces are an excellent option. Be sure to bring a list of your questions when you go to the dental office in Park Ridge.

Aren’t conventional braces highly visible?

Now that invisible braces have become popular, it’s commonly assumed that conventional braces are too noticeable. But orthodontists have been busy developing new models of braces that minimize their visibility. Conventional braces are still more noticeable compared to invisible braces, but the brackets are significantly smaller, streamlined, and more comfortable than they used to be.

Will I have to wear elastics?

Conventional braces are closely associated with tiny, taut rubber bands, which hold the arch wire to each bracket. This is another aspect of the design that has been upgraded in recent years. Now, your orthodontist can apply self-ligating braces. These eliminate the need for elastics. Instead, the bracket features a tiny, spring-loaded mechanism that securely keeps the arch wire in place without the use of elastics.

How long will my orthodontic treatment last?

Your orthodontic treatment will be customized to suit your teeth. A standard length is two years. However, if your teeth are only mildly misaligned, your treatment could be shorter than this. Orthodontia patients tend to discover that the rewards of a beautiful, straight smile far outweigh the temporary inconvenience of braces.

Why do I have to wear a retainer?

Dental braces work by gently applying force in precise directions. Over time, the pressure nudges the teeth into their preferred positions. While the moveable nature of teeth is great for people who need to correct their alignment, it also means that it’s possible for the teeth to shift out of position once the braces are removed. Your dentist will give you a retainer to wear for a set period of time once your brackets are off. This keeps the teeth right where you want them until they become firmly anchored in place.