Braces in Springfield
Straighter teeth with traditional braces.
Metal braces are a time-tested way to correct crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth and bad bites. Braces have become smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable over the years.
How braces work
Traditional braces use metal brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by a wire. The wire works with the brackets to move your teeth into position a little at a time. Some patients also wear rubber bands to help correct their bite.
Braces can treat crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth as well as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Because they use more force, braces can correct even fairly severe problems, and they are one of the more affordable ways to straighten teeth.
Braces stay bonded to your teeth for the length of treatment. Unlike removable aligners, they keep working without you having to remember to put them back in.
Who can get braces?
Almost anyone can be a candidate for braces. Children can have an orthodontic assessment once their teeth have developed enough, which can help spot problems early. Many people get braces in their teen years, but adults, including seniors, can be candidates too.
If you are a candidate for Invisalign, you can also choose braces. Some severe orthodontic problems may need a specialist or even surgery, and we can refer you if needed.
Your treatment, step by step
At your consultation, your dentist examines your teeth and reviews x-rays to see if braces can treat your concerns. At your next appointment, we take x-rays, photos, and impressions, then bond the brackets to your teeth and attach the wire.
You visit about every six weeks to have your braces tightened and checked. Your teeth may feel sore for several days after your braces are placed and for a few days after each tightening. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods may help.
How long treatment takes depends on how severe your orthodontic problems are, and it typically ranges from about a year to several years. After your braces come off, you wear a retainer as directed so your teeth do not move back. Eventually, you may only need to wear it at night.
Caring for your teeth with braces
Brackets and wires can trap food, so keeping your teeth clean is important. An electric toothbrush can help you reach tricky spots, and special flossing tools make it easier to clean between your teeth and around the wires.
Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods that can break brackets or bend wires, and cut back on sugary foods and drinks. Brushing after you eat or drink helps keep your teeth clean.
If a bracket breaks or a wire is poking you, call us so we can fix it. Dental wax can cover sharp edges in the meantime, and after a few weeks, most people find the edges bother them less.
Is this right for me?
Traditional braces may be a good fit if you:
- Have crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Have orthodontic problems that may be too severe for clear aligners
- Would rather not keep track of removable aligners
- Want one of the more affordable ways to straighten teeth
- Are a teen or adult who wants a straighter smile
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- A consultation with an exam and x-rays to see if braces are right for you.
- X-rays, photos, and impressions, then bonding the brackets and attaching the wire.
- Some soreness after placement and after each tightening, which soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease.
- Visits about every six weeks to tighten and check your braces.
- A retainer after your braces come off to help keep your teeth from moving back.
Questions we hear
Traditional braces FAQs
Do braces hurt?
Braces can be uncomfortable at times. Your teeth may be sore for several days after your braces are placed and for a few days after each tightening, and the brackets and wires may irritate your cheeks and lips at first. Dental wax can help, and the discomfort usually eases as you get used to your braces.
Am I too old for braces?
No one is too old for orthodontic care. Adults of any age, including seniors, can be candidates for braces.
When should my child have an orthodontic checkup?
By around age 7, a child's teeth have usually developed enough for an orthodontic assessment. Checking early can help spot problems before they get worse, and in some cases early treatment may help a child avoid years of braces.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, such as chewy candy, nuts, popcorn, and hard bread, which can break brackets or bend wires. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks also helps protect your teeth.
Can I get braces if I have a crown?
Usually, yes. A tooth with a dental crown moves like a natural tooth, so a crown does not usually stop you from wearing braces.
How do I floss with braces?
Waxed, ribbon-style floss glides between teeth and wires without shredding. Floss threaders, flossing sticks, interproximal brushes, and water flossers can also make it easier to clean around brackets and wires.
Ready when you are
Let’s make your next visit something to smile about.
New patients are welcome. Call us or send a request, and we will help you take the next comfortable step.
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