A Few Things to Know about Braces

By Dr. Doug Crosby, CEO Mint Orthodontics

Though MINT’s clear aligners have strongly positioned themselves in the dental industry as an effective orthodontic treatment, let’s not forget that traditional metal braces have remained a successful method for teeth straightening for centuries for those who suffer from crooked teeth and misaligned bites. But before you decide which option is best for you, let’s take a deeper look at the pros and cons of braces.

What are Traditional Braces?

Traditional metal braces will straighten teeth over a period of time through a set of brackets glued in place on each tooth. An archwire is attached to each bracket, spanning a given row of teeth (top or bottom), to apply constant gentle pressure on the teeth. Over time, the teeth will move into a perfectly straight position based on the orthodontic treatment plan. At MINT Orthodontics, we only use the latest technology brackets and highly elastic nickel-titanium wires vs. the outdated heavy stainless steel wires that other practices use.

The Benefits of Traditional Braces

Braces Fix a Variety of Problems

Braces have been around for ages, and for good reason too. (Some of the first orthodontic procedures can be traced all the way back to 1000 BC!) Whether it be alignment issues, spacing problems, impacted teeth, jaw or joint pain — traditional metal braces have the potential to be the ultimate fix. Regardless of your age, addressing problematic teeth is critical to preserving your oral health. Some of the most common issues contributing to misaligned teeth include crowded, protruding, or crooked teeth which can result from genetics, bad habits, and oral trauma. Straightening your misaligned teeth will fix your bite problem — effectively decreasing your risk for future cavities and gum disease.

Braces Are Difficult to Remove

While not being able to take off your braces might seem like a disadvantage, it is actually beneficial in the long run (and the reason braces work best). With other orthodontic devices like Invisalign, it takes dedication to remember to wear your clear aligner. With braces, all the control is in the hands of the orthodontist, leaving any thought about what you are supposed to do out of the question. For adjustments and progress checks, you will need to visit the office every 6-8 weeks. To make the MINT Orthodontic treatment process as enjoyable as possible, our patients are provided with MINT’s infamous green sunglasses and

BEATS headphones as they kick back in our massaging dental chair to watch their favorite shows on Netflix while our orthodontic team goes to work.

Disadvantages of Bracket Braces

Cleaning Difficulties

Brushing and flossing are absolute necessities — especially during orthodontic treatment. Since there are hundreds of hiding places for food and bacteria with braces intact, the cleaning process is crucial to the success of your treatment plan. Always brush and floss after you eat, using a soft-bristle toothbrush in a gentle circular motion so you don't damage the brackets or wires.

Comfort Level

After braces are put on, you will experience a mild amount of oral discomfort in the first few days of application and after each adjustment appointment. Over the months and years of treatment, this discomfort will decrease because of the upgraded technology MINT Orthodontics uses with smaller bonded braces and our flexible nickel-titanium wires.

Must Be Careful of Eating Certain Foods

One of the most difficult parts of having braces is the limited diet and food restrictions that come with the treatment. Braces can come loose from the teeth if you eat the wrong things. Hard and crunchy foods, sticky candies, and bubble gum are all examples of foods to avoid to prevent damage to your brackets and wires.

No matter which straightening route you prefer, it’s important to consult an orthodontic specialist to analyze your specific oral health needs. A good orthodontist can help you determine the best plan for your smile based on your age, lifestyle, and correction needs. At MINT Orthodontics, our goal is to provide a world-class patient experience. Our cutting-edge orthodontic technology ensures that you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that you’ll love forever. Start your orthodontic journey with MINT Orthodontics today with as little as $1 down and low monthly payments.