Wyomissing
Metal Braces

Versatile Smile Correction

Metal Braces in Wyomissing

Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true method of orthodontic correction. Modern braces are extremely versatile and powerful, and they can be used to treat almost any orthodontic issue, no matter how severe. If you have major bite issues, crooked teeth, crowded teeth or other issues with your smile, treatment with braces may be the best option for you. Schedule an appointment at Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics in Wyomissing today.

When to Consider Braces

Are Braces Right for Me?

Traditional metal braces are a versatile and widely-used method of smile correction. This is due to the fact that their wire and bracket system is very powerful and can be adjusted for just about any case. Traditional metal braces are a good option if you have serious orthodontic problems that are unable to be treated effectively with Invisalign or other alternatives.

In addition, your mouth must be relatively healthy to have braces placed. You must be free of common problems like tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease. If you’re an adult, you can usually still have braces even if you have multiple crowns and fillings.

Understanding the Process

What to Expect from Braces

Our orthodontist in Wyomissing will take images, x-rays, and digital scans of your bite in order to design your personalized treatment plan. Once this is complete, Dr. Molly will place your braces. Your teeth will be cleaned and Dr. Molly will use special dental cement to bond a bracket onto each of your teeth. Then, she will run an archwire through your upper and lower arch of teeth, and adjust its position. Finally, elastic bands will be attached to your brackets to hold the archwires in place.

Dr. Molly will make adjustments to your braces and the wires at each visit. You'll need to come in about every 8 weeks so she can track your progress and keep you on track. Dr. Molly always makes each adjustment appointment as fun and painless as possible.

Powerful Results

The Benefits of Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are extremely powerful and more versatile than other orthodontic treatments. When combined with other orthodontic procedures and oral surgeries, they can be used to treat even the most difficult and complex orthodontic problems.
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Braces are not removable, unlike Invisalign aligners, so your teeth will be adjusted 24/7, and you won’t need to worry about remembering to wear them. Traditional braces are also quite affordable. To get an accurate cost estimate and find out which treatment will work best for your budget and orthodontic needs, schedule an appointment today!

Maintain Proper Hygiene

How to Care for Your Braces

During treatment, it’s important to brush at least twice a day, but preferably three times per day. You will also need to floss once per day. It can be difficult to floss between your braces, so you may want to use floss picks or a floss holder to reach tight areas of your teeth more effectively. 

Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after meals can also help remove food debris and keep your teeth healthy. In addition, it is important to avoid certain types of foods that could dislodge or damage a bracket. Extremely hard foods like nuts, food that gets stuck in the teeth easily like popcorn, and very sticky foods like taffy should all be avoided to prevent issues with your braces.

Also, be sure to continue to visit your dentist for oral hygiene appointments every six months to ensure you don't develop cavities or gum disease.

Are Braces

Covered By Insurance?

Most dental insurance policies will at least partially cover orthodontic treatment for children under the age of 18, especially if it is deemed medically necessary due to a misaligned bite or difficulty chewing.

However, adults over the age of 18 will not have as much luck, as insurance plans usually will not cover treatment for adults. The best way to find out the specifics of your plan is to contact your insurer and ask.

At Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations so don’t hesitate to get a quote for your treatment, as we won’t pressure you to commit to future appointments.

How Long

Will I Need to Wear My Metal Braces?

This depends on the severity of your case as well as your age. However, the average wear-time for metal braces is 1-2 years. As expected, the more severe your tooth alignment is or if you have a misaligned bite, the longer it will take to correct these issues as opposed to some minor spacing issues.

Crooked teeth can be corrected faster in children because their jaws and bite alignment is still developing. This enables us to take advantage of this malleable state of the jaw to encourage the proper alignment. It will take a little longer for adults, but it is 100% worth it.

There is no age limit to orthodontic treatment and failing to correct misaligned teeth or bites can lead to poor oral hygiene, difficulty chewing, and other oral health problems. However, adults who want braces to correct an aesthetic issue may only require a treatment time as short as 6 months.

Will I Need

to Wear a Metal Retainer Once My Braces Are Gone?

Yes, while it’s not something patients want to hear after finally having their metal braces removed, you must wear a retainer to maintain your new tooth alignment. This is because the jaw is still malleable and can lead to the teeth reverting to their old position.

It's especially important to wear a retainer for the first 6 months when your tooth position is most malleable. After 6 months, your orthodontist may tell you that you only need to wear your retainer at night.

However, the only way to 100% maintain your newly straightened teeth is to wear a retainer for the rest of your life. However, every case is different. Some people may only need to wear a retainer for a few years or you may only need to wear them a few nights a week. Your dentist will tell you what’s the correct course of action for you.

Schedule Your Braces Consultation Today!

Think metal braces could be the right choice for you? Traditional metal braces are the most efficient and cost-effective method of straightening crooked teeth and correcting misaligned bites. Contact us at Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Molly Hottenstein.