Braces

Wichita’s Top Choice For Comfortable, Effective Orthodontics

Braces

Braces have long been known as a trusted, tried-and-true method to straighten the teeth and solve a series of other orthodontic issues.

Thanks to modern technology, braces have become more than simple, clunky metal brackets and wires! Gone are the bulky, uncomfortable braces of the past. Patients can now enjoy comfortable, discreet and effective orthodontics in Wichita, Kansas, right here at Smiles Orthodontics.

We know that braces create beautiful smiles, but long-term data from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) shows that straight teeth and proper bites improve oral health and make it easier to care for teeth. Untreated improper bites and crooked teeth can result in a variety of problems, including a better chance of cavities, gum disease, teeth chipping or fracturing, and tooth loss. Unfavorable growth of the jaw can lead to uneven tooth wear and complicated extractions or surgeries.

Types Of Braces

As orthodontic technology has advanced, multiple different forms of orthodontics have come into vogue as effective and efficient tools to straighten your smile. When you meet with our team for your complimentary consultation, we will discuss all your potential orthodontic treatment options and determine which type might be right for you. The two styles of appliances we offer at Smiles Orthodontics are traditional metal and clear/ceramic braces. 

Metal Braces

Metal may be the most traditional option, but it’s also the most common because they work! We don’t believe in cookie-cutter approaches to orthodontic treatment, which is why we think carefully about which treatment might work best for you among the many options available to you.

While metal braces are a familiar choice, they are far from the same metal contraptions of the past. Modern advancements have made these appliances more aesthetic, inconspicuous and comfortable than ever before thanks to advanced materials and improved product quality. Plus, with these tried-and-true appliances, you can choose from various colorful elastics to personalize your orthodontic treatment and fit your individual style.

Many patients express concern about the way that orthodontics look. Adolescence can be an especially difficult time, and many teens feel immense pressure to focus on their appearance at school and in social situations. While we understand that sometimes getting braces can cause some anxiety. We guarantee that in the long run braces will make it possible to smile confidently for the rest of your life! 

Clear/Ceramic Braces

For those patients who need the reliability and efficiency of metal braces but want an even more discreet alternative, clear or ceramic might be the perfect fit. Similar in function to their metal counterpart, the primary difference is in their ceramic bracket that blends in with the teeth and provides a nearly invisible appearance. This style of braces is most popular with older patients thanks to their esthetic appeal.

The biggest and most common appeal of ceramic braces is their discrete appearance. They can address many of the more severe orthodontic issues that clear aligners cannot while also offering a less noticeable appearance than traditional metal braces. They bridge the gap between these two more commonly known treatments. Although the texture of ceramic braces will be noticeable on the patient’s teeth, the brackets are much less visible than metal braces are, especially from far away or in photographs. In some cases, ceramic braces can also work faster than Invisalign can.

Benefits Of Braces

Braces provide more than just straighter teeth. They also give you a healthier smile with many benefits:

  • Prevent Gum Disease And Tooth Decay – Properly spaced teeth are easier to brush and floss, keeping gums healthier.
  • Better Digestion – Properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew food and chew it up finely, making it easier to digest.
  • Prevent Injury – Protruding upper teeth are especially vulnerable during accidents.
  • Prevent Bone Erosion – Misaligned teeth cause you to miss bacteria growing in your mouth, which may cause it to eat away at the jawbones
  • Improve Your Bite – When your bite is aligned correctly, you will feel less pain and fatigue in your jaw, which can help you avoid headaches and temporomandibular disorders.
  • Improve Speech – Straighter teeth make it easier to pronounce particular sounds.
  • Improve Facial Proportions – Moving your teeth into a better position will make your lips and jaw more proportionate to your face.
  • Improve Self-Esteem – Straighter teeth make you feel more confident.

Keeping Braces Clean

Keeping your teeth and braces clean while undergoing orthodontic treatment is a little tricky, but you will get the hang of it pretty quickly. For the best results, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Clean Your Mouth Every Time You Eat – Brushing is best, but when it isn’t convenient, rinse with mouthwash or water and brush as soon as you can.
  • Brush For An Extra Minute – Since braces are a little harder to clean, brush for an extra minute to get anything you may have missed.
  • Floss – To help navigate the braces, use a floss threader to help you get the floss where it needs to go.
  • Avoid Certain Foods – Avoid super sugary and acidic foods that can strip enamel and increase your chances of a cavity.
  • Be Gentle – Always use a soft-bristled brush and make sure not to use too much pressure.
  • Brush Your Tongue – Brushing the tongue helps remove bacteria that may be on the surface of your tongue.
  • Don’t Skip The Dentist – Keep your regular appointments with your dentist to help you maintain your oral health.

Are You Ready To Have Your Dream Smile?

We’re Here To Help.

Smiles Orthodontics