Braces

At Dr. Filangeris, we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful smile, and orthodontic treatments are no exception to that. In the past, braces were almost exclusively used on younger, teenage patients. But with modern technology, patients of all ages can receive orthodontic care at our clinic. From children to mature adults, we help everyone achieve the smile of their dreams.

Our clinic is proud to use Tip-Edge System™ orthodontics. This is a modern system featuring light wire forces along with traditional brackets. Results with the Tip-Edge system are faster than with other types of braces, and results are also more successful. What’s more, discomfort is significantly reduced for patients, giving them a smooth experience throughout their treatment.

Patients are advised to get a dental checkup and cleaning before getting their braces. Any dental work such as filling cavities, should be done beforehand. Patients will get X-rayed by their dentist, who will use the images to develop a personal treatment plan. X-rays show how the braces will affect the patients gums, jaw, and surrounding tissue. Patients may also need to have spacers placed in between their back molars, about a week before commencing treatment. Throughout all of this, maintaining excellent oral care habits is essential.

The actual appointment where the braces are placed can last from 90 minutes to 2 hours. Eating before the procedure is encouraged. But patients should arrive with very clean teeth, making sure to brush and floss thoroughly before the appointment. The dentist will place an adhesive onto each tooth, and top it with a bracket. This will be cemented with a high intensity light. Then, an orthodontic wire is threaded through the brackets, and adjustments are made to suit the patient’s needs. The entire process comes with minimal discomfort, and patients will get used to their braces in a few days.

After getting their braces, patients will come back for follow-up appointments with around a monthly regularity. These treatments will be much shorter, only lasting around 15-20 minutes. They are needed to monitor the patient’s progress, tighten or replace bands, and make adjustments if need be. During the entirety of the treatment, maintaining impeccable oral care habits is a must. Since food can get stuck very easily between the wires, brushing and flossing regularly is essential. Patients are also recommended to stay away from sugary drinks, very hard foods like candies or nuts, and strong colored sauces. These products may break your brackets, stain your braces, or cause other issues. Some minimal lifestyle changes may also be needed. For example, people with braces may cut an apple into smaller bite sized chunks, instead of eating it whole. But on the large, these adjustments won’t make a significant difference in the patients day-to-day life.

It’s normal that patients are excited to see their perfect new smiles once their treatment is complete. But maintaining their results will also take some work. Teeth are constantly shifting throughout a person’s lifetime. As soon as the braces are removed, teeth begin moving back towards their original place and position. That’s why it’s essential that patients wear a retainer after their braces come off. Your dentist will let you know exactly how long to wear yours for, as well as give you more useful aftercare tips.