Traditional Metal Braces in Tupelo, MS

Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is pleased to provide a variety of orthodontic treatments to cater to the different needs and wants of our Tupelo, MS patients, including traditional bracket and wire braces. With modern technology and countless orthodontic advances, traditional braces are more affordable, smaller, and comfortable than ever before. While removable clear aligners are a great option for many individuals, a number of our patients prefer traditional metal braces and love the fun customizations that can be accomplished through colored elastic ties. Traditional braces are often available to patients in all-metal options, as well as tooth-colored ceramic for a more discreet appearance. To find out more about conventional braces, schedule an appointment with qualified general dentists Doctors Richard Caron or John Kenney at our full-service family dental practice in Tupelo, MS.

If you or your child needs orthodontic treatment to correct alignment, spacing, or bite issues with their mouth, traditional braces are an effective method for improving oral health that has helped countless generations obtain a brighter smile. Additionally, Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers tooth-colored braces, so you might not have to worry about having the look of a mouthful of metal. Benefits of traditional braces include:

• The orthodontics are strong and durable
• Can be used to correct several issues with the mouth, including those that clear aligners may not be able to fix
• May be more affordable than comparable orthodontic treatments
• Improving overall oral health, speaking, and eating
• Could be removed in as little as one year

Classic metal braces are a good selection for both adults, teens, and children. Our traditional braces are crafted from top-grade stainless steel archwires and metal or ceramic brackets that are strategically positioned to give you the beautiful smile you desire. They are an ideal option for patients who have jaw alignment problems, gapped or crowded teeth, overbite or underbite, and protruding teeth. We also use high-quality elastic bands that are simple to place. During your appointment with doctors Caron or Kenney, our team will go over your orthodontic treatments and help you select the method that is best for your or your child's oral needs and goals.

After your initial examination, an individualized treatment plan will be developed by our team for your particular case. When you return to get your braces, your teeth will be properly prepped and cleaned before placing your brackets and wires. A bonding agent will be painted onto each tooth and your brackets carefully placed. Once all the brackets are in place, doctors Caron or Kenney will thread the archwire through them. You or your child will then be able to choose your desired ligature elastics to keep the archwires connected to the brackets. The application process generally moves fairly fast and patients experience no discomfort. In general, you can expect to visit our office once a month for adjustments and progress checks.

Traditional braces can cause flossing and cleaning your teeth to be more challenging, which makes keeping up with proper oral hygiene imperative to your orthodontic treatment. When you get your braces, our friendly team will show you how to best clean your teeth and give you helpful tips. As a general rule, we recommend that you floss and brush your teeth after each meal. Keeping all of your appointments and maintaining regular dental cleanings may also help ensure optimal outcomes. Typically, most patients have braces for 1 – 2 years, but your treatment time will ultimately depend on the severity of your situation.

After your treatment with braces is complete, we will remove the braces and fit you for a retainer. A retainer will keep your teeth in their new and proper places. Our Tupelo, MS office offers a range of retainer options for patients of all ages. Doctors Caron and Kenney can help you choose the right retainer for your family's teeth.

When you have an issue with your braces, try not to panic. You might have the ability to address many problems temporarily by yourself until you are able to visit our office. Common orthodontic problems do not need to cause a delay in your treatment. If any orthodontic emergencies occur, contact our office right away and try to find some relief with the following suggestions:

Loose Band or Bracket
In the event the band or bracket is still connected to the wire, then leave it in place. If it is uncomfortable, you can cover it with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum. Sometimes, it is possible to remove the rubber band with tweezers so that you can detach the mount from the archwire.
Loose Wire
Attempt to push the wire back into place using tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the archwire with fingernail clippers or little wire cutters behind the last tooth to which it is securely attached. Orthodontic wax or sugarless gum can be used to cover the loose wire if it causes discomfort.
Poking Wire
Place orthodontic wax on the sharp end of the wire or use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to gently bend the wire away from soft tissues.
Soreness
There may be soreness for a few days after each office visit. You may find it more comfortable to eat a soft food diet during this time. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water (for inflamed gum tissues) or take nonprescription pain medication as needed to provide comfort.
Loose Appliance
In the event the appliance is sticking or poking you, place orthodontic wax over it to help keep it stable.

How do braces straighten teeth effectively?
The main parts of the braces are the brackets and the archwires. The brackets are specially designed pieces of metal or ceramic that are attached to the teeth. The wire connecting the brackets is bent to pressure the teeth to move them into the optimal position.

What foods do I need to avoid while wearing braces?
You should stay away from these types of foods while wearing braces:

• Chewy foods (i.e., bagels, hard rolls, licorice)
• Crunchy foods (i.e., chips, pretzels, ice)
• Sticky foods (i.e., candies, caramels, chewing gum)
• Hard foods (i.e., nuts)
• Foods that require biting into (i.e, corn on the cob, apples, carrots)

If you aren’t sure if a food can be consumed while wearing braces, please bring it up to Dr. Caron, Dr. Kenney, or a member of the Tupelo Smiles team.

How should I brush my teeth while wearing braces?
Brushing your teeth with braces isn’t wholly different from brushing your teeth without braces, but you should make some adjustments to account for the brackets and wire. Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry recommends brushing your gumline by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Then, carefully brush the tops of the brackets, followed by moving the brush to reach the areas under the archwires and the bottom and back of the teeth. As with routine brushing, you should brush with fluoride toothpaste.

In the past several years, there have been many outstanding improvements in dental and orthodontic care for individuals of all ages, making orthodontic care more comfortable and convenient than ever. However, metal braces are still a popular treatment among Tupelo, MS patients. If you or your child may need orthodontic treatment, get in touch with Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Experienced general dentists doctors Caron and Kenney will be happy to evaluate your needs and provide more information about conventional braces and other orthodontic treatments.