Understanding Orthodontics and Dental Braces 

Orthodontic appliances such as dental braces are used to gently shift teeth into their ideal positions over time, correcting issues like crowding, gaps, and misaligned bites. Our team at Moe Family Dental Clinic helps you get the smile you deserve through quality dental braces near Hernes Oak, designed to suit patients of all ages.

Types of Dental Braces Available near Hernes Oak

Orthodontic braces, also known as dental braces, are either fixed or removable:

• Fixed dental braces consist of brackets and bands that are cemented (glued) to your teeth, which hold flexible wires in place. In turn, these wires exert pressure on your teeth, gently moving them into their correct position over the course of your treatment.
• Removable dental braces can be taken in and out of the mouth. They have delicate wires and springs attached which move the teeth using gentle pressure. These are used for less complex cases or in conjunction with fixed braces as part of a combined treatment.

Step-by-Step Orthodontic Treatment Process

Your regular dentist might refer you to an orthodontist who specialises in dental braces near Hernes Oak, or you can refer yourself to one.

1. At the first appointment, the orthodontist will discuss your goals and what you would like to achieve from your treatment. You will have an oral assessment, x-rays, and moulds taken of your teeth.
2. At the second appointment, the orthodontist will outline your treatment plan to discuss all the options available to you. In many cases, permanent teeth need to be taken out to create space in your mouth so that the remaining teeth can be moved. If this is the case, the extractions are carried out by your regular dentist.
3. At the third appointment, small plastic bands, 'separators,' will be placed in between your molar teeth. The bands will stay in place for one week to create space between the teeth for the permanent molar bands.
4. At the next appointment, the molar bands, brackets, and wires will be put in place. You may find that for the first couple of days your teeth feel tender and your jaw aches; this is because of the pressure of the brace. Your dentist will recommend a prescription to deal with the soreness, if needed. If the discomfort lasts longer than a few days, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to see if your dental braces need adjusting. Your brace could also rub against the inside of your lips or cheeks. If this is the case, you can use the wax provided by your orthodontist.
5. You will now need to see your orthodontist every six to eight weeks to have the bands and wires changed, tightened, or elastics added. You will require regular checkups every six months with your dentist to ensure your gums and teeth are healthy.
6. After your treatment is complete, your dental braces will be removed and your teeth cleaned and polished to remove any remaining cement. Now, the teeth need to be held in position while the surrounding gum and bone settle. This period is called retention, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers, which are either fixed or removable. Depending on the type of retainers, impressions are taken for the retainers to be custom-made at the dental laboratory. You will be handed your retainers a week later, which you need to wear until recommended by the orthodontist.