Are you self-conscious of your smile? There are ways to correct crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and a misaligned jaw. While braces are typically used for adolescents, more adults are turning to braces to correct their teeth. Dr. Bowman has Orthodontic Residency and D.M.D. with Highest Honors. If you want to correct your teeth, you are in the right place.
At Brodie Bowman Orthodontics in Fort Walton Beach, FL, we offer orthodontic braces for teenagers and adults. If you would like to know more about the teeth straightening and bite correction we offer, call us to schedule a consultation.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces exert constant pressure on your jaws and teeth to alter their position. The brackets that are glued to your teeth hold the archwire in place. This creates pressure on your teeth in the right direction. Over time, your teeth with move into your desired position.
The soft tissue that holds your teeth in place is known as periodontal ligaments. These ligaments can compress and stretch as your teeth move. When your braces move a tooth to the right, the ligament on the right compresses, and new bone is formed on the left side to fill the gap.
How are Crowded Teeth Corrected?
Overcrowded teeth occur when your teeth are too large, and the space between your jaw is too small. Braces move individual teeth forward, back, and across to create sufficient space for teeth to sit side by side in your desired position. Younger people with overcrowding may benefit from an expander that increases the size of their jaw.
How Does Bite Correction Work?
An overbite is a vertical overlap of the top and lower teeth. Correcting an overbite may require the movement of both the top and bottom teeth. This may involve your upper front teeth being moved up, your lower front teeth moving down, your lower back teeth being moved up, or a combination to make your jaw swing open slightly. Braces work gradually to move your teeth into your desired position. As they move, the bone around them changes shape to accommodate their new position.
Braces don’t only move your teeth back. They can effectively move your teeth forward. This is achieved with the archwire. It is bent to meet the brackets on your teeth, and in time the wire returns to its original position, carrying the teeth with it.
Types of Braces
There are many types of braces available. Choosing the right braces will depend on your age and particular orthodontic concern. Braces are custom-made to your individual needs. Here are a few types of braces you can use to correct crooked teeth, overbite, and crowded teeth:
Classic Braces
These are the most commonly used braces. They are made of metal brackets that are individually glued to each of your teeth. An archwire is put through the brackets to apply pressure to your teeth and jawline. Elastic O-rings connect the archwire to the brackets. The archwire is periodically adjusted as your teeth gradually get repositioned into your desired place. The elastic O-rings are regularly switched out at appointments.
The Procedure
The treatment process is typically broken up into three phases to focus on specific aspects of your teeth and jawline.
Level and Align
The first phase involves moving your teeth, so they sit side by side. Your teeth may be moved up, down, or across to achieve a straight line.
Bite Issues
The second phase of your treatment focuses on adjusting your braces to correct any bite problems, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. If you have any gaps between your teeth, they will be closed during this phase.
Fine Tuning
In the last part of your treatment, we will give attention to fine-tuning and tidying up so that all your teeth are positioned in the best possible way before the braces are removed. This will be the final position of your teeth.
When Will I See the Results?
Braces apply constant pressure to your teeth. This does not mean that your teeth will move every day. You may notice a slight discomfort a few days after adjustment while your teeth get used to their new position. If your teeth are moved too fast, it can be painful and cause damage to your roots. Your teeth need time to move into the desired position and for the bone to either reabsorb or make new bone. This is dependent on the direction your teeth are moving. While every case is different, you can expect to wear braces and have slight periodic adjustments between six months and three years.
Is There Any Way to Shorten Braces Treatment Time?
There are a few ways to move your teeth into your desired position faster, such as small titanium pins, aligners, implants, or springs placed into your jaw. To ensure your braces are on for the shortest time possible, you should follow the instructions we provide. When braces break, it is best to contact us immediately to have it fixed since this can extend your treatment period.
About Us
We will ensure your treatment is as quick as possible with little discomfort. You can be sure of this because Dr. Bowman believes in the power of a confident smile. We strive to deliver an enjoyable and relaxing orthodontic experience with results that exceed your expectations.
Schedule Your Braces Today
If you are looking for a way to correct the position of your teeth, you are in the right place. With the combination of the latest technology and a commitment to offering orthodontic excellence, we create a unique experience.
At Brodie Bowman Orthodontics, we offer braces. If you want to know more, call us at 850-659-7599 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.