Braces

Most teens & adults seek an orthodontist for braces because they want to have a beautiful smile that can light up a room. Some patients need braces for medical reasons. Whichever the case, we're here to help. Dr. Kevin Chung & his team are dedicated to bringing you the best possible experience to ensure you're comfortable with the treatment options we recommend.

Quick Tips

• Not everyone who wants braces may be able to get braces. You need to be the ideal candidate, as there may be more suitable options for your specific situation
• Treatment times vary from patient to patient. Treatment times depend on how your body responds. Typical time-frames are between 12-24 months
• Follow the instructions set out in your treatment plan

Main Reasons Why Children, Teens, & Adults Get Braces

• Minor speech impediments
• Thumb sucking
• Gaps for crowded teeth
• Guide teeth to come in properly
• Ensure the upper & lower arches have proper width
• Mouth breathing
• Loosing baby teeth too early or too late
• Chewing food
• Jaw pain (grinding & popping)
• Abnormal bite
• Mouth & jaw which aren't proportional
• Underbite & overbite

Types of Braces

To make sure you feel comfortable with the treatment plan, the materials used, and the colors, can be tailored for your specific needs, which include:

• Metal braces
• Self-ligating braces (brackets instead of rubber bands)
• Clear braces (ceramic braces)
• Lingual Braces (behind the teeth)
• Invisible braces (Invisalign®)

Equipment Typically Used For Braces

• Elastics (Rubber Bands) - Comes in many colors. Can be used to separate molars & to the connect the upper & lower brackets together to shift the jaw
• Mold - Used for teeth impressions
• X-Rays - Used to see the direction & size of the teeth roots
• Retainers - Retainers are used after the braces are removed, and are there to keep everything in place. Typically is worn before going to bed

Braces for Children

By age 7, everyone should see an orthodontist to ensure their adult teeth are coming in properly. By this age, we'll be able to catch any mishaps early enough to ensure we can correct them before any major changes start occurring.  Receiving treatment early enough can allow us to decrease the likelihood of needing an extraction later in life. If you suspect your child may need braces, contact our office. We'd be happy to go through an initial exam, explain your options, and help your child find a healthy & beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

Braces for Teenagers & Adults

Braces can be daunting to any teenager because teenage years are very important to the social development of your child. Pictures, friends, sports, summer camps, vacations, school, sleepovers, teenagers are out there a lot. Adults don't want to feel self-conscious, appear young, or not be taken seriously in their career. If braces are prescribed, you don't have to worry though. Braces today aren't like they use to be. Braces come in a variety of colors to match your style. Our practice recognizes that adults and teens have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We'll work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment. For older teens & adults, because the jaw bones have stopped growing, shifting teeth with braces may not be the only treatment needed. Refer to Surgical Orthodontics for more information

Eating while in Braces

Foods to avoid with when wearing braces:

• Chewy foods
• Crunchy foods
• Sticky foods
• Hard foods

Foods you can eat while in braces:

• Dairy
• Grains
• Meats/poultry
• Seafood
• Soft Vegetables
• Soft Fruits
• Soft Treats

Loose Teeth, Wires, & Bands

It's normal for teeth to become loose during treatment. Braces loosen your teeth to better move them into position. If the wires or brands become loose or break off, contact our office to schedule an appointment. Bring an pieces that may have fallen off. In the meantime, place wax or west cotton on the area to avoid getting mouth sores. Do not try to fix the appliance yourself as this may cause your teeth to move in a position that can prolong your treatment.

Brushing and Flossing

Teeth typically trap food in the pockets of your gums. With braces, this becomes worse. The food particles can build up and cause other mouth problem like gingivitis and tooth decay. It's very important that you floss after every meal to ensure a healthy, clean smile. Follow your orthodontists instructions to learn how to properly floss your teeth with braces.

Soreness

When you first get braces, and after every adjustment, your mouth, teeth, and face can become sore and tender. This will typically last 3-5 days. Brackets can also cause mouth sores. To avoid making the sores worse, you should rinse your mouth with salt water and place wax over the bracket of the affected area. If the soreness persists, take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), as recommended by your orthodontist, to help reduce swelling.

Everyone's situation is different. Sometimes, braces may be the only option for acquiring straight teeth, and a healthy smile. We assess every patients individual needs and make an appropriate assessment and set an accurate treatment plan. Braces can also help with a number of long-term health issues, prevent other health concerns, and make flossing & brushing a lot easier.