When achieving a perfectly aligned smile, traditional braces remain one of the most trusted orthodontic treatments. While advancements in orthodontics have led to alternatives like clear aligners, traditional braces in Waco still stand out for their reliability and effectiveness, especially for complex dental issues.
Beyond aesthetics, proper dental alignment is essential in maintaining oral health. Misaligned teeth can lead to problems like uneven wear, speech issues, and even difficulty chewing. That’s why Acre Wood Dental has made it our mission to provide exceptional orthodontic treatment to patients looking to improve their smiles and oral functionality. With a doctor like Dr. Marc Johnson, the team at Acre Wood Dental specializes in traditional braces in Waco, TX, combining expertise with patient-focused care to deliver stellar results.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces have been a tried-and-true orthodontic solution for decades to straighten teeth. They consist of three main components:
- Metal Brackets – Tiny metal squares bonded to the front of each tooth.
- Wires – Archwires run through the brackets to apply pressure and guide teeth into alignment.
- Elastics/Bands – Small rubber bands connect brackets to wires and help with bite correction.
The materials, usually made of durable stainless steel, are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring effective treatment.
How Do Traditional Braces in Waco Work?
The process begins with careful planning. After the braces are fitted, the archwire applies gentle yet continuous pressure, guiding teeth into their proper positions. This pressure stimulates a biological process called bone remodeling, where the bone tissue surrounding the teeth adjusts, allowing them to shift.
Periodic adjustments are necessary to maintain optimal force, ensuring gradual and precise alignment over time. Additional elastics may be used to align the bite for patients with more complex cases, like cross bites or overcrowded teeth. Over time, traditional braces deliver an impressive transformation.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces in Waco offer a reliable and effective solution for correcting a wide range of dental misalignments. They have been used for decades to improve oral health, enhance smiles, and boost confidence.
Proven Effectiveness
Traditional braces excel in handling even the most challenging orthodontic cases. Braces offer consistent results for crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, or underbites. Compared to alternatives like clear aligners, traditional braces are often the only solution for severe dental issues.
Durability and Reliability
Traditional braces are made from high-quality stainless steel and are built to last. These are great for teens and adults alike, as they can withstand the wear and tear of daily activities.
Cost-Effectiveness
Traditional braces generally cost less than other options while delivering equally powerful results. For families or individuals on a budget, this makes them an excellent investment in long-term oral health.
Faster Treatment Times
On average, traditional braces can yield results faster than other options due to their ability to apply consistent, controlled force. This means fewer delays and more progress.
The Treatment Process at Acre Wood Dental
Acre Wood Dental offers a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to traditional braces. Here’s what you can expect when you begin your orthodontic journey with Dr. Marc Johnson.
Initial Consultation
Your first visit involves a complete evaluation to assess your orthodontic needs. This includes X-rays, impressions, and a review of your dental history. Dr. Marc Johnson takes the time to craft a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your goals and oral health.
Application of Braces
The process of fitting traditional braces is straightforward. After cleaning and preparing your teeth, the team at Acre Wood Dental will apply a bonding adhesive to secure the brackets in place. The archwire is then threaded through the brackets and held in place with elastics or bands.
Regular Adjustments
Regular follow-up appointments are essential for a smooth alignment process. During these visits, Dr. Marc Johnson will tighten the wires, replace elastics, and monitor your progress. These minor adjustments play a significant role in achieving a perfectly aligned smile.
Completion and Retainers
The braces are carefully removed once your teeth have shifted into their ideal positions. The next phase involves wearing a retainer to maintain your results and prevent teeth from moving back to their original positions.
Maintaining Oral Health During Treatment
Proper oral hygiene is essential when wearing traditional braces in Waco. You can maintain a healthy, confident smile throughout your treatment with the appropriate steps. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to keep your teeth and braces in excellent shape.
Daily Care Routine
- Brush after each meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush thoroughly to clean around the brackets and wires. Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue as well!
- Use an interdental or proxy brush to clean small spaces around the braces where a regular toothbrush might not reach.
- Floss daily using floss threaders or a water flosser to get between teeth and below the wires effectively. This step prevents plaque buildup and keeps your gums healthy.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and fight cavities.
Dietary Considerations
- Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, which can damage your braces or get stuck in hard-to-reach areas. Foods like caramel, popcorn, gummies, and nuts are best left off the menu.
- Cut harder foods like apples, carrots, and crusty bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on your braces.
- Opt for braces-friendly options like yogurt, smoothies, pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, eggs, and bananas.
- Stay hydrated! Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth clean.
Additional Tips for Success
- Carry a braces care kit with you, including a travel toothbrush, small toothpaste, and floss, so you’re always prepared to clean your teeth after meals on the go.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires causing irritation inside your mouth. This can prevent discomfort and allow irritated areas to heal faster.
- If a wire or bracket becomes loose or broken, contact your orthodontist immediately to fix it. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can help temporarily hold things in place.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
- Schedule routine cleanings and check-ups to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout treatment. Your dentist will help address any issues before they become serious.
- Bring up concerns, like discomfort or difficulty cleaning certain areas, with your orthodontist during appointments. Dr. Marc Johnson is always here to help you navigate your journey to a straighter smile.
- Don’t skip any scheduled orthodontic adjustments—these appointments are essential for tracking your progress and ensuring your braces work effectively.
Staying consistent with these habits will ensure your treatment goes smoothly and your smile is healthier and brighter when the braces come off!
Why Choose Acre Wood Dental for Traditional Braces in Waco?
At Acre Wood Dental, we aim to provide personalized care and exceptional service to help you achieve a confident, beautiful smile. Our team in Waco specializes in traditional braces, ensuring effective and reliable orthodontic treatment tailored to your needs.
Expertise and Personalized Care
With years of experience, Dr. Marc Johnson understands what it takes to deliver high-quality orthodontic care. Each patient receives a fully customized treatment plan.
Convenience
Acre Wood Dental offers integrated dental (cosmetic, general, and restorative) and orthodontic services so patients can meet all their dental needs in one convenient location.
Advanced Technology
Utilizing state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools, Acre Wood Dental ensures precision and accuracy at every stage of the treatment process.
Take the First Step Toward a New Smile
Traditional braces in Waco remain a reliable, effective solution for dental alignment challenges. Our proven success, cost-effectiveness, and durability make us an excellent choice for patients of all ages. At Acre Wood Dental in Waco, TX, Dr. Marc Johnson is committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles through personalized care and advanced technology.
Start your orthodontic transformation today! Schedule a consultation with Acre Wood Dental and take the first step toward a straighter, more confident smile.