Braces

Braces help to solve nearly any teeth alignment issue, no matter how small or big. At Federal Way Dental in Olympia, Washington, their team uses braces to make your smile more full, healthy, and beautiful while reducing your risk of jaw dysfunction, tooth decay, and other undesirable complications. To find out if braces are the right treatment for you, call Federal Way Dental to schedule a consultation or book one online today.

What are braces?

Braces are an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth to correct issues related to a dysfunctional or undesirable bite. 

They include two main components, wires, and brackets. Your dentist cements the brackets onto your teeth and threads the wire through them.

During routine appointments at Federal Way Dental, the team tightens the wire encouraging your teeth to move toward their new position. If braces are the right fit for your treatment needs, your dental provider will help you choose between metal or ceramic brackets.

During your braces treatment, you must clean your teeth often and be mindful of your diet. The team advises you to avoid foods like hard candy, popcorn, gum, and corn on the cob, to minimize your risk of oral health complications during your treatment.

Some solid foods can break braces off your teeth, while others can get stuck between the wires and brackets, resulting in bacterial buildup.

Which bite problems can braces fix?

Braces are highly effective in treating a vast range of bite problems. They can fix these issues, whether mild, moderate, or severe. The team at Federal Way Dental might recommend braces if you have the following:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Overjet
• Crossbite or open bite
• Overcrowding
• Wide gaps between teeth
• Crooked teeth

Getting braces to fix these issues can help you avoid more complex problems with your oral health and function in the future. If your teeth are misaligned, you’re at a higher risk of suffering from gum disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, tooth decay, and speech issues.

What is the best time to have braces?

Many patients mistakenly believe that orthodontic treatment should start when all their adult teeth have grown. You can begin orthodontic treatment as an adult if you choose. Still, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you start getting orthodontic evaluations as early as age seven when you still have some baby teeth.

By starting your evaluations early, the team at Federal Way Dental can predict upcoming alignment issues and plan your treatment strategically as your jaw and teeth develop.

 Regardless of your age, the team at Federal Way Dental can evaluate you for alignment issues that require braces at any of your regular cleaning appointments.

For more information about braces and whether they can fix your teeth, call Federal Way Dental to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.