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Your Santa Maria orthodontist might recommend two types of braces: Traditional metal braces or porcelain braces.
Both types of braces are made of the same components:
The brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth. The archwire fits into the brackets and helps guide the teeth into their ideal positions. The elastic bands hold the archwire in place.
Traditional braces are strong and durable. They’re an excellent option for patients who have complex orthodontic cases and need additional therapies that require other orthodontic appliances, such as headgear or palatal expanders.
Porcelain braces are an excellent option if you’re concerned about aesthetics. These braces are often called clear braces because the brackets are tooth colored. In some cases, you can even get a clear or tooth-colored archwire, too.
Porcelain braces are also often more comfortable because the brackets are smoother than metal brackets.
Patients with crooked teeth or gaps between their teeth might choose to invest in orthodontic care to improve the appearance of their smile.
Other patients might need orthodontic treatment because of bite misalignment. A misaligned bite can cause painful, long-term problems, including:
Failing to realign the bite can result in chronic pain, such as headaches, migraines, and earaches. It can result in difficulty chewing, too. Cracked and broken teeth may require dental crowns – or in extreme cases, root canal therapy or an extraction.
Investing in braces in Santa Maria can reduce your risk of these painful, financially costly circumstances.
Your orthodontist wants you to have a smile that makes you feel confident. Braces can help you achieve that.
However, our ultimate goal is to help you get a healthier smile. Without good oral health, it is impossible to maintain a beautiful smile. By correcting bite misalignment issues, we can make it easier for you to practice good oral hygiene at home. The result is a reduced risk of future dental decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
If you’re ready for a healthier smile, talk to our team to learn more about orthodontic care in Santa Maria.
Wearing braces will require extra time spent on oral hygiene, particularly when it comes to flossing.
To care for your teeth and braces, brush at least twice daily. You can use a manual toothbrush, but we highly recommend an electric toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning experience.
You’ll need to use floss threaders to floss, which you’ll need to do at least once a day. To floss, pull your floss through the threader. Then, thread the floss aid under the archwire. Use the floss to clean in between the teeth and below the gumline like normal.
You’ll need to thread the floss through the archwire for each tooth, which takes some time. However, remember that the goal of orthodontic care in Santa Maria is to provide you with a healthier, more beautiful smile. You don’t want to sabotage your time and money with poor home care, which can result in decay and gum disease.
Metal braces can cost between $3000 and $7000. Porcelain braces can cost between $4000 and $8000.
The cost of orthodontic treatment from Santa Barbara Family Dental depends on the type of materials used (porcelain vs. metal), as well as any additional therapies (palatal expander, for instance). The cost can also vary depending on the length of time you need to undergo treatment.
Some patients experience mild tooth and gum soreness when their braces are first put on and again when they’re adjusted. Soreness typically goes away within a day or two.
Warm saltwater rinses can help, as can an over-the-counter painkiller (if you’re medically cleared to take one). During this period, stick to soft foods to avoid irritating your teeth and gums.
To schedule your orthodontic consultation.
