Traditional Braces
Gardena, CA
Very few people have naturally straight teeth. Straight teeth look brighter because they do not cast shadows and because they are easier to clean and bleach. Straight teeth also function better and are easier for the general dentist or dental specialist to maintain.
Over a period of time, your teeth will shift if constant, gentle pressure is applied. Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and wires are attached to the brackets with elastic bands. The slight tension on the wire is gently transferred to the bracket through the elastic band and the teeth align themselves to the configuration of the wire. At Brite Dental, our doctor can treat orthodontic patients in certain cases without extracting any teeth and place braces for 12 to 18 months. You have the option of choosing the metal brackets or the more aesthetic clear porcelain brackets.
Are Retainers Required After Wearing Braces?
After one to three years of wearing braces, you can have them removed in about an hour. However, your teeth are likely to shift out of place without them. The reason is that your gums and jawbone and teeth always like to be in their original positions. Call us to learn more about retainers types and wearing one.
At the completion of your braces treatment, retainers are necessary to keep your teeth straight. Retainers are pieces of plastic or metal that care custom-made for each person. They are made to match the shape of your mouth and the alignment of your teeth. There are two kind of retainers:
Removable: These can be put in and taken out daily. They can be wire retainers which is made of wire and plastic-like material or clear retainers which are clear trays made of plastic-like material.
Fixed: These are made of thin, custom-fitted wire that is bonded to the tongue-side of your upper and lower teeth.
