Exceptional Braces In Atlanta.

Knowing whether a child needs braces isn’t always obvious, especially when conditions are subtle. While crowded and crooked teeth are common indicators, other signs can include difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, thumb sucking past age five, and teeth that don’t come together when your child closes their mouth.

In adults, jaw discomfort, difficulty cleaning between teeth, and a longstanding self-consciousness about the appearance of your smile may make you a candidate for braces. The only way to know for certain is by scheduling an evaluation with your local Atlanta orthodontist.

While all three types of braces work towards the goal of moving your teeth into proper alignment, each comes with different materials and appearances. Traditional metal braces are the most recognizable option, using metal brackets at the front of your teeth and connected to one another by wire. Ceramic braces work similarly but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural smile, making them less noticeable. Hidden braces (sometimes called lingual braces) are on the back side of your teeth, making them essentially invisible.

When you come in for a braces consultation in Atlanta, our team at Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists can walk you through the different pros and cons of each option.

This is a common question we get from new patients, and the answer depends on how you define “hurt.” While braces shouldn’t be painful, it is normal to feel a bit of discomfort in the first few days after placement, when your teeth begin to respond to the pressure from the wires and brackets. In most cases, it’s a dull ache, not a sharp pain, and it usually subsides within a few days. During that window, patients can eat softer foods and consider over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort.

Treatment times vary between patients on account of factors like the complexity of your case, your age, and how consistently you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. On average, most patients wear braces for between 12 and 24 months. Naturally, minor alignment issues require shorter treatment times, while complex crowding or structural issues take longer.

At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we use SureSmile technology, which is a digitally directed wire system that maps each patient’s tooth movement. This system offers shorter braces treatment times than conventional braces. After your initial consultation at our office, our team will walk you through your treatment timeline.

Certain foods can be hazardous to braces wearers as they can bend wires, pop off brackets, and get lodged in places that are difficult to clean. Hard foods like candies, popcorn, and nuts are best to avoid, as are sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum. You’ll also want to steer clear of anything you typically bite into with your front teeth, like apples or corn on the cob.

Besides being inconvenient, broken brackets and bent wires can extend your treatment time by causing your teeth to shift in the wrong direction. We’ll give you a full breakdown of foods to avoid with braces during your initial braces consultation.

Yes. Clear aligners like Invisalign® and SureSmile aligners can be great options for older kids and teenagers alike. That said, they do require a bit of work that wearers of all ages should be aware of. Notably, clear aligners must be worn for at least 18-22 hours a day, as well as removed for eating and cleaning. This can sometimes make them a less ideal option for younger patients, but if you have a teenager who’s ready to take ownership of their treatment, clear aligners could be an excellent option.

Oral hygiene with braces takes a bit more effort than without them. Nevertheless, it’s critically important. Brackets and wires create lots of small spaces where food and plaque can accumulate, putting you at a higher risk for issues like cavities and gum disease.

To keep your mouth clean, brush after every meal, angling the brush above and below your brackets while doing so. Flossing should also be a daily task; water flossers can make it easier to get between your teeth when wires are in the way. Finally, make sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your Atlanta orthodontist. They’ll be able to identify any developing issues before they worsen.