Has your dentist or someone you know told you that you might need braces?
Aside from the obvious benefits of a beautiful smile, there are also many health benefits:
- Alignment of teeth, and occlusion or bite
- Prevention of TMJ disorders later in life
- An improved profile appearance
Getting braces is more than adding brackets and wires to teeth. Many times the first step of orthodontics and braces is retainers that prepare the mouth for future alignment. In addition to retainers you may find that you need a space maintainer to hold the space of a permanent tooth that has not yet erupted.
Once you enter into the bracketing stage the teeth are already beginning to shift. In this stage you will have more frequent visits to monitor and guide the alignment process. The approach for each patient is unique and could include special bands, elastics, and techniques. This process can take on average anywhere from 9 months to 3 years.
Now the excitement begins. The braces are coming off! After bracket removal the wear of a removable retainer for 1-2 years is required along with a lower bonded permanent retainer. With the help of Dr. Reese and orthodontics, you now have the smile you've always dreamed of!