Dental braces are among the most effective orthodontic treatments for patients with bad bites. A bad bite, or malocclusion can create multiple problems for patients, from difficulty eating to an increased risk of dental infection. At Fedida Family Dentistry and Dental Spa, we provide traditional braces in our East Elmhurst, NY, office to help patients restore their smiles’ function, comfort, and health.
What Can Braces Treat?
Patients with crooked or overcrowded teeth benefit from treatment with traditional dental braces. Braces can also correct:
- Rotated teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Malocclusion
- Overcrowded teeth
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Because of this, we recommend traditional braces over clear aligners like Invisalign for patients with more moderate to severe orthodontic problems.
Traditional Braces
Advanced malocclusion requires extensive treatment. Braces can offer permanent results with the right care. Common types of traditional braces include:
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces use metal wires, brackets, and elastic bands. The archwires surround the outside of the teeth, and the brackets are affixed to each tooth. Elastic bands fit around the brackets.
Ceramic Braces
We also provide ceramic braces, which work the same way as metal braces. However, ceramic braces use clear materials that are more discreet. We use ceramic brackets and clear elastic instead of metal brackets and colorful elastic.
Patients will visit our office regularly so we can tighten the brackets and place new elastic. These visits help apply pressure to the teeth to continue treatment. After completing braces treatment, we will provide patients with retainers to keep their teeth straight. If patients do not wear their retainers, they can face orthodontic relapse, which occurs when the teeth begin to shift into their previous positions.
Dental Braces Q&A
Many patients have these questions about treatment with braces:
What can you eat with braces?
Hard or crunchy foods can cause discomfort or even damage your braces, so we recommend softer foods for patients with braces. You can also cut foods like apples into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.
How do you clean braces?
When brushing metal or ceramic braces, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a small inter-dental toothbrush to reach around the brackets and wires.
What do I do if my bracket or wire is irritating my gums?
Use a small piece of orthodontic wax to cover the piece poking your gums. We will provide you with this wax in our office. Roll a pea-sized amount of wax between your fingers to soften it. Then, place the wax over the wire or bracket. If you have a loose wire, please get in touch with our office so we can help fix it for you.
Do braces hurt?
You may feel discomfort after we tighten your braces brackets. As your teeth begin to move, you may feel some soreness. However, this will fade over time. In the meantime, you can take pain medication.
Straighten Your Smile
Contact Fedida Family Dentistry and Dental Spa for treatment with braces today at 929-552-6315. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Fedida on our website.