Braces 101
When it comes to orthodontic care, traditional braces remain one of the most reliable and effective treatment options. With a proven track record of success, they can address a wide range of dental issues, including crooked teeth, bite problems, and misalignments. Over the years, traditional braces have evolved significantly, thanks to advancements in technology and materials. Today’s braces are not only more compact and discreet but also much more comfortable than their predecessors.
At Buoyancy Orthodontics, Dr. Chris Shi offers modern, refined braces that are designed to deliver excellent results while minimizing discomfort. The latest braces are smaller, lighter, and use improved materials that reduce friction, making them easier to wear throughout your treatment. Whether you’re seeking to improve your smile or address more complex orthodontic concerns, traditional braces remain an incredibly effective option. Dr. Shi will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, ensuring you receive the best care for your unique needs and help you achieve the straight, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most commonly used type of orthodontic treatment. Known for their reliability and effectiveness, these robust appliances have a proven track record of delivering successful results and efficiently tackling a wide range of dental issues.
Brackets are typically made from a durable mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals, ensuring their longevity. They come with small hooks or doors that allow the wire to be threaded through. To secure a bracket, the door can either be closed or an elastic band can be placed over the wire.
Clear Braces
Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, work in the same way as traditional metal braces, but with a focus on appearance.
Designed with aesthetics in mind, these braces are now smaller and crafted from nearly transparent polycrystalline ceramic. While not entirely invisible, they are much less noticeable than metal braces, blending seamlessly with your natural smile.
The clear brackets are made from a durable ceramic material, making ceramic braces an excellent option for those who want the proven effectiveness of traditional metal braces but prefer a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing look. At Buoyancy Orthodontics, Dr. Chris Shi will help you determine if ceramic braces are the right choice for your orthodontic needs, ensuring you get the best treatment with the appearance that fits your preferences.
Food with Braces
No need to worry—you’ll be enjoying popcorn and potato chips again soon! In the meantime, just be mindful of the types of foods that could damage your braces.
Foods to Avoid with Braces:
- Chewy items: bagels, licorice
- Crunchy items: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky items: caramel, gum
- Hard items: nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods You CAN Eat with Braces:
- Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins (without nuts)
- Grains: pasta, soft-cooked rice
- Meats/Poultry: tender chicken, meatballs, deli meats
- Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats: ice cream (without nuts), milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cakes
Managing Soreness from Braces
When you first get braces, it’s common to experience some tenderness or discomfort in your mouth as it adjusts. This will usually go away after a few days. To ease the discomfort, mix one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water, and swish or gargle with the solution for a few minutes (but don’t swallow it).
If the discomfort persists or becomes more intense, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help. It’s also normal for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to feel a bit irritated during the first week or two while they get used to the braces. We can provide orthodontic wax to cover the braces and reduce irritation—just let us know if you need some!
