Orthodontic Braces Edina for All Ages
Dental braces edina mn are devices used in orthodontic dentistry to straighten and align your teeth. By doing so this can also help with your bite, improve your dental health, and fix unwanted gaps. You may not be aware of the potential of other dental issues until you have a proper dental evaluation. The entire staff at Pan Orthodontics, 5101 Vernon Ave. in Edina, MN, is trained to identify and evaluate these issues. Upon an evaluation, you may find out you have an overbite, an underbite, malocclusions, open bite, cross bites, deep bites, crooked teeth or other flaws in your teeth and jaws. If you have questions simply call 952-926-3747 for your consultation today.
Let’s look quickly at the history of braces, the different types of braces available today, the process of getting braces and how they make the corrections, the benefits of going through the process and finally proper oral hygiene during the process and after you are finished.
The Different Types of Braces Available Today
There are today four different types of braces. We will walk you through the pros and cons at your consultation.
- The first and still most popular is the traditional metal braces. The brackets and the arch wire are made with high-grade stainless steel.
- A second option for possibly older teenagers and adult patients is that of clear ceramic braces. The brackets and the arch wire are made from clear ceramic materials and are less visible. They are larger and more brittle than the metal variety, so they are usually just used on the upper front teeth.
- The third option is that of lingual braces. This is like the traditional type except the brackets and arch wire are on the inside, the tongue side of your teeth.
- Finally, the fourth option is Invisalign. Growing in popularity since its introduction about 15-20 years ago it uses clear mouth guard like trays to move your teeth. Designed in a lab with computer assistance there will be 20 to 30 custom made trays that use the same principles of force and pressure to move your teeth. The trays are designed to be replaced every two weeks.
The Process of Both Getting Braces and Wearing Braces
The first step, when you visit Pan Orthodontics, is a thorough evaluation. This includes photos and x-rays to determine what is going on with your teeth and jaw below the surface. We will chat with you about the advantages and disadvantages of the four methods, including pricing and timing. Some methods cost more; some take longer. Your process could take from six months to over two years depending on the amount of correction.
The next step is the staff will give your teeth a digital scan. Then digital 3D models are made of your teeth. The brackets are then bonded to your teeth. Whether the brackets and the arch wire are on the outside or the inside of the teeth, the constant tightening of the arch wire is where the pressure is applied, and the work is done. We will share a bigger picture with you when setting our goals.
Proper Oral Hygiene during the Process of wearing Braces Edina MN
When you head home after having the braces applied you will experience some discomfort. Whenever the braces are tightened, you experience that discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medications will address the discomfort for those couple of days. The tenderness or soreness is perfectly normal. Your cheeks and tongue will go through an initial adjustment with some irritation as they get used to these new appliances in your mouth.
Asking many questions will help prepare you or your child for this adventure. Your diet will have to be addressed. It will be suggested you focus more on soft foods and avoid sticky foods. The proper care of those addition items in your mouth is essential. You will need to brush regularly and often.
Foods that will be best to avoid will be chewy items like bagels and licorice, crunchy foods like popcorn, chips and most certainly ice. No sticky food like caramel candies and chewing gum and hard foods like nuts and hard candy. You will not enjoy corn on the cob, biting into an apple or chewing on carrots. There are plenty of foods you can eat. The list of soft foods is lengthy. Cheeses, pudding, pancakes, muffins, and breads. Pasta and cooked rice for grains. Meats include chicken, meatballs and lunch meats and seafood includes tuna, salmon, and crab cakes. Vegetables include mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, and beans. Applesauce and bananas are safe. AND, there are the treats. Ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O, and soft cakes are ALL soft. These are just some examples. We will send you home with a more extensive list.
There are no issues with the continuation of sporting activities while wearing braces edina mn. The staff will fit you or your youngster with a mouth guard that will protect the soft tissues from harm.