If you’ve ever wondered how braces transform crooked or crowded teeth into a beautiful, straight smile, you’re not alone. At Livonia Family Smiles, we regularly hear questions like, “How exactly do braces work?” The good news is braces aren’t magic—they’re science. And the process is surprisingly straightforward. If you’re looking for a reputable orthodontist in Livonia, MI, our experienced team is here to guide you through your orthodontic journey and help you achieve a confident, healthy smile.
Read on to discover how our dedicated professionals will walk alongside you on your healthy smile journey!
What Braces Do We Offer?
We proudly offer traditional and clear braces at our office. Depending on your preferences and treatment requirements, each option offers distinct benefits.
- Traditional Braces: In addition to aligning teeth, traditional braces can help with jaw, gap, and bite issues that cause oral health problems, interfere with speech, and/or make eating difficult.
- Clear Braces: These braces are crafted from clear or tooth-colored materials. They are designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces for those who prefer a more discreet look.
Braces Procedure Process
Consultation and Cleaning: Getting your mouth ready for treatment is a key step before starting orthodontics. For a thorough dental cleaning, plaque removal, and cavity treatment, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our dental hygienist. Orthodontic treatment frequently cannot begin until specific dental issues, such as cavities, have been addressed. Optimizing treatment efficacy, comfort, and efficiency begins with a healthy oral environment. Consultation and diagnosis are usually one to two appointments.
Placing Your Braces: Brackets onbraces are fixed to teeth using a strong adhesive. The wires that run between them gradually move teeth into their proper positions by applying light pressure. Elastic bands may be added by our orthodontist to help move your teeth and correct your bite. Your braces fitting and placement are designed to be completed in one visit.
Adjustments and Treatment Duration: You will return for adjustments every 4–12 weeks. To maintain consistent pressure, our orthodontist replaces or tightens the wires. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the duration of braces varies from person to person but typically falls between 12 and 24 months.
Signs You May Need Braces
Realizing you need orthodontic treatment is the first step to a happier, healthier smile. If you encounter any of the following, you might want to think about getting an orthodontic consultation:
- Teeth that appear crowded or crooked
- Effective brushing and flossing are difficult
- Biting the inside of the cheek or tongue frequently
- Jaw pain or clicking noise when you wake up or chew
- Childhood tooth loss that is irregular
- The delayed or delayed emergence of adult teeth
- Trouble chewing food
- Existence of an overbite or underbite
- Too many teeth or missing teeth
Braces work because they gently guide teeth into their proper positions. The process takes patience, but the results are worth it. At Livonia Family Smiles, we’re here to make your orthodontic experience comfortable, effective, and rewarding. Contact us today!