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Straighten Your Smile With Braces
Achieve a perfectly aligned smile with modern orthodontic treatment tailored to your unique needs.
Crooked or misaligned teeth affect more than just your appearance. They can make proper cleaning difficult, leading to increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Bite problems may cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. If you’ve been living with alignment issues, avoiding photos, or covering your smile when you laugh, modern orthodontic treatment can transform both your oral health and confidence.
South Hills Dental Arts brings 35 years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry to our Sewickley location at 201 Ohio River Blvd. Our comprehensive approach means we don’t just straighten teeth; we consider your entire oral health system, including jaw alignment, gum health, and long-term stability. With advanced diagnostic technology and personalized treatment planning, we create beautiful, functional smiles that last a lifetime.
How Do Modern Braces Work?
Today’s orthodontic treatments have evolved far beyond the metal braces of the past. While traditional braces remain highly effective for complex cases, innovations in materials and techniques have made treatment more comfortable and efficient. Modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable, while heat-activated wires move teeth more gently and consistently than older materials.
Orthodontic treatment works by applying controlled pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper position. This process involves not just moving the visible crown of the tooth but also repositioning the root within the jawbone. The bone actually remodels around the moving tooth, which is why retention after treatment is crucial for maintaining results. Our expertise ensures teeth move efficiently while preserving the health of surrounding tissues.
The science behind tooth movement is fascinating and precise. As pressure is applied to a tooth, the bone on one side breaks down while new bone forms on the other side. This biological process, called bone remodeling, allows teeth to move through what seems like solid bone. Understanding this process helps us optimize treatment timing and force application for the best results.
Types of Braces Available
Traditional metal braces remain the most versatile and effective option for comprehensive orthodontic correction at our Sewickley office. Today’s metal braces are significantly smaller and more comfortable than previous generations. They excel at correcting complex issues, including severe crowding, significant bite problems, and major tooth rotations. The strength and precision of metal braces often achieve results faster than other options.
Ceramic braces offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative, utilizing clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. While slightly larger than metal brackets, they’re far less noticeable, making them popular among adult patients and image-conscious teens in the Sewickley area. The ceramic material is strong and stain-resistant, maintaining its appearance throughout the treatment process. These braces work just as effectively as metal ones for most orthodontic issues.
For patients seeking the ultimate in discretion, lingual braces attach to the back surfaces of teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. This option requires specialized training and expertise but provides excellent results for patients who need the power of traditional braces without visible hardware. Our team at 201 Ohio River Blvd has the experience to offer this advanced treatment option.
What Happens During Your Braces Consultation?
Your orthodontic journey begins with a thorough evaluation using our advanced 3D imaging technology. We capture detailed images of your teeth, jaw joints, and facial structure to understand the full scope of your alignment issues. Our digital planning software allows us to map out precise tooth movements and predict treatment duration accurately.
We consider factors beyond just tooth position, including jaw relationship and facial balance, airway dimensions that may affect breathing, TMJ health and function, and long-term stability of results. This comprehensive planning at our Sewickley location ensures your treatment addresses all aspects of your bite and alignment, not just cosmetic concerns. You’ll see a digital preview of your expected results before treatment begins, giving you confidence in the process.
Every patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their individual needs. Some may need tooth extractions to create space for alignment, while others might benefit from palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw. We’ll explain every aspect of your personalized plan, including why specific approaches are recommended and what alternatives might exist.
What Should You Expect When Getting Braces?
Once you decide to proceed with braces, we’ll schedule your bonding appointment. This painless procedure involves carefully attaching brackets to your teeth using a special adhesive. We then thread the initial archwire through the brackets, beginning the gentle process of tooth movement. The entire appointment typically takes about an hour.
You’ll return every four to six weeks for adjustments, where we’ll change wires, adjust pressure, and monitor progress. These appointments are generally quick and comfortable. Modern wires maintain consistent pressure between visits, reducing the need for frequent adjustments. Throughout treatment, we use our intraoral cameras to show you the progress, keeping you motivated and engaged in the process.
Between adjustments, you’ll become accustomed to life with braces. Most patients adapt quickly, finding that braces become a normal part of their daily routine. We’re always available if issues arise between appointments, such as a broken bracket or poking wire. Our Sewickley team ensures you’re never without support during your orthodontic journey.
Managing Life With Braces
Adapting to braces involves some temporary lifestyle adjustments, but most patients find the transition easier than expected. Initial discomfort typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Soft foods are recommended immediately after adjustments when teeth may feel tender.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more important during orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is crucial for preventing complications. We’ll provide specialized cleaning tools, including interdental brushes for cleaning around brackets, floss threaders or water flossers for effective flossing, and prescription fluoride rinses to prevent decay. Regular professional cleanings every three to four months during treatment at our Sewickley office help maintain optimal oral health.
Dietary modifications help protect your braces and ensure efficient treatment. Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods prevents bracket damage and emergency visits. We’ll provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid and plenty of delicious alternatives that won’t interfere with your treatment. Most patients find these restrictions become second nature within a few weeks.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies based on the complexity of your case, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months. Factors affecting duration include the severity of misalignment, your age and bone density, compliance with care instructions, and your body’s individual response to treatment. Some minor corrections may take just six months, while complex cases involving jaw alignment might extend beyond two years.
Accelerated orthodontic options can reduce treatment time for some patients. These may include more frequent adjustments, specialized wire systems, or adjunctive procedures that stimulate faster bone remodeling. During your consultation at our 201 Ohio River Blvd location, we’ll discuss whether you’re a candidate for accelerated treatment.
Your cooperation plays a significant role in treatment duration. Keeping all adjustment appointments, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, following dietary restrictions, and wearing any prescribed elastics as directed all contribute to staying on schedule. Patients who are diligent about their care often complete treatment ahead of schedule.
What Are the Health Benefits of Braces?
While a beautiful smile is often the primary motivation for orthodontic treatment, the health benefits are equally important. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Correct bite alignment prevents excessive wear on teeth and reduces stress on jaw joints, potentially preventing TMJ disorders.
Orthodontic treatment can also improve breathing and sleep quality by optimizing airway space. Some patients experience reduced headaches and neck pain after bite correction. The improved ability to chew properly aids digestion and nutrition. These comprehensive health improvements make orthodontic treatment a valuable investment in your overall well-being.
Research has shown connections between oral health and systemic health. Straighter teeth that are easier to clean may reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions linked to oral bacteria.
Do You Need a Retainer After Braces?
Completing active treatment is an exciting milestone, but retention is crucial for maintaining your results. Teeth have a natural tendency to return to their original positions, especially in the first year after treatment. At our Sewickley office, we create custom retainers using digital impressions for precise fit and maximum comfort.
Different retention protocols suit different patients. Some wear retainers full-time initially, then transition to nighttime wear. Others may benefit from permanent retainers bonded behind front teeth. We’ll develop a retention plan tailored to your specific needs and monitor your stability during regular checkups. With proper retention, your beautiful new smile can last a lifetime.
The importance of retention cannot be overstated. We’ve seen patients who stopped wearing retainers years after treatment return with shifted teeth. While minor shifting can sometimes be corrected with clear aligners, significant relapse may require retreatment with braces. Following your retention protocol protects the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Transform Your Smile With South Hills Dental Arts
Misaligned teeth no longer have to impact your confidence or oral health when effective orthodontic solutions are within reach. At South Hills Dental Arts’ Sewickley location, our 35 years of combined experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry means you’ll receive treatment that goes beyond simply straightening teeth—we focus on creating lasting improvements to your overall oral health and facial aesthetics.
Ready to explore how orthodontic treatment can benefit you? Our convenient 201 Ohio River Blvd location makes quality care accessible to Sewickley area families, while our complimentary virtual consultation process removes barriers to getting started. Call us at (412) 725-9939 or complete our contact form to schedule your orthodontic evaluation and begin your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.
