How Braces in Fresno Straighten Teeth
The system uses brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by wires that apply steady pressure in specific directions. As your teeth respond to this pressure, they gradually shift into better positions. The bone around tooth roots actually remodels itself during this process, allowing teeth to move while staying firmly anchored in your jaw.
Regular adjustments keep treatment progressing on schedule. Dr. Treva Lee tightens or replaces wires, changes elastic bands, and monitors how your teeth are responding. Each adjustment is calculated to move teeth at a safe, controlled pace that won’t damage roots or surrounding tissues.
Problems That Braces Can Fix
Orthodontic treatment addresses a wide range of issues:
- Crowding, where teeth overlap or twist due to a lack of space
- Large gaps between teeth
- Overbites with upper teeth extending too far over lower teeth
- Underbites, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbites that affect how the upper and lower jaws align
- Open bites that leave gaps when the jaws close
- Misaligned midlines where the upper and lower teeth don’t match up
Some cases involve extracting teeth to create room, using rubber bands to shift jaw position, or combining braces with other appliances. The initial consultation includes digital X-rays and a thorough examination to determine exactly what needs correction and how long treatment will likely take.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most people wear braces for 18 months to three years, though simple cases might finish faster and complex ones could take longer. You’ll visit the office every four to eight weeks for adjustments that keep everything moving forward. These appointments usually take 20 to 30 minutes.
The first few days after getting braces or having them adjusted can feel uncomfortable as your mouth adapts to the pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers help manage soreness, which typically fades within a week. Your cheeks and lips might feel irritated by the brackets at first, but orthodontic wax provides relief until the tissue toughens up.
Eating and Cleaning With Braces
Certain foods can damage brackets or get stuck in wires, so you’ll need to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy items. Skip popcorn, hard candy, caramel, gum, and whole apples. Cut corn off the cob rather than biting into it directly. These restrictions prevent broken brackets that delay treatment and require extra repair appointments.
Brushing and flossing become more involved but also more important. Food particles and plaque accumulate around brackets easily, increasing your risk for cavities and gum inflammation if you don’t clean thoroughly. Special floss threaders or water flossers help clean between teeth and under wires where regular floss can’t reach easily.
Different Types of Braces
Metal braces are the most common and typically the most affordable option. Today’s versions are smaller and less noticeable than the bulky brackets from decades past. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in better, though they cost more and can stain if not maintained properly.
The choice depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the complexity of your case. Metal braces handle severe misalignment effectively, while ceramic options work well for people who want a less visible appearance during treatment. Both types function the same way and produce similar results.
After Your Braces Come Off
Once treatment finishes, you’ll wear a retainer to keep teeth from drifting back toward their original positions. Retainers are a permanent part of maintaining orthodontic results—some people wear them every night indefinitely, while others transition to a few nights per week after the first year.
The retention phase is just as important as the active treatment phase. Teeth naturally want to return to where they started, especially during the first several months after braces come off. Consistent retainer use protects the time and effort you invested in getting braces in Fresno.
Getting Started With Orthodontic Treatment
The consultation process evaluates your teeth, jaws, and bite to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Digital scanning eliminates messy impression materials while providing precise models of your mouth. You’ll get a realistic timeline and understand what each phase of treatment involves before making any commitments.
Orthodontic care requires patience, but the transformation happens gradually with each adjustment. Watching your teeth shift into alignment over the months makes the temporary inconvenience worthwhile.
Call Treva Diane Lee, DDS, in Fresno to schedule an orthodontic evaluation and discover how braces can create the healthy, functional smile you deserve.