Orthodontics is the discipline within dentistry concerned with straightening teeth and ensuring the patient has a proportionate facial profile. Our talented orthodontist in Shreveport can use a variety of appliances to help patients, and braces are by far the best-known.
Types of Braces
Metal braces are the oldest type, and they are still the most commonly used. Metal braces have the advantages of being effective and relatively inexpensive. Modern metal braces are significantly smaller and less noticeable than the “railroad tracks” of yesteryear.
Self-ligating braces are a variant in which the brackets have small doors that hold the wire in place. The patient won’t have to wear elastic bands. Self-ligating braces can also work more quickly than conventional braces.
Clear braces use brackets made from ceramic or porcelain that can be translucent or about the same color as the patient’s teeth. Some types also have translucent or tooth-colored wires. Clear braces can be self-ligating as well.
Clear aligners are removable braces; Invisalign® is by far the best-known model. Like conventional braces, clear aligners gradually nudge the teeth into their correct positions and alignments. The aligners are transparent and look a bit like a mouthguard. The orthodontist will supply the patient with new aligners every couple of weeks.
What is AcceleDent®?
AcceleDent® is a technology that a patient in Shreveport can use in conjunction with their appliance. As the name suggests, AcceleDent® speeds up the tooth-straightening process. It is a hand-held device with an attachment that looks like a mouthguard. The device emits a gentle vibrating, pulsing force that causes the teeth to move more quickly. Clinical tests have demonstrated that AcceleDent® can make the tooth-straightening process up to 50 percent faster.
Taking Care of Your Teeth When You Have Braces
A patient wearing metal or clear braces will need to take scrupulous care of their teeth to get the best results and avoid damaging their braces. As many people in Shreveport know, the patient will have to avoid certain foods, such as chewy candy, nuts, and raw vegetables.
After eating, the patient should brush their teeth in the usual manner with toothpaste. They should also brush the roof of their mouth and their tongue. The patient should clean their mouth in this fashion at least twice a day. The patient should also floss their teeth at least once a day.
Finally, the patient should examine their braces for signs of breakage, loosening, or other problems. If they find such problems, they need to call our orthodontist right away.
To learn more about braces, simply schedule an appointment at Nasser Children & Adult Orthodontics, located in Shreveport and Bossier City. Contact us today to book an evaluation and get started.
