Dental Braces in Springfield, MO

Because of the many advancements in orthodontic treatment over the last few years, many adults are now seeking options to straighten their teeth. Whether they missed orthodontic treatment as children, or are addressing late onset tooth crowding, patients’ options are much different than the traditional braces that children and teenagers have.

Concerns with Dental Braces

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before seeking dental braces. Dr. Zee will need to advise in a consultation on what the best treatment plan should be. Some of the factors that are taken into consideration are:

• Tooth Extraction issues – some adults have had teeth removed, leaving gaps that can have a negative effect on the orthodontic treatment.
• Oral Health – some patients who have a history of oral issues like gingivitis may not have the blood supply or gum health to support adult orthodontic treatment.
• Extreme malocclusion – in some cases an adult’s overbite may have had too much of a negative effect on the teeth or jaw that orthodontic treatment could worsen their overbite.
• Root Resorption – some adults have a higher affinity for root resorption, which occurs when a tooth’s root is absorbed by the patient’s body. This affinity is affected by the patient’s medical history and a history of oral habits.

Social Concerns with Dental Braces

Many adults are seeking adult orthodontic treatment in the Springfield area because they are seeking to correct and issue which has impacted their lives socially. It is important to analyze whether or not the patient is comfortable with the change to their appearance that adult orthodontics might have. Some treatment options are bulky and noticeable. And while there is a growing number of adult orthodontic treatment options that are invisible, there are still some noticeable aspects. The patient should also be prepared to follow a rigid regimen of direction and orthodontic instructions.

There are a wide number of options for dental braces at American Dental Solutions, LLC and we take the future of your smile very seriously. Please, give us a call to discuss your options and our friendly staff would be more than happy to guide you through this life-changing process.

Benefits of Dental Braces

Although metal braces are more noticeable than other orthodontic treatments, they have been known to be the sturdiest. They have a long history of reliability and gained a great reputation for effectiveness. This type of orthodontic treatment is more effective at correcting and treating more serious/complicated issues. Braces are functional and work efficiently for fixing complex teeth, they can also be expected to work faster at closing gaps and aligning the teeth.

Treatment Procedures

• Orthodontic Records – This visit will come after the initial consultation, the following will be done at the appointment:
  • Panoramic X-Ray
  • Cephalometric X-Ray
  • 2 Sets of Alginate Impressions
  • Oral Photographic Images
  • Separators
• Banding – Seven days after the separators are placed, the patient will have to come back to have those removed and have posterior bands placed.
• Brackets – Brackets are individually bonded onto each tooth. The wire is then placed in the center of each bracket and tied with a small plastic band, these bands are called ligatures and can come in different colors.
• Monthly Appointments – After the brackets have been placed the patient will be required to come in for adjustments at monthly appointments.  The following will be done at these appointments:
  • Changing of Arch Wires
  • New Orthodontic Ligatures: multiple fun colors to choose from
  • Orthodontic Elastics (rubber bands), depending on treatment
  • Photographic Images, for case review
  • Wax for Brackets and Orthodontic Floss
• Removal – Once treatment is completed the patient will come back for the removal.  This will be a two-hour appointment and the following will be done:
  • Arch wires, Orthodontic Ligatures, Brackets, Adhesive Material, and Posterior Bands will be removed.
  • Prophylaxis (cleaning)
  • Cephalometric X-Ray
  • 2 Sets of Alginate Impressions
  • Hawley Retainers or Clear Tray Retainers, depending on treatment