Getting braces doesn’t hurt, however, there may be some discomfort as you adjust to the new setting.

How are braces put on?

If your back teeth are crowded you may need to start by getting spacers to make sure there is enough space to place the brackets. Brackets are adhered to the teeth with glue to hold them in place. A band is glued to the molars to anchor the setting. The archwire is then added followed by rubber bands that hold it in place.

Braces & Orthodontics in Berkeley, CA

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Get A Straighter Smile With Dr. Dailley

Is your jaw misaligned, or are your teeth overcrowded or crooked? While some misalignment in the teeth and jaws is normal, if left untreated it can cause issues such as oral disease, teeth grinding, and other painful symptoms. To live a life free of these problems, it’s important to seek treatment. Fortunately, Dr. Dailley and our team can help by offering many options for braces and orthodontic solutions.

Benefits of Braces

Braces not only beautify your smile, but they also prevent and correct other issues you may be experiencing. They’re beneficial for nearly every patient regardless of age, and Anthony Dailley, DDS will tailor your treatment to suit your unique dental needs.

Braces may decrease your risk for the following:

Tooth decay
Periodontitis
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Headaches
Oral bacterial infections
Earaches
TMJ/TMD
Trouble eating and speaking
Halitosis (bad breath)
Sleep apnea and snoring

Our Orthodontic Options

At our Berkeley dental office, we offer several orthodontic options to help straighten your smile.

Traditional Braces: Traditional braces are made with steel and metal brackets, but stronger and more lightweight than traditional braces used to be.

Ceramic Braces: Similar to traditional options, ceramic braces have a more natural look due to the transparent nature of the material.

Forsus Appliances: For difficult overbites, Forsus appliances are placed inside the cheek and then attached to the braces. These appliances increase the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment and help prevent the need for jaw surgery.

Palatal Expanders: For cases of overcrowding, palatal expanders gradually widen the upper jaw to create more room for your teeth.

Self-Ligating Braces: Similar to comprehensive braces, self-ligating braces do not utilize elastomeric rings or ligature wires.

Invisalign®: Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic system that serves as an alternative to the brackets and wires typically seen in metal braces.

If you’re trying to decide which set of braces is right for you, Dr. Dailley can assess your bite and help determine the best choice. Your initial consultation is the best time to ask any questions you may have, so make sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dailley.

Foods To Avoid With Braces

Refraining from eating certain types of foods will improve your outcome with braces. These foods fall into three categories: sticky, hard, and crunchy.

Sticky foods like gummy candy, peanut butter, and gum are easily trapped by the appliance hardware and make your orthodontic option harder to clean. Hard and crunchy foods, such as tough meat, raw vegetables, and ice can damage your braces, and even crack your teeth. Be sure to follow all guidelines given to you by Dr. Dailley, including which foods to avoid.

Braces for Adults

A large portion of people who wear braces are adults. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, more adults can correct alignment issues that were not addressed in childhood.

If you are an adult who is considering braces, you may face some challenges if any of the following situations applies to you:

Previous Extractions: Previous tooth extraction sites may need to be treated with a routine procedure to add bone mass where an empty pocket may be present.

Compromised oral health: It’s not uncommon for an adult to have mild gingivitis or periodontitis.We’ll have to address these concerns before you start orthodontic treatment.

Bone mass: As you age, your bones become harder and less dense which can lead to decreased blood flow at the root of the tooth. It may be more difficult for your mouth as a whole to shift into the right positions.

Caring for Your Braces

In addition to regular brushing, flossing, and biannual cleanings, caring for braces requires some additional cleaning and maintenance. Here are a few extra guidelines to keep in mind:

Remove the elastic before cleaning, and be sure to gently clean the exposed surfaces of brackets and wires after each meal. Children may require extra guidance as they learn the right cleaning techniques.
Use a floss threader to thoroughly clean under the wires and into the spaces between the teeth.
Interdental cleaners and oral irrigation systems can help remove a majority of food bacteria and build-up.
When wearing braces, fluoride is more necessary Than ever to prevent white spots and cavities.
If you play sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw.
Following the recommended guidelines will help prevent damaging your braces and plaque build-up. Without good oral hygiene practices, dental issues such as periodontal disease, cavities, and bad breath may result.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are braces installed?

If your back teeth are crowded you may need to get spacers to make sure there’s enough room to place the brackets. Brackets are adhered to the teeth with dental adhesive to hold them in place. A band is adhered to the molars to anchor the setting. Then, an archwire is added followed by rubber bands that help hold it in place.

How much do braces cost?

The exact cost of your braces will depend on numerous factors including the severity of your case, the type of braces you get, and your insurance coverage. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider beforehand to confirm with them which costs they can cover.

What do I do if my braces break?

If your braces snap or break, or if any of the hardware comes loose, call our Berkeley dental office immediately at (510) 848-0114 to schedule an appointment. DO NOT try to repair them yourself, as that can cause serious damage to your teeth and jaw. Our dentists will either repair your braces or give you options for replacement.

Can my teenager get Invisalign?

Yes! Invisalign is available to more people than ever, including teenagers. Teenagers who have grown all of their teeth, including their second molars, are also eligible to enjoy the speed and effectiveness of Invisalign.

Take Steps Towards a Straighter Smile

Are you ready to achieve a healthy smile that’ll give you the confidence to stand out? Call Dailley Dental Care today at (510) 848-0114 to see how straight teeth and a healthy smile can transform your look. You can also fill out our convenient contact form and we’ll get back to you soon.