Can Traditional Braces Provide a Smile Makeover?

A misaligned tooth structure can severely impact how you view your smile. Traditional braces are one of the most common and trusted appliances dentists use to provide a smile makeover for those with structure abnormalities. This approach can help you permanently achieve an aligned smile and improve your oral health.

Understanding traditional braces

Almost everyone is an ideal candidate for traditional braces. Patients can be as young as seven years old with a mix of primary and secondary teeth while undergoing a smile makeover or an adult with all their primary teeth. Traditional braces can correct moderate to severe misalignments, leading to cosmetic and oral health benefits.

Traditional braces are one of five main types of braces available today. The term "traditional" refers to the framework (wires and brackets) of the braces consisting of metal material. A dental professional binds the brackets to each tooth surface and threads the wires through them.

It is worth noting that, unlike other alignment options, patients cannot remove the brackets or wires at home. Instead, the dentist will remove them during appointments throughout their treatment duration for deep cleanings and tightening of the wires to ensure the right amount of pressure is applied to achieve the smile makeover.

Benefits of using traditional braces in a smile makeover

Corrects misalignments

One of the traditional braces' most significant and obvious benefits is their ability to correct misaligned teeth, formally known as malocclusions. Malocclusions can include overbites, underbites, crooked, overlapping, gapped, and crossed teeth-- all of which significantly affect the smile's appearance and functionality. Traditional braces' framework applies gentle pressure over time, gradually shifting the teeth into a more desirable position, resulting in a liner appearance and improved functionality.

Customizable plans

Since every patient's malocclusion will vary in type and severity, their smile makeover plan must be personalized. Plan durations vary depending on the patient's specific needs and goals for their smile makeover. However, in addition to the duration, patients can customize the style of their braces. The brackets, the metal pieces affixed to the surface of teeth, can be changed to whatever color the patient desires. The dentist can also provide a translucent-colored wire if the patient wishes to be more discreet while wearing this appliance.

Longterm results

Some patients are put off by hearing the expected treatment times, but it is important to know that traditional braces are considered the gold standard for providing long-term alignment results. Alternative treatments may offer optimal results but are likely to revert to their original position after a few months or a few years. When opting for braces, treatment does not stop after removing the hardware. Patients will then wear a retainer, a discreet and removable plastic appliance, at night to protect their smile makeover results.