Cosmetic dentistry is nothing new. The practice has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years in one form or another. These days, the practice has been perfected, and thousands of people continue to get various forms of the treatment. Patients receive dental implants or partials, dentures, caps, and much more. However, braces are one of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry in Chicago. If you plan on getting braces, you’re going to want to know what to expect.
For starters, getting to know the parts of your braces might come in handy. The majority of all metal braces are made up of arch wires, brackets, hooks, and ligatures. The arch wiring is the thin wiring that runs along the top and bottom rows of your teeth. This wiring is very important because it’s one of the main parts that’s meant to straighten your teeth. The wiring is specifically cut to provide just enough tension to slowly move your teeth into their new positions. Ligatures are small elastic rings that fit over your brackets in order to keep the wiring in place.
You’re probably familiar with brackets, there the weird looking metal pieces that are attached to the teeth. The brackets are used to position the arch wiring, and are glued to all of the teeth that’ll be repositioned. Some brackets are designed with strategically placed hooks. These hooks will be used later on in your treatment with specialized dental elastic bands. These are very small durable bands that attach to the bracket’s hooks. The elastic is used properly correct your bite as your teeth shift.
You should prepare yourself now for the discomfort your braces will provide. Those who have metal braces always feel uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks or months. Adjusting to the pain of the braces can be stressful at first. During your treatment you might feel as if your teeth are aching, and this is likely due to the fact that they are moving ever so slightly. The pain and discomfort will often be minimal and will subside over time. If you believe you’re experiencing severe or abnormal pain, you should consult a professional for cosmetic dentistry in Chicago.
