Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that straightens teeth. This usually means moving teeth that are too close together, too far apart, have emerged crooked, or are in the wrong place.

Based on your condition, Dr. Khara will discuss with you the suitable course of action. Orthodontic appliances will apply pressure to move teeth or modify the jaw position accurately. These appliances are made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, and are removable or fixed.

Even though straighter teeth enhance your looks and give you an appealing smile, orthodontics solutions focus on your overall health as well. When your teeth are misaligned, you may not chew food properly which can lead to poor digestion. Misaligned teeth can also interfere with proper brushing and flossing, putting you at a greater risk for cavities and gum disease.

At Dream Smiles Orthodontics, we help you enjoy straighter, healthier smiles through expert orthodontic treatment. Our talented team is committed to providing customized brace treatment to every patient.

Metal braces, as well as other newer orthodontic options, can be suitable for adults, teens, or children, based on the condition of their teeth and what they need to achieve.

Braces for Adults – You are never too old for braces! You can have your teeth straightened at any age, and the type of braces used, whether metal or clear braces, depends solely on your unique condition.

Braces for Teens – In mild to moderate cases, teens can use discreet clear braces instead of metal ones. However, since clear braces are removable, it’s crucial to highlight that the results will only stick if the teen is highly committed to wearing the aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

Braces for Children – Children usually achieve the greatest benefits out of early orthodontic treatment since their jaws are not fully developed, which makes it easier to shift teeth into a straighter position.

When working with kids, we most often wait until their permanent teeth have started to emerge, usually evaluating their bite around the age of seven. However, some severe cases may require early orthodontic intervention, which is crucial to avoid future dental complications.

There are various types of braces. However, not all braces are appropriate for every age and condition. During your consultation, Dr. Khara will evaluate whether you are in need of braces and help you understand which options are most beneficial for your situation.

Your choices for braces may include:

• Traditional braces: The standard metal braces you see on most teenagers.
• Ceramic braces: These braces are more discreet than the traditional ones since they use tooth-colored bands and brackets to straighten teeth.
• Clear aligners: Removable, discreet, custom-shaped aligners that gently straighten teeth.

Here are a few signs that help you decide if it is time to bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation:

• They have difficulty chewing food.
• They often breathe through their mouth.
• Their baby teeth fell out early or haven’t fallen out for longer than usual.
• They suck on a pacifier or thumb past age four.
• Their teeth seem to affect their speech.
• Their top and bottom teeth protrude away from each other.
• Their teeth don’t meet adequately.
• Their jaws are starting to show misalignment by moving to one side or another when opening or closing their mouth.
• Their front teeth are overcrowded around age seven or eight.

Only sometimes. Your teeth will most commonly feel sore once your braces are applied or adjusted; this soreness should last 2-3 days on average. Whenever your teeth feel sore, try to stick to soft foods for a few days and use over-the-counter pain killers to help ease your pain. If your teeth are still painful after several days, let us know and we will make sure to re-adjust your braces.

You should also know that if you feel no pressure at all, it might be a sign your braces need to be adjusted since they might not be doing their job of moving teeth to their correct position.

Depending on your dental situation, your orthodontic treatment might take an average of two years with traditional braces, and less time with other options.

2. Commitment
3. Cost
4. Effect on Your Lifestyle
5. The Shape of Your Lips

An orthodontic evaluation will help you understand what braces are, what types are suitable for you, and what to expect with each option. At Dream Smiles, we take the time to discuss your orthodontic choices and make sure you have the full facts.

It is essential to brush and floss efficiently with braces. Otherwise, food trapped in your dental brackets might lead to a bad mouth taste, bad breath, and seriously raise your chances of developing a cavity and gum disease.

When you begin using braces, it can be tricky to brush. However, with time you will learn to clean all surfaces of your teeth. If trouble brushing continues, consider getting a specialized brush for braces-wearers to make dental care much easier for you.

Brushing and flossing are equally important when using braces. To get into the spaces above or below the wire, you can use a floss threader, a flexible plastic needle that allows you to thread the floss between your teeth more easily. You can also ask the orthodontist whether a water flosser would be a good option for you.

If you wear clear brace aligners, you can eat anything you want. Just remove the trays while you eat and brush your teeth thoroughly before putting them back on. Some people have found that they generally snack less with clear aligners because they dislike brushing many times a day.

To preserve your braces and help them do their job, avoid eating foods that require a lot of front-teeth biting such as apples. You will also need to avoid sticky foods and hard candy that could cause damage your orthodontic appliance.

During contact supports, we suggest you wear a mouthguard to keep your smile safe.

This is the last stage and is considered the most important step in treatment. Once your teeth are beautifully aligned and you no longer need braces, you will still need one more step to make sure your teeth do not go back to their old position.

Dr. Khara will provide you with a retainer, which is usually a removable plastic appliance custom-shaped to your mouth. To finish your treatment, you will need to wear the aligner at all times for a few months. You will only take off the retainer to eat.

Dr. Tony Khara and his skilled team are highly trained and have the expertise required to address all the orthodontic needs for you and your family. Conveniently located in Garner, off 401 N near Kickback Jacks and Gabe’s in the old Walmart plaza, we proudly serve our community located in Downtown Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, and the surrounding area.

Call our office today to schedule your orthodontic consultation! We look forward to helping you find your best smile!