Traditional Metal Braces in Jacksonville, AR

Ashcraft Orthodontics Jacksonville is proud to offer Central Arkansas patients of all ages effective orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces. Orthodontic solutions have made huge strides in recent years, now providing more varied and comfortable options for women, men, and children seeking straight and beautiful smiles. While clear aligners and Invisalign have risen in popularity, many children, teens, and adults still choose conventional metal braces as their ideal ortho treatment. Metal braces are now designed to be lightweight, smaller, and more pleasant to wear overall. Those who choose traditional braces also have the option of selecting any combination of different colored elastics (such as red, purple, blue, green, etc.) to further personalize their treatment and show off their unique personalities. To receive the highest quality orthodontic care from board-certified orthodontist Dr. Michael Ashcraft, contact our Jacksonville, AR office and ask about the exciting benefits of traditional metal braces.

Patients of all ages could be excellent candidates for traditional metal braces. Conventional braces are used to treat a large number of orthodontic concerns, such as:

• Protruding teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Misaligned or rotated teeth
• Narrow upper or lower arches
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Openbites

To create your customized hardware, our Jacksonville, AR office uses high-quality stainless steel archwires and small metal brackets that are bonded to the enamel of the teeth — this will allow the braces to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal locations along the jawbone to produce a straight and healthy smile. The durable elastic bands Dr. Ashcraft uses are resistant to snaps or breaks so as long as you're careful, they should last a long time. To determine if this tried-and-true ortho solution is right for your needs and unique smile, Dr. Ashcraft will perform a thorough evaluation of your mouth and go over your options.

Before your customized treatment plan with traditional metal braces is created, one of our orthodontic assistants will take digital x-rays and impressions of your mouth and teeth so Dr. Ashcraft can evaluate the results. We may require you to see your general dentist for a professional cleaning prior to securing your hardware. This is to ensure that your teeth are free of plaque and tartar before the placement of your brackets and wires, which can collect bacteria and particles over time. Once your orthodontic plan has been developed, Dr. Ashcraft will select the materials that are right for you. He will secure the tiny brackets to your enamel with a bonding agent, thread the wire through the brackets, and secure your braces with the elastics of your choice. The fitting process typically takes around 1 – 2 hours, and you should not feel any discomfort. Once your braces have been fitted, our team will schedule your follow-up appointments ar Ashcraft Orthodontics Jacksonville so we can track your progress and make any needed adjustments or changes to your hardware.

While conventional metal braces are known for producing stunning results effectively, it can also be difficult to properly care for your teeth while you have them. To help you master brushing and flossing with braces, a member of our knowledgeable ortho team will give you instructions to help make oral hygiene easy. We will give you tips for cleaning around your brackets and wires so plaque and tartar do not build up over time. We typically advise patients to brush and floss after every meal for as long as they have braces. The length of time you will have braces will depend on your unique needs and concerns, but generally, patients receive treatment with traditional metal braces for anywhere from 9 – 36 months.

Continuing to see your general dentist once or twice a year will be crucial for the health of your mouth. You should also be sure to attend your follow-up appointments with Dr. Ashcraft as directed in your treatment plan so we can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your hardware. Once your teeth have settled into their ideal positions, the retention phase of your ortho treatment will begin. During this time, you will be fitted with a custom retainer to wear until your jaw is strong enough to maintain the new straight look of your smile.

It's common for patients to experience minor concerns with traditional metal braces. Many of these issues are normal and are bound to occur at some point during the treatment process. Some can be addressed on your own while others may require you to seek out the help of Dr. Ashcraft. In order to reduce potential problems, you can take certain precautionary measures. This can include avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods and wearing a mouth guard while engaging in physical activity.

Some common orthodontic issues that patients can typically improve on their own are:

• Soreness: Soreness or minor discomfort in the teeth and jaw can occur during the first few days following an orthodontic adjustment. This can be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers and sticking to a soft food diet.
• Loose/poking wire: To address an exposed wire, you can cover the end with orthodontic wax or attempt to reposition the wire with a small instrument, like a Q-tip. If the wire is still bothering you, you could try clipping the excess wire with sterilized nail scissors.
• Loose appliance: Loose appliances that cause discomfort can often be covered with orthodontic wax to prevent the hardware from irritating the soft tissues of your cheek. Pieces that loosen from the braces entirely should be kept safe and brought to your next follow-up.

Over the years, metal braces have become less costly. These expenses may be lowered even more if you carry dental insurance. A member of our team will work with your provider to figure out your exact coverage and get the most out of your dental plan. If you do not have insurance, or if there are any remaining costs, our Jacksonville, AR office accepts a range of payments. These include low-interest medical financing through CareCredit and our own in-house payment plans.

Give yourself or your child the opportunity to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile with traditional metal braces. This long-standing approach to orthodontic care has helped numerous men, women, teens, and children attain the straight smile they want. Ashcraft Orthodontics Jacksonville is pleased to provide patients of all ages with customized options for conventional braces. If you or somebody in your family requires advanced ortho care, contact our office and set up your appointment with Dr. Michael Ashcraft.