Traditional Metal Braces in Little Rock, AR

Traditional metal braces have come a long way over the years and are now more comfortable and affordable than ever. At Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock, we are pleased to offer a range of modern orthodontic solutions to create healthy, beautiful smiles for patients of all ages. A tried-and-true method of orthodontics, conventional metal braces now feature brackets and wires that are engineered to be smaller, lighter, and simply more comfortable to wear. Traditional braces offer customizations that are not available with clear aligner solutions. Our patients who choose traditional metal braces love to show their personalities by selecting a range of fun, colored elastics. Traditional braces are a reliable solution for helping both children and adults correct a range of orthodontic concerns. If you or a family member are in need of braces, schedule a visit with Dr. Michael Ashcraft in our Little Rock, AR orthodontics practice today.

Traditional metal braces can be an ideal orthodontic treatment solution for patients of any age. Dr. Ashcraft has nearly 30 years of experience in restoring the smiles and oral function of patients with conventional bracket and wire systems. We use high-grade stainless steel archwires and small metal brackets that are affixed to tooth enamel to strategically move the teeth into their ideal positions in the jaw for a confident, healthy smile. Our top-quality elastic bands are easy to place and are less resistant to breaking or snapping. Traditional braces correct a wide range of orthodontic needs, including protruding teeth, gaps or crowding, narrow arches, tooth rotation, and bite misalignments, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and openbite. During your consultation visit, Dr. Ashcraft will evaluate your needs and concerns and help you determine if traditional braces are right for your smile.

To create your personalized treatment plan, Dr. Ashcraft will take a digital impression of your upper and lower teeth and a panoramic x-ray of your jaw. Teeth should be cleaned and free of plaque and tartar prior to placing brackets and wires so we may have you visit your general dentist for cleaning before we begin your treatment. Dr. Ashcraft will select the brackets and wires ideal for your needs and attach your brackets to the front surfaces of your teeth with a bonding agent. Once these are in place, he will then thread your beginning archwire through the brackets and secure it in place with small elastics (you will get to choose your preferred elastic color). The placement process is typically quick and comfortable. Our team will schedule visits for you to have your wires changed or adjusted and progress evaluated on a monthly basis.

Without a doubt, keeping your teeth clean while wearing metal braces is challenging. To help you provide the best care for your smile on a daily basis, our team will show your tips and techniques on how to properly brush and floss effectively around your brackets and wires. As a general rule, we recommend that you brush and floss following each meal. Keeping up with your routine bi-annual cleanings at your dentist's office is also very important to maintaining your teeth and gums while in braces. Treatment times with traditional metal braces are based on specific needs and vary among patients but range between 9 – 36 months.

When your teeth have reached their final position, Dr. Ashcraft will take off your brackets and wires and remove any residual orthodontic glue. We will take an impression of your teeth and create a custom retainer to keep your teeth in place and maintain your treatment results. At Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock, we offer several types of retainers and can help you select the best model to fit your smile.

It is not uncommon to experience issues with braces, which do not have to cause a delay in your treatment. Many of these concerns can be addressed on your own or at least until you are able to visit our office. You can often minimize minor concerns by avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, chewing on hard objects and wearing a mouth guard during sports. If you experience an oral injury, unmanageable discomfort, or swelling in the face or jaw, please contact us right away. Common dental issues and temporary remedies include:

Soreness

It is normal to experience soreness in the teeth and jaw for the first few days following an orthodontic adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to minimize discomfort during this time. You may also want to stick to a soft food diet until the soreness subsides.

Poking Wire

Cover the exposed end of the archwire with orthodontic wax or try repositioning the end of the wire with a Q-tip or pencil eraser. You can also clip the wire with nail cutters sterilized with rubbing alcohol.

Loose Wire

Use tweezers or a pencil eraser to push a loose archwire back into place. Cover the wire with orthodontic wax if it is irritating your mouth. You can also clip the wire with sterilized nail clippers or wire cutters just behind the tooth to which it is securely attached.

Loose Band, Bracket, or Tie

If a loose bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it is rubbing or irritating your soft tissues. In some cases, you may be able to remove a loose elastic tie from a bracket with tweezers. Please bring any parts that come off of your braces with you to your next visit.

Loose Appliance
If you have a loose appliance that is causing discomfort, you can cover it with orthodontic wax. Any pieces that completely loosen from your braces should be brought along with you to your next appointment.

Traditional metal braces are usually less costly when compared with other treatments. During your treatment consultation, we will present your options and provide cost estimates to help you choose the method that both meets your needs and fits within your budget. If you have dental insurance, our business team will review your benefits coverage and inform you of your personal expenses. Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock wants to make it easy for your family to achieve straight and healthy smiles. We are pleased to offer a variety of flexible payment solutions through our in-house financing plan and third-party financing partner, CareCredit®.

Thanks to modern technology and advancements in orthodontics, traditional metal braces from Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock are easier and more comfortable to wear. Patients of all ages can achieve a healthy and confident smile with the proven results of the conventional bracket and wire systems. For more information on orthodontic options for you and your family, contact our Little Rock, AR office today and schedule your visit with Dr. Ashcraft.