Regular Braces At Wesley Hills Orthodontics in Monsey, NY

Regular braces, also called traditional metal braces, are a reliable way to straighten teeth and fix bite problems. They consist of metal brackets attached to your teeth, connected by wires that apply gentle pressure. Over time, braces move your teeth into better positions, fixing issues like crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and misalignment. The result is a beautiful smile and healthier teeth. At Wesley Hills Orthodontics in Monsey, we provide complete braces treatment, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout the process.

How Traditional Braces Work

Traditional metal braces work by applying constant pressure to your teeth. We attach stainless steel brackets to each tooth and connect them with a flexible archwire. We periodically tighten or replace this wire to slowly move your teeth into alignment. Small elastic bands, called ligatures, often hold the wire in place, though some self-ligating brackets have clips built in. Each time we adjust the wire, it puts slight pressure on the bone around your teeth, allowing them to shift. Treatment usually lasts between 12 and 24 months and leads to a nicely aligned bite and smile.

When you first get your braces, you might feel some pressure or tightness; that's normal and means treatment has started. You may experience mild discomfort for a day or two after each adjustment. We will give you tips on how to relieve discomfort, like taking over-the-counter pain medicine, and we will explain what to expect at each appointment.

Advantages of Metal Braces

Versatile and Efficient: Metal braces are capable of correcting almost every orthodontic problem, even very complicated ones. They work particularly well in correcting extreme crowding, big spaces, and extreme bite issues that other treatments cannot eliminate completely.
Durable and Reliable: Made of stainless steel, traditional braces are strong and built to last. This means they are less likely to break or become damaged during treatment. Many patients appreciate that metal braces work continuously and consistently, without requiring them to remember to wear a removable appliance.
Better Oral Health: Braces do more than just straighten your teeth; they also improve your oral health. Straight teeth are less likely to get cavities and gum disease, making them easier to clean. Braces can fix issues like misaligned jaws or bites, which can lead to jaw pain or headaches from TMJ problems.
Contemporary Comfort and Aesthetics: The braces of today are smaller and more comfortable than before. We apply current materials and methods to keep treatment as seamless as possible. Teenagers and younger patients may even opt for colorful elastic ligatures on the braces for a fun appearance. In contrast, adults who prefer a less conspicuous look can opt for clear or tooth-colored braces instead.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your journey with Wesley Hills Orthodontics is clear and straightforward. At your consultation, we will give you a thorough exam, including digital scans or X-rays if needed, and explain the best treatment plan for your smile. We will create a personalized plan and provide a timeline before putting on your braces.

After we put on your braces, you will visit our office regularly, usually every 4 to 8 weeks, for adjustment appointments. During these visits, the orthodontist will check your progress, make any needed wire adjustments, and replace your bands or elastics. These adjustments are important for moving your teeth into the right positions. Missing these appointments can slow down your progress.

Most patients finish their braces in about 12 to 24 months, depending on their specific situation. As your teeth move, you may feel mild soreness or pressure for a day or two after each adjustment, but this pain goes away quickly. We will guide you on eating softer foods and taking mild pain relief during this time.

Important Things To Note

Oral Hygiene:

Keeping your teeth and braces clean is very important. We will show you the best ways to brush and floss with braces. You should brush all surfaces of your teeth and brackets with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day. Flossing can be harder, but it still matters; using special floss threaders or water flossers will help you clean between your teeth and behind the wires. We will also give you a list of foods to avoid, like sticky candies, popcorn, and hard nuts, to protect your braces. Good oral care can help prevent cavities and keep your treatment on track.

Retainers After Braces:

When your braces come off, you will need to wear a retainer. This custom device keeps your teeth in their new positions to prevent them from shifting back. We will give you clear instructions on how long and when to wear your retainer to keep your beautiful smile.

Comparing Your Braces Options

When choosing between metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, consider the following:

Appearance

Metal Braces: Visible stainless-steel brackets; some use colored elastics.
Ceramic Braces: Clear or tooth-colored brackets; less noticeable but still visible up close.
Invisalign: Nearly invisible aligners; hardly noticeable from a distance.

Scope & Complexity of Treatment

Metal Braces: Ideal for all misalignment levels, providing consistent pressure.
Ceramic Braces: Good for minor to moderate corrections; less effective for severe cases.
Invisalign: Best for mild-to-moderate issues; complex cases usually require braces.

Oral Hygiene & Diet

Metal & Ceramic Braces: Fixed in place, harder to clean; avoid hard and sticky foods.
Invisalign: Removable; no food restrictions, and easy to maintain oral hygiene.

Comfort & Maintenance

Metal Braces: Some discomfort after adjustments; may irritate lips.
Ceramic Braces: Similar to metal, but bigger brackets can chip.
Invisalign: Comfortable and smooth; minimal irritation.

Appointment Frequency

Metal & Ceramic Braces: Visit every 4–8 weeks for adjustments.
Invisalign: Check-ins every 6–8 weeks, often with multiple aligners provided.

Treatment Time

Metal & Ceramic Braces: Typically 18–24 months; shorter for easier cases.
Invisalign: Generally 6–18 months with proper wear.

Cost Considerations

Metal Braces: Usually the least expensive option.
Ceramic Braces: Higher cost for a more aesthetic look.
Invisalign: May be similar to or more expensive than ceramic braces, depending on complexity and length.

Meet Our Experts

Dr. David Schneeweiss, DDS, MSD

Dr. David Schneeweiss is the lead orthodontist at our practice. With over 20 years of experience treating children, teens, and adults to achieve their best smiles, he is the driving force behind our clinic. He graduated from Temple University with both his dental degree and his orthodontic residency. Since then, he has completed more than 600 hours of continuing education, ensuring that he is knowledgeable about the latest advancements in orthodontics. Dr. Schneeweiss is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and several other professional organizations, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining high standards of treatment.

Tips for Living with Braces

It's simple to adjust to braces when you take the following streamlined steps:

Select Soft, Safe Foods

Stick to yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soft pasta, and scrambled eggs.
Cut more solid fruits and vegetables into thin strips.
Crunchy and sticky foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and ice should be avoided.

Simplify Oral Hygiene

Brush at a 45° angle with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, around each bracket.
Floss-threaders or a water flosser can be used to pass between teeth and under wires.
Rinse with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to help remove debris.

Ease Adjustment Soreness

Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for mild pain following tightening.
Use a cold compress on your cheeks to help reduce inflammation.
Soft foods only until soreness disappears.

Protect Your Appliance

Wear an orthodontic mouth protector for sports or high-impact activities.
Avoid using your teeth as tools (chewing pens, fingernails) that will break the brackets.

Stay on Track with Elastics & Appointments

Wear rubber bands or other auxiliaries precisely as advised - typically 20–22 hours a day.
Keep extra elastics and a travel toothbrush on hand.
Attend adjustment visits every 4–8 weeks, and schedule repairs promptly if something breaks.

FAQs About Regular Braces

For how long do I have to wear braces?

Treatment time depends on your case, but the majority of our patients wear braces from 12 to 24 months. Small tooth movements might require less time, and complex bite corrections might take more time. We will inform you of an estimated timeline during your appointment and modify it according to the specific needs during treatment.

Are braces just for children and teenagers?

No, braces are suitable for patients of any age. Provided that your gums and teeth are healthy, we can correct your smile whether you are an adult, teenager, or child. And did you know that almost 20% of orthodontic patients in the U.S. are over 18 years old? Early treatment (at about age 7) is ideal for kids, but orthodontic treatment is something that anyone, yes, adults too, can get.

Are braces painful?

You might experience pressure or discomfort for a day or two when you first get your braces or when they are adjusted. This is usually not too painful and temporary. Just consider it to be your teeth adjusting to their new position. You can use over-the-counter pain medication and follow a soft foods diet to make it easier. If you do have any discomfort, our staff will instruct you on how to manage it.

What do I have to avoid with braces?

To save your braces, stay away from sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy foods. This means avoiding foods such as gum, popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and ice. All of these can hurt brackets and wires. We'll have a complete list of food that you can eat with braces and snacks so that you can enjoy most meals without concern.

How do I brush and clean my teeth with braces?

Caring for your braces requires extra effort but is manageable. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush around the brackets and wires, and floss daily between your teeth and around your braces. We will introduce helpful tools like floss threaders and water flossers. Proper oral hygiene will prevent decay and keep your teeth healthy during treatment.

Will I require a retainer following braces?

Yes, after your braces are removed, you will need a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Retainers help "set" your new smile. We will create a custom-fitted retainer for you and provide clear instructions on how often to wear it—typically full-time at first, then just at night. Following these instructions ensures that your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.

How frequently will I visit the orthodontist?

You will typically have appointments every 4 to 8 weeks. During these visits, we will adjust your braces, monitor the progress of your teeth movement, and address any issues that may arise. Keeping up with these appointments is essential for staying on track with your treatment plan.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

For more information or to schedule your consultation, please contact our office during business hours. Our administrative team is available to assist with benefit verifications, payment arrangements, and any questions you may have regarding treatment.