Our team at Floss & Co. would love to meet you and your family and provide you with the dental care you deserve!
Braces
When you think of braces, you probably picture straighter teeth—but at Floss & Co., we see the full picture of your health. We’re all about comprehensive care, even checking airways to make sure you’re breathing well. Braces can do more than just perfect your smile’s alignment; they can boost comfort, make eating and speaking a breeze, and help you breathe easily, too. It’s a total upgrade, inside and out!
At Floss & Co., we offer traditional metal braces in Chicago, as well as more discreet options like ceramic braces to fit your lifestyle needs. With braces, you can enjoy improved dental health and lifetime confidence. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our talented and experienced dental practitioners. We will be happy to help you find the best orthodontic tool for your needs, budget, and goals.
Advantages and Benefits Associated With Braces
There are several different braces, ranging in visibility, comfort, and effectiveness at addressing misalignments in a patient’s smile. While the experiences patients have with these different types will vary, the same advantages and benefits are generally present. The following may describe positive effects on your lifestyle:
- Improved oral health, including by preventing cavities and gum disease
- Teeth are easier to clean and maintain in the long-term
- Better digestion and chewing when gaps are reduced
- Smoother speech, including that related to lisping and comfort
- Reduced risk of chipping, cracking, or other damage to the teeth
- More opened-up passageways for airflow and easy breathing
- Boosted self-esteem in the long term
- Improved appearance and confidence in your smile
- Durable and affordable treatment option
Whether you get traditional braces, clear braces, lingual braces, clear trays, or another orthodontic treatment, you will experience many long-term improvements in your life.
If you have any questions about the impact braces can have on your overall health and well-being, please contact Floss & Co. We’re happy to answer your questions and provide suggestions based on your specific needs.
Airway-Focused Braces for Better Breathing
At Floss & Co., our approach to braces includes a focus on airway orthodontics, which means, that beyond aligning your teeth, we’re also mindful of optimizing your breathing. By improving airflow as part of your treatment, we can help reduce any issues related to breathing or airway constriction, both during and after wearing braces. This added benefit of airway-centered care supports not only a great smile but also enhanced comfort and overall wellness, ensuring your orthodontic treatment positively impacts multiple aspects of your health.
How Is a Patient’s Candidacy for Braces Determined?
Whenever someone undergoes a medical treatment or procedure, the relevant health professionals must evaluate their candidacy. Candidates are generally at low risk for serious bodily harm or allergic reactions. If you identify with the following descriptions, we may determine you’re a good candidate for a particular type of braces:
- Have teeth alignment issues, including those related to crowding, gapping, crookedness, and bite
- Issues with breathing, including while sleeping
- No current oral health issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay
- Shifting in the jaw, such as that associated with TMJ
- Other bad habits, such as mouth breathing, cheek biting, thumb sucking, or eating hard and crunchy foods
- Have all adult teeth
- Your teeth are strong, lacking chips, cracks, cavities, or lots of fillings
- Good oral hygiene habits and routines
- Alignment issues are too severe to be treated by other options, such as clear aligner trays
- Responsible and committed to taking care of your oral appliances
The only way to determine whether someone is a candidate for braces is to come in for a consultation with a qualified professional. A provider from Floss & Co. can perform a full assessment and help you discuss your options.
Preparing for Your Braces Consultation
If you want to ensure you are properly prepared for your orthodontic consultation, we have a few helpful recommendations you can follow. In particular, we recommend you review information related to the following:
- Past surgeries
- Current list of medications and supplements
- Allergies to medications or dental materials
- Ailments and other conditions
- Other concerning signs and symptoms you want us to assess during the consultation
- Medical records and doctor’s notes
We also suggest you speak with your referring dentist, if applicable, to send over your X-rays and scans. Receiving the relevant dental records will also help us determine whether you’re a strong candidate for braces.
If you would prefer, you can bring notes about your medical information. Some patients, such as those with complex medical histories, may find that notes make it easier to ensure that all necessary information is properly communicated. If you need more information about properly preparing for your consultation, please contact Floss & Co.
How to Care for Your New Braces
Caring for your braces may be difficult at first, as developing new habits and getting acquainted with the tools can take a little while. However, we can help you prepare for taking care of your new braces when you leave the dentist’s office. We recommend you use the following tips to care for your braces and maintain their efficacy and durability:
- Brush your teeth after every meal
- Floss your teeth at least once per day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, circular motion when brushing
- Avoid damaging foods, such as those that are very sticky, crunchy, or hard
- Wear a mouthguard whenever you play sports or take part in any physical activities
- Visit your dentist and orthodontist regularly
- Consider getting an alternative floss, such as an air or water flosser
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Use dental wax whenever you’re experiencing discomfort, especially during the first couple of weeks
- Talk to your dentist about any recommendations they may have
Caring for your braces may be difficult initially, but we at Floss & Co. can make the process far easier. Please contact us to learn more about our offerings, get answers to your questions, or schedule an appointment.
Need to Get Braces? Talk to Floss & Co. and Receive Outstanding Orthodontic Care
Braces offer a long-term solution to correcting misaligned teeth and improving aesthetics and dental health. At Floss & Co., we provide traditional metal braces in Chicago and more discreet options, such as ceramic braces, to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a subtle or classic treatment, braces can bring lasting confidence and health improvements.
Our team at Floss & Co. is dedicated to providing personalized orthodontic care that aligns with your unique needs. To explore your options and take the first step toward a healthier smile, contact us today at (773) 586-5522 or through our contact form.