Traditional Braces Baltimore
A Straighter Smile Inspires Confidence
There’s a lot to consider with your child’s dental care, including whether they will need braces. As parents, Drs. Chen & Kim understand your concerns and are committed to making the process comfortable and stress-free for you and your child. All of that said, braces are also an option for adults who’d like straighter smiles! To learn more or schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, just contact us today.
Why Choose Drs. Chen & Kim for Traditional Braces?
- Personalized Treatment Plans for All Patients
- Flexible Financing Options Available
- Adult & Children Welcomed
How Traditional Braces Work
Traditional braces use a system of metal brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by wires that apply gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions.
As teeth shift, the bone around them remodels to support the new alignment. This targeted movement typically takes 18-24 months, depending on the case’s complexity.
Does My Child Need Braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Don’t worry; an assessment doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces. This checkup is simply an opportunity to identify issues that could benefit from early intervention and help avoid more complex problems later:
- Tooth crowding
- Unevenly spaced teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Whether for adults or teens, straight teeth do much more than provide a more uniform smile. Orthodontic treatment in Hampden can improve your oral health and enhance your overall well-being for a lifetime.
Healthier Smile
When teeth overlap or crowd together, bacteria can hide in areas that brushing and flossing can't reach. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean effectively, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Enhanced Confidence
A straight, attractive smile can help your child feel more positive about their appearance, especially important during those crucial adolescent years when peer acceptance feels especially important.
Improved Function
Correcting bite problems reduces stress on jaw joints and facial muscles, preventing potential pain and dysfunction later in life. Proper alignment also improves chewing and can resolve speech issues.
Can Adults Get Braces?
There is no age limit for traditional braces. Teeth can move at every stage of life, which is one reason why retainers are so important even years after orthodontic treatment—your teeth never stop having the potential to shift!
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
You and your child can expect the following steps:
- Consultation and Examination — We begin with a thorough evaluation, including X-rays, photos, and digital impressions, to understand your current situation and plan the most effective treatment approach.
- Treatment Planning — After diagnosis, we'll outline a detailed treatment plan including timeline expectations and cost estimates. Our team will review your insurance benefits and discuss flexible payment options to ensure orthodontic care fits comfortably within your family's budget.
- Placing the Braces — The bracket placement appointment typically takes one to two hours. We carefully bond each bracket to the teeth and place the initial wire, explaining aftercare instructions and what to expect in the first few days.
- Regular Adjustments — Monthly adjustment appointments allow us to monitor progress and change wires that continue guiding teeth toward their ideal positions. These visits are usually quick and comfortable.
- Retainers — After we remove the braces, our dentists will recommend the best type of retainer for your child's needs. This is called the retention phase, and can last several months or years.