Traditional Metal Braces in Little Rock & Jacksonville, AR

Thanks to modern technology and many orthodontic improvements, conventional metal braces are more affordable and comfortable than ever before. Ashcraft Orthodontics is proud to provide a broad selection of advanced orthodontic treatments to accommodate the different wants and needs of our Little Rock and Jacksonville, AR patients. The traditional braces of today are comprised of smaller wires, more discreet brackets, and fun, customizable colored bands. These individualized touches are not possible with removable clear aligners, such as ClearCorrect and Invisalign. Traditional braces are a reliable solution for helping both children and adults correct a range of orthodontic concerns. To find out more about conventional metal braces, schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Ashcraft at our Little Rock or Jacksonville, AR facility.

Conventional metal braces are an excellent orthodontic solution for patients of all ages. At Ashcraft Orthodontics, Dr. Ashcraft understands the importance of high-quality materials. This is why our traditional braces are created of top-of-the-line stainless steel archwires and mounts that are strategically positioned to give you the beautiful smile you desire. They're an ideal treatment for patients who have jaw alignment difficulties, gapped or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, and protruding teeth. In addition to high-quality archwires, we use cutting-edge elastic bands (you choose the color!) that don't readily snap and are easy to put on and remove. Throughout your orthodontic appointment with Dr. Ashcraft, your options and recommended treatment plan will be discussed so that you feel fully informed before making your decision.

Following your initial examination, digital impressions will be taken of your upper and lower arches and jaw, and your individualized treatment plan will be created by Dr. Ashcraft. When you return to have your braces put on, your teeth will be professionally cleaned and prepped before a member of our team begins applying your metal brackets. Once all of your brackets are in place, Dr. Ashcraft will thread the wire through them and your pre-chosen bands will be connected to the mounts. The braces application process usually moves quite fast and patients feel little to no discomfort. You should expect to come back to Ashcraft Orthodontics once a month for adjustments and progress checks.

It is common knowledge that traditional metal braces can make brushing and flossing your teeth a bit more challenging than before. That's why good oral hygiene is important to your orthodontic therapy. After getting your braces put on, Dr. Ashcraft or a member of our team will instruct you on how to clean your teeth and offer you helpful hints. As a rule of thumb, we suggest that you floss and brush your teeth after each meal. Maintaining all of your appointments and bi-annual dental cleanings can also help give you optimal outcomes. Usually, most patients have braces for 1 – 2 years; however, your treatment period will depend on your unique dental needs and aesthetic goals.

Once your treatment is finished, we will remove your braces and take another digital impression to create a custom-fitting retainer. Your retainer will help keep your teeth in their place over the coming years. We offer several types of retainers so Dr. Ashcraft will help you to carefully choose the one that is right for you.

It's quite common to experience a complication with your braces. You might have the ability to fix some issues temporarily on your own until you are able to attend an appointment at our office. Our team will give you a basic overview of how you can temporarily deal with a broken bracket or wire until we can get you in for a repair. If you believe you cannot fix your orthodontic issue, please contact us. Many potential issues can be prevented by wearing a mouth guard during sports and avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. 

Loose Band or Bracket

In the event that a bracket or band remains connected to the wire, then leave it where it is. If it's causing discomfort, put sugarless gum or orthodontic wax on it. Occasionally, it is possible to take off the elastic band using tweezers so you can detach the mount from the archwire.

Loose Wire

Attempt to push the wire back into position with tweezers. If that's not working, clip the archwire with fingernail clippers or cable cutters beyond the tooth that it's firmly attached to. If it's causing pain, put sugarless gum or orthodontic wax on it.

Poking Wire
Put sugarless gum or orthodontic wax on the archwire.

Soreness

You may have some discomfort for many days following every office visit. Chew carefully on sugarless gum following appointments to reduce discomfort. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or take nonprescription pain medication as directed.

Loose Appliance

In the event the appliance is poking you, then put sugarless gum or orthodontic wax over it to keep it stable.

In comparison to other treatments, conventional metal braces are usually less costly. At your consultation, Dr. Ashcraft will discuss your treatment choices and cost quotes so that you may select the method that best satisfies your needs and budget. If you have dental insurance, we'll call your provider to determine your benefits and calculate your out-of-pocket expenses. If you do not have insurance, then Ashcraft Orthodontics accepts several payment methods and we will be able to help you find low-interest financing.

In the past several years, there have been a number of improvements in orthodontic and dental care for individuals of all ages. Nevertheless, traditional braces are still among the most effective methods at Ashcraft Orthodontics. Get in touch with one of our central Arkansas facilities to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ashcraft and find out more about conventional metal braces and other orthodontic choices.