A broken bracket can feel stressful, but your Fort Washington orthodontist says knowing exactly what to do next makes all the difference for keeping your braces treatment on track.
Braces From Your Fort Washington Orthodontist: Straightening Smiles at Every Age
Braces are dental devices that gently move your teeth into better alignment over time. They work for children, teens, and adults dealing with crooked teeth, gaps, crowding, or bite problems.
How They Work
Small brackets are attached to your teeth and connected with wires and elastic bands. Your orthodontist adjusts the wires at regular visits, gradually guiding your teeth into the right position. Think of it like using steady pressure to straighten a bent fence picket, slow, controlled, and effective.
Who Are Braces For?
Braces are a great option if you experience any of the following:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- Bite issues affecting chewing or speech
- Self-consciousness about your smile
The Benefits
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. A corrected bite can also relieve jaw discomfort and improve your confidence. Most people wear braces for several months to a few years, followed by a retainer to keep your new smile in place.
| Age Group | Common Issues Treated | Average Treatment Duration | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children (7–12) | Crowding, early bite problems | 1–2 years | Guides jaw and teeth development early |
| Teens (13–17) | Crooked teeth, gaps, bite issues | 18 months–3 years | Improves smile confidence during formative years |
| Adults (18+) | Spacing, crowding, jaw discomfort | 1–3 years | Enhances oral health and overall well-being |
Your Fort Washington Orthodontist Explains What to Do When a Bracket Breaks
A broken bracket does not have to derail your smile journey. Knowing the right steps to take helps you stay calm and keeps your treatment moving forward smoothly.
Steps to Take Right Away
- Check for sharp edges: Run your tongue gently around the area to see if the bracket is poking or causing discomfort.
- Use orthodontic wax: If anything feels sharp or irritating, apply a small piece of wax to cover the bracket until your appointment.
- Save any loose pieces: If a bracket comes off completely, keep it safe and bring it with you to your visit.
- Call our office promptly: Let us know what happened so we can schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.
From Your Fort Washington Orthodontist: What Not to Do
Avoid trying to fix the bracket yourself, as this can cause further damage to your wire or teeth. Also, do not skip your repair visit, since a broken bracket can slow down your overall treatment progress.
We are always here to help you handle these little bumps in the road with confidence and ease.
Braces By Your Fort Washington Orthodontist
At Fort Washington Orthodontics, we offer braces because we believe everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile. Braces are one of the most effective ways to correct alignment issues and improve your overall oral health.
We are committed to providing you with treatment that delivers lasting results. Whether you are dealing with crowding, spacing, or bite concerns, braces can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
What Patients Are Saying
Patients at Fort Washington Orthodontics consistently praise Dr. Malerman’s dedication, humor, and expertise. One patient shared, “No matter how random my question is about braces, Dr. Malerman always seems to have an answer.” Families have trusted this practice for years, enjoying outstanding results and a welcoming atmosphere for adults and kids alike.
One testimonial captures this perfectly. A family traveling from out of state for a softball tournament faced a braces emergency over the July 4th holiday, and Dr. Malerman personally returned their call and made time to help.
Rating: 5/5 stars
“His compassion, kindness, and willingness to help a family who wasn’t even one of his regular patients meant more than I can express. He truly went out of his way to help us during a stressful situation.”
Read their full story
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces at Fort Washington Orthodontics
What age is the right time to start braces treatment in Fort Washington?
At Fort Washington Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages. Children between 7 and 12 can benefit from early treatment that guides jaw and teeth development. Teens and adults can also achieve great results, so there is no single right age to get started.
How long will you need to wear braces to straighten your teeth?
Treatment length depends on your age and the issues being corrected. Children typically wear braces for one to two years, teens for eighteen months to three years, and adults for one to three years. After treatment, you will wear a retainer to keep your new smile in place.
What should you do if a bracket breaks during braces treatment?
If a bracket breaks, apply orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges, save any loose pieces, and call our office right away. Avoid trying to fix it yourself, as that can cause additional damage. We will get you in as soon as possible to keep your treatment on track.
Can braces help with bite problems and jaw discomfort?
Yes, braces are effective for correcting bite issues that affect chewing or speech. A properly aligned bite can also relieve jaw discomfort and improve your overall oral health and daily comfort.
How do braces improve your oral health beyond straightening teeth?
Straighter teeth are simply easier to clean. When your teeth are properly aligned, you can brush and floss more effectively, which helps lower your risk of cavities and gum disease over time. You can find answers to more common questions on our Dental FAQs page.
Get Started With Braces From a Beloved Fort Washington Orthodontist Today
At Fort Washington Orthodontics, we are here to help you achieve the smile you deserve. If you’re ready to get your smile back on track, call us today or schedule online so our team can assess your brackets and keep your treatment moving forward.
