How are Braces Removed from Teeth?

It’s official. You have undergone months, or perhaps years, of orthodontic treatment in the form of dental braces and now the glorious moment has come to finally have them removed. Understanding the process that our doctors at Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center will follow to remove your braces will help you better know what to expect when the time comes.

The removal of braces is a relatively quick and painless procedure and they must be removed in the reverse order from how they were applied. Therefore, the small elastic bands that are placed on each bracket to hold the wiring system in place must be taken off first. To do this, Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S. will use a small dental instrument with a hook to carefully remove each band.

After the elastic bands are removed, Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S. will use small pliers to gently detach the wire from the groove on top of each bracket and from the anchor bands that may be located on the back molars.  She will then use special pliers to squeeze and remove each bracket individually. Because the separation of the bracket and tooth occurs at the point where the bracket met the adhesive keeping it in place, a residue will remain on the tooth until it is polished and cleaned.

After the removal of your braces, Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S. will discuss the need for you to continue orthodontic treatment in the form of permanent or temporary retainers. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

Application of Clear Braces

It’s time to start your orthodontic treatment and this begins with the application of your clear braces. After Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center thoroughly cleans and dries your teeth, the application process can range anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the individual case and the cooperation of all bonding materials. In case you were wondering how braces are applied step-by-step, allow us to explain.

First, the teeth are polished with a non-flavored paste and a cheek retractor is placed to provide a dry field that makes it easier to visualize the teeth. The teeth are lightly air-dried, and a conditioner is placed onto the front surfaces of the teeth for about 30 seconds. The conditioner is then rinsed and the teeth are again dried using suction and air. After this step, a primer is painted onto the teeth. The bonding cement is placed onto the back sides of the braces, which are then placed onto the teeth. The brackets are then placed in a very precise position onto the teeth, and excess bonding cement is removed. The process is completed by removing the cheek retractor and placing the wires.

If you desire a straighter smile and would like to discuss your orthodontic options, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

Clear Braces for a More Discreet Straightening Process

Straightening your teeth is an investment in a beautiful smile. While the end result is fantastic, often times patients do not like the look of braces during treatment, which can deter patients from straightening their teeth like they want. Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA offers clear braces to their patients desiring straight teeth but a more discreet process.

Clear braces work just like traditional metal braces, but the brackets are made of ceramic. The ceramic brackets are translucent, so they blend right in with your teeth. In certain cases, a clear wire is also available for even more discretion. These braces have advanced over time, so unlike versions of the past, the brackets are now stain-resistant. With good care, this keeps them unnoticeable for the duration of the straightening process. Clear braces are available for most cases.

The clear braces work just like traditional braces do, so the ceramic brackets are bonded to the fronts of your teeth and a wire is clipped in that is tightened every few weeks. Over time, the consistent pressure from the wire moves the teeth into the directed positions.

If you are looking to straighten your teeth but do not want to have that metallic smile for a year or more, ceramic braces may be the perfect option for you. To schedule a consultation with the dentists of Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center here in Philadelphia, PA, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com.