Straighten Your Smile Affordably with Traditional Braces

Are misaligned teeth affecting your bite or compromising your confidence in your appearance? Traditional orthodontics, commonly known as braces, are an affordable, effective solution for your crooked smile. Braces move your teeth into proper alignment using a bracket-and-wire system that exerts gentle pressure on your teeth. Compared to other types of orthodontics, traditional braces are affordable and predictably effective. Dr. Ernest Robertson of Harlem Center for Aesthetic Dentistry offers traditional braces at his New York, NY, office. Dr. Robertson is an experienced, compassionate dentist who can help determine if braces or another type of treatment is right for you. Contact our office today with any questions and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robertson.

Choosing Traditional Orthodontics

During your consultation, you will speak with Dr. Robertson about your lifestyle and your treatment goals. You will also discuss any budgetary constraints. Although traditional braces are the most noticeable type of orthodontic treatment, they are also the most affordable. Patients who choose traditional orthodontics are typically not concerned with the appearance of braces or are trying to save on treatment cost.

If you would prefer a more discreet treatment option, speak with Dr. Robertson about Invisalign®, 3M™ Incognito™ Hidden Braces, and other orthodontic alternatives we provide. Whatever type of orthodontics you choose, we can help you apply for one of several patient financing options that can help make your total treatment cost more manageable.

How Traditional Braces Work

To begin your treatment, Dr. Robertson will bond a metal bracket to each of your teeth. These brackets are cemented in place and serve as anchors that allow your teeth to be gently moved into alignment. Once your brackets are secured, Dr. Robertson will thread a long, thin metal wire across each bracket and secure it in place using small rubber bands. This arch wire exerts continual force on each secured bracket. Every few weeks, Dr. Robertson will switch out your arch wire with a new one that is shaped slightly differently, bringing you one step closer to your final goal. Once your teeth have been moved into their final desired alignment, Dr. Robertson will remove each of your brackets. He will provide you with a removable or permanent retainer to help hold your teeth in their new positions.

Caring for Your Orthodontics

Great hygienic care is essential for patients wearing traditional braces. Food particles can easily become caught in the brackets, wires, and rubber bands in your mouth. It is important that you carefully clean these areas after each meal and brush and floss at least twice a day. Dr. Robertson will provide you with instructions on how to clean hard-to-reach areas to avoid the buildup of plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and infection. When you visit with Dr. Robertson for your adjustments, our hygienist will examine your mouth and clean any areas that you may have missed. You will also need to avoid certain foods while you are wearing braces. By following the simple instructions provided by Dr. Robertson, you can achieve a beautifully straight, healthy smile in roughly 18 months.

Learn More About Achieving a Beautifully Straight Smile

If you are unhappy with your crooked smile, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at Harlem Center for Aesthetic Dentistry and learn more about your treatment options.