An orthodontist like Dr. Jae Park often uses the metal brackets, wires, and components of traditional braces to create an effective system for correcting misaligned teeth. This requires attending a regularly scheduled adjustment appointment every four to six weeks.
During each of these important sessions, your orthodontist will tighten your braces components to gradually affect the periodontal connective tissues that anchor your teeth in your gums. The amount of time it takes to fully correct the position of your teeth will vary based on the severity of the misalignment.
It is also important to note that orthodontic braces are not invulnerable to damage. If one of the components is bent, damaged, or compromised in some way, it could harm your mouth and increase the time it takes to fully align your teeth.
Sticky foods, gooey candies, and chewing gum represent a common threat to the integrity of traditional braces. The suction created by chewing these things could pull a bracket or spacer out of its intended position, or possibly bend a wire.
Tough and hard foods pose a similar threat. These things can also bend wires and damage braces hardware. Sometimes, a damaged band or bracket can leave a sharp point that pokes the soft tissue in your mouth.
If some part of your braces is bent or damaged, you need to have it examined by Dr. Jae Park and his team as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
If you had braces installed in your mouth at Dr. Jae Park’s orthodontic clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, and if you have an issue with a hardware component, you should call 623-877-8500 and visit Arizona Orthodontic Centers to have it addressed.