Braces

The placement of your braces will not hurt at all, although there may be some soreness or discomfort in the hours and days immediately after placement.

Over-the-counter medications can help with soreness or muscle ache, but make sure to consult Dr. Szymanowski before you take anything.

At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Sacramento and surrounding areas!

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, because of modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before.

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you’ll have less irritation in your mouth.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.

Metal braces are cost-effective because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients in Sacramento, year after year!

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Szymanowski and his team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we’ll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth.

If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Szymanowski will use this information to create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.

Dr. Szymanowski will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Szymanowski will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual and the treatment plan designed by Dr. Szymanowski. Factors affecting the length of treatment can include the severity of your misalignment, patient compliance, age, and even height!

That said, a typical round of orthodontic treatment can last between 12- 24 months. Treatment time with metal braces at Szymanowski Orthodontics will be different every time.

We have some Szymanowski Orthodontics patients in braces for as little as six months. But for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces from Szymanowski Orthodontics, you’ll see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.

Appointments for adjustments are generally scheduled six to eight weeks apart.

Dr. Damon recommends monitoring as early as age seven, though treatment may not be necessary.

Nobody is too old for a beautiful smile!

With advances in technology, your options are as diverse as you are! From traditional metal wire-and-bracket braces to the more concealed Invisalign option, you can choose whatever treatment fits best for you.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid.

Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed.

We will show each patient how to floss his or her teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity.

Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.

In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.