Master Orthodontic Care: Braces from Walker & Wright Orthodontics
At Walker & Wright Orthodontics, the brace is not a dental appliance, but a tested and proven way of straightening crooked teeth, bite imbalance, and jaw alignment. Whether the problem is overcrowding, spacing, or misalignment of bite issues, braces are one of the most accurate and tested ways of achieving orthodontic outcomes that will last. Under the consultation of Dr. Daniel Wright and Dr. Walker, Freeport IL and Monroe WI, patients are provided with personalized, high-quality treatment from years of experience and devotion. Schedule your appointment today.
Complete Braces Treatment
Braces exert steady pressure on teeth over a prolonged period, gradually moving them to where they should be. Walker & Wright Orthodontics patients can look forward to complete treatment not just for the surface-level alignment of teeth but also for the underlying jaw structure, orientation of the bite and teeth, and general oral function.
Your orthodontic treatment starts with a comprehensive consultation. At your initial visit, our staff goes through your dental history, performs a complete structural orthodontic assessment, takes X-rays, and plots out a personalized treatment plan. The plan is designed to meet your specific needs; each treatment is personally created to match the dental structure and goal of the patient.
Types of Braces Provided
- Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most common braces, made of high-quality stainless steel. Advancements have helped to make them smaller, more comfortable and effective than they ever were. Metal braces made of brackets and arch-wires slowly shift teeth over a very long time. They are a cost-effective and dependable treatment for patients of varying ages.
- Ceramic (Clear) Braces
For teens and adults who want something less flashy, there are ceramic braces available that are a less obtrusive option. They are designed to resemble metal braces but are constructed of clear or tooth-colored materials and are less noticeable and accommodate lower-profile wear in the mouth. A slightly finer texture and requiring special attention to maintain spots clear for oral care, ceramic braces remain in favor among teens and adults who prefer to avoid the dull, old, bare metal.
Life During Braces
Orthodontic treatment with braces requires some care and maintenance to be effective and prevent delays. Patients are taught how to keep their braces clean, diet, and cope with minor pains during treatment.
Eating with Braces
Some foods hurt wires or brackets and should not be consumed while being treated. Some such foods are sticky like chewing gum and caramel, hard foods like nuts and popcorn, and foods that take a lot of biting pressure like raw apples or corn. Patients may attempt eating soft, braces-friendly foods, which will not be quite so disturbing for the appliance.
Meet Dr. Daniel Wright
Dr. Daniel Wright is a diligent orthodontic professional dedicated to providing precise and efficient treatment. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master of Orthodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Wright has over three decades of experience, and he employs the latest technology in 3D imaging and orthodontics. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and holds a leadership position for the Illinois State Dental Society, where he is clinically outstanding and award-winning in patient care.
Oral Hygiene
You must floss and brush your teeth very well. Brackets can trap food particles and plaque, and holes and gum disease are more likely to develop. You will be instructed on how to floss and brush by Dr. Wright and the clinical staff to keep your teeth in great condition while being treated.
Adjustments and Appointments
Braces need periodic check-ups, typically every 4 to 8 weeks. This is where Dr. Wright and his staff can monitor progress, make adjustments to changes in arch-wires that are needed, and ensure that teeth are moving as planned. These visits also offer the chance to address questions, fix broken appliances, and re-emphasize care routines.
Orthodontic treatments last for different periods depending on the case's severity. Braces are usually completed in 18 to 24 months for most patients, but others take longer or shorter periods depending on their requirements.
Dealing with Discomfort and Emergencies
There is always some level of mild pain when bracing or during an adjustment, which occurs in the initial few days. This is relieved using warm saltwater rinses or over-the-counter medication. Wires that are irritating the mouth or loose brackets can be kept fixed temporarily with orthodontic wax, and patients must have them repaired by contacting the office. Our office is committed to providing timely service and will accommodate emergency appointments as needed in order to remain on schedule.
Playing Instruments or Sports
Your way of life should not be interrupted by wearing braces. Sport patients are advised to wear a mouthguard that protects the oral tissue and their braces, too. For musically active patients, especially those engaged in playing wind instruments, our staff can offer advice and procedures for ease of transition in playing with braces on.
Retainers and Post-Braces Care
Once the braces are removed, a retainer is prescribed to keep the teeth in their new position. Otherwise, teeth start to shift back. The retention period is necessary to safeguard the work that has been done and make your orthodontic investment well worth it for the next couple of years.
Financial Options and Insurance
Walker & Wright Orthodontics provides numerous payment alternatives so that braces are accessible to all. Treatment fees vary with the level of complexity and duration of your orthodontic care. Our office will assist you in costs, insurance, and financing alternatives before beginning, with an open and courteous manner of continuing.
The office accepts most major insurance companies and major credit cards. In case you do have orthodontic coverage through your health plan, our administrative staff will assist you in maximizing your benefit and filing the paperwork for you.
