Braces in Clovis, CA

Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from braces, which is one of our most popular treatments at Nalchajian Orthodontics. Braces address many orthodontic issues and help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile.

Dr. Greg Nalchajian and Dr. Nicole Nalchajian offer a variety of orthodontic treatments to address your dental needs. During your first visit, we will talk about your goals for treatment and create a custom care plan. Contact our office in Clovis, CA, today to see if braces are right for you or your child.

How Do Braces Work?

By putting pressure on the teeth, brackets and wires move teeth into their correct positions, resulting in a straight smile. As teeth shift to accommodate the force being placed on them, braces will need to be adjusted to continue placing new pressure on the teeth until the final results are achieved.

The brackets are bonded to the tooth and connected to the horseshoe-shaped arch wire. This wire runs across the entire upper and/or lower arch and through each bracket. Ligature elastics fit around each bracket and hold the arch wire in place.

Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, braces are more comfortable and customizable today than ever before. Many patients wear braces to straighten teeth because of their versatility, affordability, and effectiveness.

What to Expect at Braces Appointments

After your orthodontist puts your braces on, you will return to our office about every 4 to 8 weeks for a checkup. During these checkup visits, we will tighten your braces and make sure your treatment is going according to plan. It is not uncommon to experience a minimal degree of discomfort after a braces adjustment. Many patients forget they’re even wearing braces after they get used to the way they feel in their mouth.

Ligature elastics that fit around the brackets come in a variety of colors. During each adjustment appointment, you can change the color of your elastics to customize the look of your braces.

Types of Braces

At Nalchajian Orthodontics, we offer several types of braces to choose from. Dr. Greg, Dr. Nicole, and Dr. Geren will go over your options with you and help you choose the right type of braces for your treatment.

• Traditional metal braces are metal brackets made out of stainless steel and are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth.
• Ceramic braces are made out of a tooth-colored material. Because they closely resemble the color of teeth, they are a popular choice for patients who want their braces to be less noticeable. They often require extra care to keep clean and are often only placed on the upper front teeth.

Eating With Braces 

You can enjoy many of your favorite snacks with braces. However, you should avoid certain foods that could damage your appliances.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

• Bagels
• Licorice
• Beef jerky
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Ice
• Caramel
• Chewing gum
• Nuts
• Hard candies
• Corn on the cob
• Whole apples
• Carrots

Foods You Can Eat with Braces

• Soft cheese
• Pudding
• Milk-based drinks
• Soft tortillas
• Pancakes
• Nut-free muffins
• Pasta
• Soft-cooked rice
• Soft-cooked chicken
• Meatballs
• Lunch meats
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Crab cakes
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Beans
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Nut-free ice cream
• Milkshakes
• Jell-O^®
• Soft cake

Soreness From Braces and Appliances

If your mouth feels sore after your braces are tightened, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen. Soreness will only last a few days. After we put your braces on, it may take a few weeks to get used to the way they feel. The brackets and wires may irritate your lips, cheeks, and tongue, but you can apply orthodontic wax to reduce tenderness.

If your teeth feel loose, this is a normal and necessary part of tooth movement. After your braces are taken off, your teeth will no longer feel loose.

Loose Wires and Bands

If wires or bands become loose, give our office a call so we can repair your braces if necessary. In the meantime, you can use the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser to push the wire back into position. You can also place dental wax or a cotton ball soaked in water over the bracket or wire that is causing irritation. If any part of your braces breaks or falls off, be sure to bring all the pieces with you to your appointment.

Caring for Your Appliances

Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to care for your oral appliances. Dr. Greg, Dr. Nicole, or Dr. Geren will instruct you on how to use and clean your bands, retainer, or other devices.

Playing Sports With Braces

We recommend wearing a mouth guard when playing sports. Mouth guards protect your teeth and your braces from damage. If you notice a broken or loose bracket or wire while playing sports or any other activity, contact our office as soon as you can.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene habits is essential while wearing braces. If plaque builds up around your brackets, decalcification can occur, which results in stains on your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your appliances as directed to have a straight and healthy smile at the end of your treatment.

Braces in Clovis, CA

If you think it’s time for you or your child to start wearing braces, we invite you to give our office a call. Having a straight smile will promote positive long-term oral health and help you or your child feel confident about having beautifully aligned teeth. Contact Nalchajian Orthodontics in Clovis, CA, today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Greg, Dr. Nicole, and Dr. Geren will design a personalized treatment plan based on your or your child’s orthodontic needs.