Braces in Brewton, AL
Braces are still the most reliable way to fix crowding, gaps and bite problems, and they handle cases that clear aligners cannot. At our Brewton office, Dr. Glenn Glass fits both metal and ceramic brackets for patients of every age.
Braces for Kids in Brewton
Most children should have a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. That is early enough to catch a developing bite problem while the jaw is still growing, which sometimes means a shorter or simpler course of braces later. Plenty of kids who come in at seven do not need anything yet, and we will tell you that rather than starting treatment early for the sake of it.
When braces do go on, we see younger patients every few weeks for adjustments. Colored elastics are part of the appeal at this age, and kids get to pick new ones at every visit.
Braces for Teens in Brewton
Teenagers are the group braces were built for. Permanent teeth are in, the jaw is still finishing its growth and treatment tends to move along steadily. Most teen cases run somewhere between eighteen months and two years.
The usual worry is how visible they are. Ceramic brackets blend into the teeth and are a common request from older teens who would rather braces were not the first thing people notice. Sports are not a problem either, though a mouthguard is worth having.
Braces for Adults in Brewton
A good share of the patients Dr. Glass treats in Brewton are adults. Some never had orthodontic work as kids. Others had braces years ago and watched their teeth drift after they stopped wearing a retainer. Teeth move at any age, which is exactly why treatment works at any age.
Adults usually ask about discretion first. Ceramic brackets are the quieter option, and if your case allows for it, Invisalign in Brewton is worth asking about as well. Dr. Glass will tell you plainly which one your bite is suited to.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type we place. High-grade stainless steel brackets connect with an archwire that applies steady pressure over time. Metal braces are more comfortable than they used to be, and you can choose colored elastics if you want them. Clear and tooth-colored elastics are there if you would rather they stayed quiet.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work exactly the way metal ones do, but the brackets are a clear ceramic instead of steel. They blend into the teeth, which is why older teens and adults ask for them most. The brackets are slightly larger and more brittle than metal, so we do not usually recommend them for younger patients.
What Happens When You Get Braces
Before anything goes on your teeth we take digital x-rays, photos and a scan of your mouth. Dr. Glass uses those to plan exactly where each bracket sits and how far every tooth needs to travel.
Once the brackets are bonded, a wire runs through them and applies pressure to the teeth that need to move. The bone around each root slowly reshapes to allow it, which is why the process takes months rather than weeks and why adjustments happen on a regular schedule.
When the braces come off, teeth want to drift back toward where they started. Wearing a retainer as directed is what stops that, and it is the part of treatment people most often let slide.
Braces in Brewton FAQs
How long do braces take?
Most cases run between one and two years. A mild correction can finish sooner and a complex bite can take longer. Dr. Glass will give you a realistic range at the consultation instead of a number that quietly moves later.
Do braces hurt?
The day they go on and the day or two after each adjustment are the sore spots. It is a dull ache rather than sharp pain, and soft food plus over the counter pain relief handles it. Most people stop noticing after the first week.
Can adults get braces?
Yes, and adults make up a real portion of the practice. There is no upper age limit as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.
What can I not eat with braces?
Anything hard, sticky or chewy is the short version. Ice, hard candy, caramel, popcorn kernels and whole raw apples are the usual culprits. Most everything else is fine.
How often are adjustment visits?
Every four to eight weeks depending on where you are in treatment. Visits are short and we schedule them at the Brewton office so you are not driving out of town for a twenty minute appointment.
Schedule a free consultation and Dr. Glass will tell you what braces would involve in your case.