Braces
Crooked teeth can make us feel embarrassed to smile and lead to a variety of serious oral health concerns.
Thankfully, braces can tackle even difficult cases in both children and adults, enhancing their smiles while improving their bites.
Timothy M. Kelly, DMD, PA, in Albuquerque, NM, can help you achieve a straighter smile, without the need of an orthodontist.
How Do Braces Work?
Traditional braces are an orthodontic treatment that uses brackets, wires, and bands to apply force to the teeth, gradually straightening them and moving them into their ideal alignment. Dr. Kelly will periodically adjust your braces to ensure the correct amount of pressure is being applied to each tooth.
Who Can Benefit From Braces?
Anyone over the age of seven with misaligned teeth can benefit from an orthodontic treatment like braces. Braces can correct problems such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Overcrowding
- Open bite
- Crossbite
Why Go to a Dentist for Braces INSTEAD OF AN ORTHODONTIST?
Though orthodontists undergo years of special training so that they can provide orthodontic care, many dentists undergo training and attend continuing education seminars to provide these services as well.
Dr. Kelly has an advanced understanding of teeth and jaw issues. In addition to his training in orthodontics, he also specializes in treating TMJ disorders, which can be caused by malocclusion. Patients appreciate his 35 years of hands-on experience and find it convenient to receive care from a dentist they know instead of an orthodontist who may be unfamiliar with their dental issues.
Ready for a Beautiful Smile?
Request a Consultation
Not only can braces give you a straight and dazzling smile, but they can also help prevent serious oral health concerns that can be expensive to fix.
Like an orthodontist, Dr. Kelly is able to provide patients with orthodontic care so they can reap the cosmetic and functional benefits of straighter teeth. But Dr. Kelly can also provide comprehensive dental care that orthodontists cannot, whether that means a routine dental cleaning or a full smile makeover.
Dr. Kelly excels in helping patients with misaligned teeth reclaim the confidence that a healthy smile provides. If you or your child could benefit from receiving an orthodontic treatment like braces, we invite you to contact our Albuquerque, NM, office:
(505) 256-1770
A Closer Look at Traditional Braces WHAT TO EXPECT FROM START TO FINISH
The entire braces process can take anywhere from 18 months to a few years to complete, depending on the severity of your misalignment. When receiving braces at our Albuquerque, NM, dental office, your treatment plan will involve several steps, including:
Dr. Kelly has been providing advanced dental care for more than 35 years. He offers both braces and Invisalign for more beautiful, healthy smiles.
Do You Have Questions?
"Always on time, professional, friendly and using latest tech for pain free visits. Best Dentist and Hygeneists ever."
Jim Baca, 2024
Exploring Invisalign A Discreet Alternative to Traditional Braes
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign® is a series of aligner trays that reposition teeth into their ideal alignment over a period of 12 to 18 months. Many adults prefer Invisalign because the clear aligners are a discreet orthodontic solution compared to braces.
Who Can Wear Invisalign?
People with mild to moderate misalignment usually qualify for Invisalign. However, they will need to commit to wearing the aligner trays for a minimum of 22 hours per day.
Do You Provide Invisalign?
Yes. In fact, our Albuquerque, NM, office prefers to use Invisalign when the orthodontic treatment makes sense for the patient. However, in cases of severe misalignment, we typically recommend traditional braces. When choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces, Dr. Kelly takes health, function, and aesthetics into consideration.
Managing Discomfort From Braces
Though braces offer many benefits, many patients are under the impression that treatment will be uncomfortable and painful. Though you may feel some discomfort when your braces are first placed and each time they're tightened, the discomfort can be managed by:
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Using orthodontic wax
- Applying a cool or warm compress to the jaw
- Eating soft or cool foods
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, and sticky foods
Maintaining Your Results Caring For Your Teeth After Your Treatment
Wear a Retainer
After orthodontics, your jawbone will need time to heal around your teeth to hold them in place. Once your braces have been removed, your dentist will instruct you on how often you will need to wear a retainer. In most cases, patients will need to wear a retainer at least some of the time forever.
Follow an Oral Care Routine
Continue abiding by an at-home oral care routine that includes brushing, flossing, and using an oral rinse every day. This can help stave off oral health problems and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist will also give you instructions on how to properly clean your retainer.
Attend Regular Checkups
Continue to visit our Albuquerque, NM, dental office for regular checkups every six months so that our dentist can monitor the condition and alignment of your teeth and provide you with preventative care. Our dentist will also check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
More 5-Star Reviews
LISA BEARLY
Albuquerque, NM
2024
Melinda was the dental hygienist and was very professional and very nice. Explained everything she was doing. As a manager myself I can appreciate this professionalism and great care.
View on GoogleCheryl Sharps
Albuquerque, NM
2023
Good care, knowledgable with excellent explanation of my TMJ issues, friendly bedside manner, and friendly staff. I'm just starting a treatment regimen for the TMJ issues; however, I've had routine cleanings prior at his office.
View on GoogleFrequently Asked Questions About Braces
Q. Do braces hurt?
A. You may experience some minor discomfort when you first get braces or when your braces are adjusted. However, this is usually easily managed at home using over-the-counter pain medications. If you experience severe pain or have any concerns, please contact our Albuquerque practice so we can help you as soon as possible.
Q. Does dental insurance cover braces?
A. Your plan and coverage may vary, but dental insurance often covers at least a portion of your orthodontic treatment. We will verify your coverage before your treatment begins so you can accurately plan and budget.
Q. Is there an age limit for braces?
A. Not at all! Adult patients can greatly benefit from treatment with braces. Braces can give you a beautifully straight smile regardless of your age.
Q. How long does orthodontic treatment with braces take?
A. The average treatment is about 18 to 24 months. However, your timeline may vary depending on the severity of your orthodontic concern and if you adhere to treatment requirements.
Q. How long do I have to wear a retainer after my braces are removed?
A. Dentists and orthodontists suggest wearing your retainer every night when you sleep. This prevents your teeth from shifting out of place and helps maintain your beautifully straightened smile for years to come.
Have more questions about braces or orthodontic treatment?
