Braces are an orthodontic treatment that corrects bite issues and crooked or crowded teeth. The appliances consist of small brackets cemented to your teeth and connected by an archwire. Dr. Andy Frost provides braces in Creve Coeur to gradually shift teeth, correct bites, and create confident, beautiful smiles!
Frost Orthodontics offers metal and clear braces for patients seeking to improve their smile. Schedule your first appointment today to get started with braces in Creve Coeur!
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I’m Ned Marshall, I’ve had my braces for two years now and I’m getting them off today.
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Very excited.
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It feels gooey.
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My top teeth were like over here and my bottom were like kinda slanted so whenever I’d bite,
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there was like an over bite on the other side, on the side.
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I was super excited to not be metal mouth.
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I’m always really, really picky, and Andy always tells me I’m “nit picking” because
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I’m like a perfectionist about everything.
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But, honestly, I told my dad this morning, I was like, “I don’t think I could have straighter teeth.”
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“I have two sisters and they both came here to get their braces, and they both had
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braces.
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One of them had them for like two years, one of them had them for like three years.
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I guess for the past ten years my whole family has come to see Dr. Frost.
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So I have four siblings, so we all come here. And about, I think, probably 16 or so cousins
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that also come here, slash are going to come here.
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He’s got us all.
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My mom got braces from his dad.
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So Andy’s dad was an orthodontist too?
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Yeah.
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That was like a hundred years ago.
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Yeah.
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My uncle who passed away was really good friends with Dr. Frost and so we started coming here
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I guess because of him.
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And so my parents met Dr. Frost at golf tournaments and stuff so, eventually started coming here
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and loved him and haven’t left.
Since abnormal bites become noticeable between ages six and 12, most orthodontic treatment begins between eight and 14. However, anyone with healthy teeth can receive braces. Several signs may indicate a need for braces, such as:
If you experience or notice any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with us to see if braces in Creve Coeur are right for you.
Treatment plans vary based on your situation, but most patients wear braces for one to three years. Generally, the Creve Coeur braces treatment process at Frost Orthodontics includes the following steps:
The braces treatment process begins with an initial consultation. During the appointment, Dr. Frost performs an examination, discusses your dental history, and reviews X-rays of your teeth and mouth. Once he gathers all the information, he can determine whether braces are viable for you and create a personalized treatment plan.
Once Dr. Frost formulates your custom treatment plan according to the issues you present, you will return to our office for placement. First, our team polishes your teeth to ensure the brackets will bond properly. Then, Dr. Frost uses a special conditioner to prepare your teeth for bonding.
Next, he places cement onto the back of each bracket and then applies them to your teeth. Once the brackets are in place, he removes excess cement and utilizes a high-intensity light to harden them. Afterward, Dr. Frost places the dental archwires and fastens them with rubber bands.
Bonding the brackets and placing the wires typically takes 10-20 minutes. However, the length of time differs for each patient depending on their condition.
Regular adjustments are necessary to move your teeth and jaws gradually. The elastic ties holding the wires and brackets together stretch and weaken over time, so it’s essential to adjust them every three to 10 weeks. When Dr. Frost adjusts your braces, he ensures that the orthodontic appliances continue to exert the gentle yet continuous pressure needed to fix your smile.
Additionally, he can evaluate your progress during each adjustment appointment and recommend changes that could improve the outcome. He removes the elastic bands currently holding your brackets and wire together so you can thoroughly brush and floss. Then, once Dr. Frost evaluates your teeth, he places new wires and the bands of your choice to continue treatment.
You’ll typically feel sore after each adjustment due to the replacement wires tightening the teeth into new positions. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to alleviate discomfort. However, today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive than those of the past.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is of utmost importance for braces wearers. Inadequate brushing can lead to enamel damage, so brush your teeth at least three times a day. Use interdental brushes to clean beneath the archwires and fluoride mouthwash to maintain tooth structure.
Additionally, avoid certain foods and drinks that could cause damage to your braces, such as:
Once Dr. Frost determines your treatment is complete, you’ll visit our office for braces removal. During removal, he breaks the bond between the brackets and your teeth safely and gently. Then, once he removes every bracket, he uses a dental handpiece to remove the remaining cement.
Retainers are removable orthodontic appliances necessary during the “retention period” of braces treatment. Your teeth are relatively unstable after braces removal, so the retainer ensures they stay in place.
At Frost Orthodontics, we take pride in helping patients gain confidence in their smiles. Whatever dental issues you present, you can be confident that Creve Coeur orthodontist Dr. Frost and our professionals will create a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs.
If you wish to boost your confidence through metal or clear braces, look no further than Frost Orthodontics! Schedule your appointment today for the best braces in Creve Coeur.