A straighter smile can improve more than appearance. Proper tooth and bite alignment can make it easier to clean your teeth, chew comfortably and protect your long-term oral health. At Capital Dental Group, our team provides braces in Bakersfield, California, to help patients correct crowded teeth, spacing, bite problems and other orthodontic concerns.
Braces are a reliable orthodontic treatment option for patients who need controlled tooth movement and dependable results. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your smile, bite and goals to determine whether braces, Invisalign® clear aligners or another orthodontic treatment option is right for you.
To learn more about braces in Bakersfield, California, contact us today or call 661-861-8000 to schedule a consultation with our dentists and dental specialists.
What Are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to gradually move teeth into healthier, more balanced positions. They are commonly recommended for patients with crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites or other alignment concerns.
Traditional braces use brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by wires. Over time, these wires are adjusted to guide the teeth into better alignment. As treatment progresses, our team monitors your smile and makes changes as needed to keep your treatment moving forward.
Braces can help improve the appearance of your smile, but they can also support better oral function by improving the way your teeth come together.
When Are Braces Recommended?
Braces may be recommended when tooth or bite alignment affects the health, comfort or appearance of your smile. Some patients choose braces for cosmetic reasons, while others need orthodontic treatment to improve function or make their teeth easier to clean.
Braces may help correct:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite or crossbite concerns
- Teeth that do not meet evenly
- Jaw or bite imbalance
- Difficulty cleaning between crowded teeth
- Smile concerns related to tooth alignment
During your consultation, our team will explain what braces can realistically improve and what treatment may involve.
Benefits of Braces
Braces remain one of the most trusted orthodontic treatment options because they can address a wide range of alignment concerns. They can be especially helpful for patients who need more controlled tooth movement than clear aligners may provide.
Benefits of braces may include:
- Straightening crooked or crowded teeth
- Improving bite alignment
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Making teeth easier to brush and floss
- Supporting better chewing function
- Reducing uneven wear caused by bite issues
- Improving smile confidence
Across the practice, the team has decades of experience and has helped patients through tens of thousands of orthodontic and clear aligner cases.
Braces for Teens and Adults
Braces can be a good option for both teens and adults. For younger patients, orthodontic treatment can guide teeth into better alignment as the smile develops. For adults, braces can correct long-standing alignment issues or help improve the health and appearance of the smile later in life.
It is never too late to ask whether orthodontic treatment is right for you. Our team can evaluate your teeth, bite, gums and goals before recommending braces or another option.
Braces vs. Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Braces and Invisalign® clear aligners can both help straighten teeth, but they work differently. Braces are attached to the teeth and adjusted throughout treatment. Clear aligners are removable trays that gradually move teeth when worn as directed.
Braces may be recommended for more complex alignment or bite concerns, or for patients who prefer a treatment that does not depend on remembering to wear removable aligners. Invisalign® may be a good fit for patients who want a more discreet, removable option and are good candidates for aligner treatment.
Our team will help you compare braces and Invisalign® treatment based on your smile, lifestyle and orthodontic needs.
What to Expect With Braces
Your braces consultation begins with an evaluation of your teeth, bite and oral health. Our team may use imaging, photos or other diagnostic tools to understand your alignment and create a treatment plan.
Once braces are placed, you will return for regular visits so our team can check your progress and make adjustments. These visits are important because braces move teeth gradually over time.
During treatment, you may need to avoid certain foods, keep up with excellent home care and follow our team’s instructions closely. Good brushing, flossing and routine dental visits help protect your teeth and gums while you are wearing braces.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?
The length of treatment depends on your age, bite, tooth movement needs and the complexity of your case. Some patients need minor alignment improvements, while others need more comprehensive orthodontic correction.
After your consultation, our team can give you a better idea of your expected treatment timeline and what steps are needed to reach your smile goals.
Caring for Your Teeth With Braces
Braces require careful home care because food and plaque can collect around brackets and wires. Keeping your teeth clean during treatment helps prevent cavities, gum irritation and white spots on the teeth.
While wearing braces, our team may recommend that you:
- Brush carefully around brackets and wires
- Floss daily using tools recommended by our team
- Avoid sticky, hard or crunchy foods that can damage braces
- Keep all scheduled adjustment visits
- Continue routine dental cleanings and exams
- Call us if a bracket, wire or band feels loose or uncomfortable
Our team will show you how to care for your braces and answer questions throughout treatment.
Schedule a Braces Consultation
If you are interested in straightening your teeth or improving your bite, Capital Dental Group can help you understand your options. We provide braces in Bakersfield, California, for patients who want healthier alignment, improved function and a more confident smile.
Call 661-861-8000 today to schedule your orthodontic consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What do braces fix?
Braces can help correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites and other alignment concerns. They can improve both the appearance and function of your smile.
Are braces better than Invisalign® clear aligners?
It depends on your needs. Braces may be better for more complex alignment or bite concerns, while Invisalign® may be a good option for patients who qualify for removable clear aligner treatment. Our team can help you compare both options.
How long do braces take?
Treatment time depends on your bite, tooth alignment and treatment goals. After your consultation, our team can explain your estimated timeline and what to expect.
Do braces hurt?
Braces can cause temporary soreness or pressure after they are placed or adjusted. This usually improves as your teeth adapt. If something feels sharp, loose or unusually painful, call our office.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults can often benefit from braces if their teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. A consultation can determine whether braces or clear aligners are the better option.
How do I care for braces?
Brush carefully around brackets and wires, floss daily with the tools recommended by our team and avoid foods that can damage your braces. Regular dental cleanings and orthodontic visits are also important during treatment.