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 use 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
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.
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
5-Star Reviews
Misti Mae
2022
Friendly service & staff! Dr. Timothy Kelly explained everything in a way I could understand and definitely can tell he has many years of experience in his field. Staff was also awesome with explaining billing and other services! Looking forward to next visit.
View on GoogleCelia Klaus
2021
All the staff and Dr. Kelly are professional, friendly and very skilled. They always take great care of me and explain what treatments they will perform to care for my teeth. I highly recommend Dr. Kelly and his incredible staff.
View on GoogleWhy 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, 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.
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 practice, 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?
Exploring Invisalign A Discreet ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL BRACES
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.
Oral Care Routine for Braces
Caring for your teeth and gums is especially important when undergoing orthodontic treatment because food debris and bacteria can become stuck in the crevices of your braces. Our Albuquerque, NM, dental office recommends:
Brushing your teeth 30 minutes after every meal
Brushing and flossing every day before you go to sleep
Taking your time and being gentle when cleaning your brackets and wires
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
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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
Savannah Morgan
2018
Highly recommend this place. Fantastic service and care, I will continue to come here for my future dental needs. Lori and Melissa are so wonderful, they treat you like family. Dr. Kelly is very professional and to the point, yet still maintains a great sense of humor. Doesn't feel like I'm going to the dentist, more like social hour with old friends. And I come home with super clean teeth. Thank you for everything!
View on GoogleAlissa Martinez
2015
Dr. Kelly and his staff are always very welcoming and friendly, making me feel at home as each visit is very personalized. I used to clench my jaw, not only at night, but throughout the day; with Dr. Kelly's help, I no longer do so and am much more comfortable!!! I have also had my teeth whitened and received Botox which are wonderful perks of this beautiful, knowledgable, welcoming office!!!
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