Braces For All Ages in South Hills, PA
At Crell Family Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces, one of the most reliable and effective orthodontic treatments available. Orthodontists have used braces to correct a wide range of issues for decades, from minor misalignments to more complex concerns.
Dr. Brett Crell carefully designs each treatment plan to meet patients’ unique needs and smile goals. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Crell is an expert who provides precise treatments and compassionate care, guiding patients of all ages through their orthodontic journey confidently and clearly.
Visit our Bethel Park or Upper St. Clair office to meet our team and discover if braces are right for you or your child. We can’t wait to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!
What Are Modern Orthodontic Braces Like?
While the core technology behind braces remains the same, there have been several advancements in their design over the years, making them far less bulky and more discreet. Today’s braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever before.
Braces work by gently applying consistent pressure to your teeth to guide them into their ideal positions over time. This gentle pressure is achieved by carefully bonding small metal brackets to each tooth and connecting them by a thin archwire held in place by elastic bands called ligatures.
After applying your braces, Dr. Crell will periodically adjust the archwire during your check-up appointments. These adjustments will cause your teeth to gradually shift into proper alignment, creating a healthier, more confident smile. You’ll also have the option to change the color of your elastic bands during each adjustment!
The Many Benefits of Braces
Braces do more than straighten teeth and improve aesthetics; they are important in supporting your overall health and well-being. In addition to creating a confident, beautiful smile, properly aligned teeth can help with:
Preventing Dental Health Issues
By addressing alignment and bite problems, braces can help prevent more serious dental issues down the road, such as excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and costly restorative treatments.
Improving Oral Hygiene
Crooked or crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Braces straighten teeth, making daily oral care easier and more effective.
Aiding Digestion
Properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew food thoroughly, which is the first step in healthy digestion. Braces correct alignment issues, allowing for better chewing and improved nutrient absorption.
Alleviating Headaches
Misaligned teeth and bite issues can strain the muscles and joints in your jaw, leading to tension and recurring headaches. Braces help correct these misalignments, reducing strain and providing lasting relief from discomfort.
Your Braces Journey at Crell Family Orthodontics
We know that informed patients feel more confident throughout their orthodontic journey. Here’s how you can expect your braces treatment to go, from start to finish:
Step 1. Your Free Consultation
Your journey begins with a free consultation, where you’ll meet Dr. Crell and our team. During this visit, we’ll digitally scan your teeth (no messy impressions!) to evaluate your orthodontic needs. Dr. Crell will review the images of your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and create a fully personalized treatment plan.
Step 2. Bonding Your Braces
When you’re ready to begin, each small metal bracket is gently bonded to the surface of your teeth and connected with an archwire. You’ll also get to choose the color of your elastic bands! This process is quick, comfortable, and marks the exciting start of your treatment.
Step 3. Caring For Your Braces
We’ll give you clear instructions on how to care for your braces throughout your treatment. With proper brushing, flossing, and a few adjustments to your eating habits, you’ll keep your teeth healthy and braces clean so there are no delays along your journey.
Step 4. Routine Check-Ins
You’ll visit us regularly for quick check-ins, where Dr. Crell will monitor your progress and adjust your braces to keep your treatment progressing. These visits allow us to ensure your smile is developing as planned.
Step 5. Protecting Your Final Result
Once your braces come off and you reveal your beautiful new smile, we’ll provide custom retainers to help maintain your results. Wearing your retainers as directed will keep your smile looking great for years to come.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces Treatment?
Braces are a great option for patients of all ages who want to achieve a healthier smile. They can predictably treat the following conditions:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Overbites (upper teeth protruding too far forward)
- Underbites (lower teeth extending beyond the upper teeth)
- Crossbites (misalignment where upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly)
- Open bites (upper and lower teeth not touching when the mouth is closed)
- Jaw misalignment or bite-related discomfort
No matter your age or orthodontic needs, Dr. Crell and the Crell Family Orthodontics team are here to create a customized treatment plan that helps you achieve your best, healthiest smile.
What About Braces Alternatives?
While traditional braces remain the most effective solution for many patients, clear aligners can be a great option for those looking for a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. They’re virtually invisible and can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
During your consultation, Dr. Crell will carefully evaluate your needs and goals to help you determine whether metal braces or clear aligners are the best option for your smile.
Achieve Your Dream Smile With Braces at Crell Family Orthodontics
At Crell Family Orthodontics, we believe every patient deserves a smile they’re proud of. From your first visit to your final smile reveal, our team is dedicated to providing expert care in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. We take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
Choosing braces is an important decision, and we’re here to make the process as stress-free and straightforward as possible. We offer flexible financing and low monthly payment plans to work within budgets and make treatment accessible.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward the beautiful smile you deserve. We can’t wait to welcome you to our orthodontic family!
Am I Too Old For Braces?
It’s never too late to improve your smile! Braces can be a fantastic option for patients of any age. Dr. Crell regularly treats teens and adults looking to achieve more confident smiles.
How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth?
Treatment time varies depending on your unique needs, but most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Dr. Crell will provide a more precise estimate based on your specific case during your consultation.
Do I Need To See My Dentist With Braces?
Yes! It’s important to continue seeing your general dentist for regular cleanings and exams while wearing braces. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is essential to successful orthodontic treatment.
Can I Get Braces Even Though I Have Crowns and/or Veneers?
In many cases, yes. Dr. Crell will carefully evaluate your dental work to determine the best approach to safely and effectively align your teeth while protecting your crowns or veneers.
Will Braces Interfere With Activities or Extracurriculars?
Most patients with braces (especially teens) continue to enjoy sports, play instruments, and participate in other activities with little to no disruption. For contact sports, we recommend wearing a custom mouthguard to protect your smile.
How Can I Soothe Discomfort From Braces?
It’s normal to experience mild soreness when you first get braces or after adjustments. Using over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed by your doctor), orthodontic wax, and rinsing with warm salt water can help ease any temporary discomfort. You can also enjoy ice cream and other cold treats to relieve soreness!