Braces in Fresno, CA
Achieve a Beautiful, Healthy Smile
Braces are a popular orthodontic treatment option for kids, teens, and adults. They are a safe and effective way to align teeth and address a number of orthodontic issues. At Nalchajian Orthodontics, we offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatments to help you achieve an aligned smile that looks great and functions properly. Advances in orthodontics allow you to choose from a variety of treatment options to suit your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Greg Nalchajian, Dr. Nicole Nalchajian, or Dr. Victoria Geren, we will discuss all your options for braces and create a custom treatment plan for you or your child. We offer braces treatment for patients of all ages in Fresno, CA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
How Do Braces Work?
Traditional metal braces remain a very popular choice for their affordability and performance and are still recognized as the most common orthodontic technique. Today's braces have evolved to offer an experience more comfortable and customizable than ever before. This treatment works by using brackets and wires to move teeth with gradual pressure. Over time, your teeth will shift into their proper positions, improving your bite, alignment, and confidence.
There are four components of braces:
- The piece that attaches to the tooth and arch wire, called the bracket
- The bond that cements the bracket to the tooth
- The arch wire that runs across the entire upper or lower arch and through each bracket
- The ligature elastic, which fits around each bracket and holds the arch wire in place
With metal braces, stainless steel brackets and wires are used. Ceramic braces work similarly, but they are made of a tooth-colored ceramic material instead of stainless steel.
What to Expect During Braces Appointments
During your adjustment appointments, your orthodontist will check to make sure that every component of your appliance is in place and that your treatment is going to plan. Your orthodontist will then adjust your braces that will continue to shift your teeth into proper alignment. Some patients may experience minimal discomfort after an adjustment, but most patients forget they are even wearing braces.
The ligature elastics, ties, and brackets are offered in a variety of colors and can be changed during adjustments. This is a fun and special way to show off your orthodontic treatment and gives you the opportunity to show off your unique style.
Typically, we will schedule a braces check-up appointment every 4 to 8 weeks. If you have a question for us at any point during your braces treatment, please give us a call. Our team is happy to answer any questions that you may have and can work through several solutions over the phone.
Types of Braces
From traditional braces to clear aligners, our office has multiple options to suit your orthodontic needs and personal preferences. Here are a few of the most popular options for braces.
- Traditional metal braces are a common orthodontic technique that straightens the teeth using metal brackets and wires. The ligatures and ties used with traditional braces come in a variety of colors that can be changed at every adjustment for added fun. Clear ligatures and ties are offered as well.
- Ceramic braces are popular among those who have cosmetic concerns about traditional braces because they are less visible. However, they are often placed on the upper front teeth only due to the extra care required.
Life With Braces
By making a few small adjustments to your day-to-day routine, you can ensure that your new appliances feel comfortable, stay clean, and create a smile that shines for years to come!
Eating With Braces
While plenty of your favorite foods and snacks can be enjoyed while you have braces, some foods can damage your appliances and need to be avoided.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Chewy foods: bagels, licorice, beef jerky
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods: caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into: corn on the cob, whole apples, carrots
Foods You Can Eat with Braces
- Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins (without nuts)
- Grains: pasta, soft-cooked rice
- Meats/poultry: soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats: ice cream (without nuts), milkshakes, Jell-O®, soft cake
Soreness From Braces and Appliances
It is normal to feel sore after getting braces. An over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, can help relieve the pain. Remember that any discomfort is temporary. You will start to feel better in 3–4 days.
Your mouth might feel different for a little while and can take up to 2 weeks to get used to the new appliances. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated during this time. Wax can be applied to reduce tenderness. Loose teeth during your treatment is normal—in fact, it is necessary for tooth movement. Once your treatment is complete, your teeth will no longer be loose.
Loose Wires and Bands
Please contact our office if your wires and bands become loose. We will resolve this issue as soon as possible and repair your appliance if needed. If you are unable to see us right away, you can use the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser to push a loose or poking wire back into position gently. If you are experiencing any pain or irritation because of a broken wire, wax or a cotton ball soaked in water can help. Be sure to bring any piece of your appliance that may have broken or fallen off to the appointment.
Taking Care of Your Appliances
You need to know how to take care of your appliances and follow your orthodontist’s instructions, such as the use of your rubber bands, retainer, and other appliances.
Playing Sports With Braces
To prevent damage while you play sports, consider wearing a mouth guard. In the case of a sports emergency, check your mouth and appliance for any sign of damage. Contact us immediately if you notice a loose wire or bracket.
Taking Care of Your Teeth
During your orthodontic treatment, it is very important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Improper care can lead to a delay in your orthodontic treatment or even cavities and gum disease. Be sure to clean and wear your appliances as directed.
Braces in Fresno, CA
Whether you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child or yourself, our goal is to deliver a positive and fun orthodontic experience. To learn more about your treatment options for yourself or your child, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. Drs. Greg Nalchajian and Nicole Nalchajian will assess your current oral health situation and help you select the type of braces that will provide a beautiful new smile.
Hear From Braces Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing braces at our office.
Reviews From Our Braces Patients
"When it came to, like, getting the braces, I wasn’t really nervous. I was kind of excited after I came here. When I first walked through the door, I was like, ‘Woah, this doesn’t look like a dentist office. This looks like a playground.’ My favorite thing is probably the people here. I felt like I could make friends with the staff right away. They’re really nice and caring. Dr. Nicole was awesome. It felt like I was talking to one of my closest friends. Dr. Greg was also amazing. He made me really excited when it came to getting braces. For any of my friends and family in Madera, I highly recommend Nalchajian Orthodontics."
"It’s been good. I like it because you get ice cream. I like Dr. Nicole because he’s nice and she also speaks Spanish. I like this place because it’s cool, and I like all the pictures that they have. I would tell them to come to Nalchajian Orthodontics."
"I had braces for three and a half years. My teeth were really bad before, so I'm very thankful for Dr. Nicole and Dr. Greg. I came in to get my braces off, and I remember just gliding my tongue on the fronts of my teeth because I hadn't done that for three and a half years, and Dr. Nicole looked down at me and she goes, "They look amazing." Dr. Greg is like every dad you know – sweet, just a good wholesome dad. Dr. Nicole is amazing. She's so fun and just makes you feel really at home and safe. I absolutely recommend Nalchajian Orthodontics. Your smile will look amazing."
"My name is Sandy, I live in Fresno, and I'm having my braces done at Nalchajian Orthodontics. Whenever I walk into Nalchajian, everyone is very welcoming. I loved the front staff. They greeted me right away. Dr. Greg is very professional, knowledgeable. Whenever I have any concerns, he tries to answer my questions. Once I came here and started my treatment, everything has been a lot better and I'm excited to see the end results. So far, I've had a fantastic experience. For all my friends in Madera Acres, Sunnyside, and Easton, I recommend Nalchajian Orthodontics."
"Hi, my name is Jack and I'm from Fresno. I had two phases of braces at Nalchajian Orthodontics. The environment was super positive. The staff here was great. The doctors here were always very attentive and answered any questions that I had. The braces went well and my teeth came out very straight the way I wanted them to. It feels amazing to have a good smile now. I would say I had an incredible experience here. My quality of life has improved greatly. Everything about this place is very amazing. I would highly recommend Nalchajian Orthodontics."
Frequently Asked Questions: Braces
Do braces hurt?
Most patients have little to no pain while wearing braces. After your braces are tightened, it’s normal to feel some pressure for a few days or a week—that means they’re working! You can manage any discomfort with ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers.
What is the right age for braces?
A child should visit an orthodontist around the age of 7. Early treatment can prevent the need for future orthodontics and promotes healthy development of the adult teeth. Most children who need braces will get them between the ages of 9 and 14. One great thing about braces is that there’s no age limit! Many adults also wear braces to correct issues and feel more confident about their smile. Learn more about Orthodontics for Children and Orthodontics for Adults.
What do rubber bands for braces do?
Rubber bands apply extra force on your teeth to reposition your jaw. They are very helpful in correcting bite issues and also straightening your teeth. When you start wearing rubber bands, we will show you how to put them on and which brackets they attach to. You should wear your rubber bands 24 hours a day and only take them out as instructed by your orthodontist.
Should I get braces?
Braces can benefit you in many ways, from improving your health to helping you feel more confident. You should talk to an orthodontist about braces if you or your child have crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, difficulty flossing or brushing, jaw problems, or notice your bite seems “off” when biting and chewing.
Your Family-Friendly Orthodontic Experts
We look forward to caring for you and your family at Nalchajian Orthodontics. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey to a beautiful, healthier smile!