Are Braces Hard to Take Care Of?
Deciding Which Orthodontic Treatment to Receive?
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming. But, at Hutta & Hutta Orthodontics, we are proud to help thousands of Columbus patients feel confident in their smile journeys! From Damon Braces to clear trays and retainers, we make sure that our team treats you like family—only offering the best of the best. While braces and aligners both work to gradually move your teeth into the ideal position, a retainer is used afterward to preserve your results. Both are important for a lifelong, healthy grin! At Hutta & Hutta Orthodontics, Drs. Hutta and Hutta will walk you through your options, explain what works best for your specific needs, and help you feel confident in your plan.
Choosing an Orthodontist Who Cares
Together, Drs. Hutta and Hutta have decades of combined experience, and we know how important it is to combine cutting-edge orthodontic technology with personalized, compassionate care. There are no cookie-cutter treatments here! Our orthodontists, Dr. J. Lawrence Hutta and Dr. James T. Hutta are proud leaders in Columbus and nationwide. In addition to making continuing education a top priority, they also are proud to contribute to ongoing research that shapes the future of orthodontics, delivering more efficient, comfortable care to our patients. Drs. Hutta and Hutta are just as committed to the local community as they are to clinical excellence. As an office, we’re proud to support community events, sponsor local athletics, and host charitable initiatives like Pink Smiles, which benefits the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Our patients mean everything to us, and we care about giving back to them by supporting athletics, health initiatives, and charities in Westerville and beyond! We understand the importance of a welcoming environment. Our team created a space where every patient feels comfortable and cared for—from the bikes that hang from our ceiling to our coffee bar and smiling staff.
Why We Offer the Most Advanced Form of Braces
When you think of braces, do you picture clunky metal, constant tightening, and pain? Today, this couldn’t be further from the reality. The treatments that Drs. Hutta and Hutta use not only reduce treatment times, improve comfort, and boost efficiency, but also make caring for braces much easier. At Hutta & Hutta, we offer Damon Braces with self-ligating brackets that gently move your teeth into the best position. These braces are advanced options that use thermal activated wires and a built-in clip instead of metal ties. The end result? Fewer trips for adjustments, a faster result, and a more comfortable experience. If you’d prefer a discreet option, we also offer clear braces. These self-ligating options use tooth-colored brackets for a subtle, but still precise result. Both Damon and Damon clear braces are perfect for patients of all ages. Thanks to the Damon technology we use, your journey will be smoother, faster, and more comfortable. Getting the healthy, happy grin you’ve always wanted has never been easier.
How to Take Care of Your New Braces: Eating, Brushing, and More!
Ready to keep your braces in tip-top shape? Here’s how Drs. Hutta and Hutta suggest making the process as smooth as possible. Make a list of the foods you should or shouldn’t eat. Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods. While a chewy candy or crunchy snack may sound tempting, every bite can bend wires or pop off a bracket. As you get used to life with braces, explore orthodontist-approved options that still satisfy your cravings, like dark chocolate, fruits, and softer snacks. Any time you eat or drink something besides water, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge any food that might have gotten stuck in your braces if you can’t brush or floss right away. Speaking of brushing: make it a habit! Spend two minutes after each meal (or snack) to keep those braces and teeth sparkling clean. Don’t forget to floss around the wires to remove any trapped food. And, pick up orthodontic threaders or interdental brushes to help reach those tricky spots. If you’re struggling to floss well, ask our team for some pointers! If you ever notice your brackets starting to feel uncomfortable, put some wax on them for instant relief. And if something looks or feels off, contact our team right away. We’re here to help! If you stick to these habits, you’ll keep your smile healthy, your treatment on track, and your confidence high.
Why Orthodontics and Dentistry are Connected
Orthodontics does more than improve the appearance of your smile. You may not realize it, but an aligned grin can improve your dental health, too. By straightening your teeth with braces, you make it easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup over the years. Properly aligned teeth allow for better oral hygiene, improving long-term dental health.
How does this work? Crowded or misaligned teeth can trap food and make it difficult to clean certain areas, even when you brush carefully. This leads to a higher chance of tooth decay and gum inflammation. Braces correct these issues by aligning your bite, and great care can make it easier to keep your mouth clean and prevent future dental issues, like a cavity. Taking care of your braces now means fewer dental issues down the road.
Better Function and Improved Confidence
Drs. Hutta and Hutta are passionate about creating beautiful smiles that also change lives. Misaligned teeth can be connected to issues like uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and even headaches. When your bite and teeth are aligned, you can reduce wear on your enamel and strain on your jaw joints, something connected to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, while also improving speech, chewing, breathing, and more.
Remember: your braces and treatment plan aren’t just about getting a confident grin. They’re about maintaining a healthy one, too! Remember to keep up with regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams. These appointments help prevent small issues from becoming bigger concerns that could delay your final result.
We know that orthodontic care is an integral part of your overall dental health. We work alongside your general dentist to ensure that your smile stays healthy throughout the process.
Come in For a Consultation
Wondering if braces are right for you? A consultation with Drs. Hutta and Hutta is the perfect first step on your journey. On your first visit, our friendly team will begin with a thorough exam. We’ll be sure to capture digital X-rays, scan your smile, take plenty of photos, and perform an evaluation of your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. Once we’ve reviewed your dental history and diagnostic results, an orthodontist will sit down with you to discuss your options, what to expect, and answer any questions you may have. No concern is ever too big or small! Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, we’ll help you understand every step of the process, from timelines to lifestyle changes.
At Hutta & Hutta, we are proud to take the time to customize a plan that’s just for you! You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get the clarity you need to make the best decision for your health. Ready to take that next step? Our experts have been caring for Columbus families for decades. Schedule your appointment—we can’t wait to meet you!